Blind Parenting: A Resource Guide

Most people can tell you that one of the most difficult jobs is being a parent. No one is ever actually ready to be one (even if they tell you they are) and most learn ‘on the job.’ It is a 24/7/365 job. It is difficult enough, as it is, for parents who are sighted. But, how do those who are blind or visually impaired manage, when their kids are sighted? It definitely makes it that much more difficult. That is not to say that it is impossible. There are plenty of resources to help blind and visually impaired parents through any trials and tribulations they may encounter. I, as neither blind nor a parent, cannot give advice, however, can provide some great resources online that can hopefully alleviate some of that angst you may be feeling in such a situation. Here are some great resources for blind parenting.

Blind Parenting: A Resource Guide

Facebook Groups

There are many Facebook groups out there of blind and visually impaired people. The best advice comes from crowdsourcing, and Facebook is the best way to get into that crowd. Groups range from tens of members to thousands of members. The groups listed here will only be from those with 500+ members.

Blind and visually impaired support group.

3,100 members

Blind and Visually Impaired People

4,200 members

Visually impaired singles, couples and friends

2,200 members

Blind/visually impaired Women Only

1,000 members

Visually impaired/ blind adults

512 members

Technology for Blind and Visually Impaired

754 members

Blind/visually impaired Teens and Adults Worldwide

731 members

Assistive Technology Community for the Blind and Visually Impaired

3,700 members

Websites and Blogs

Crowdsourcing is a great way to get a multitude of opinions from people experiencing exactly what your going through. You can make connections with people you can relate to. You can even give your own personal advice. However, it is no substitute for the kinds of resources you can get from organizations like the American Foundation for the Blind. The following sites and blogs provide tips, support, and resources for parents who are blind or visually impaired.

Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

RNIB provides a nice list of sources for parents with sight loss. This list includes organizations, parent-run groups, and links providing general information.

National Federation of the Blind (NFB)

This list provides videos, podcasts, groups, blogs, and resources, all dedicated to helping blind and visually impaired parents be the best parents they can be.

VisionAware

These resources cover a whole range of topics, from preparation for pregnancy to grandparenting. There are medical-related resources as well, for topics like dealing with dental care and diaper rashes.

Blind Motherhood

This blog describes itself as an “online resource for individuals and their families who have been impacted by vision loss.” Holly writes interesting and insightful posts, from the perspective of someone dealing with vision loss and raising a family.

WikiHow

While not the most extensive resource, this list of tips for blind parenting can be a useful guide. Read about child-proofing your home, having the right tools, maintaining a relationship with your child, and more.

Parenting is one of the toughest jobs there is. Being blind or visually impaired while being a parent can make it infinitesimally more difficult. In addition to the resources mentioned above, there are gadgets that can help as well. Gadgets, such as OrCam MyEye 2. We hope this list can be useful to those who need it. Is there anything you would add to this list? Sound off in the comments section below and let us know!