A volume in Critical Concerns in Blindness Series Editor Edward C. Bell,
Louisiana Tech University All parents hope for an independent future for
their blind/visually impaired child. To turn that hope into a reality,
parents need to understand the scope of skill development that must be
addressed, along with the importance of equal expectations for the
child's development, proper training, and opportunity to practice and
develop skills. But what if expectations are low, training in blindness
skills is scanty or even absent, and overprotection prevents the
blind/VI child from learning and practicing skills? The idea of an
independent future can remain a distant dream. The purpose of this book
is to guide parents and teachers in fostering the blind/visually
impaired child's skill development in such critical areas as academics,
independent movement and travel, social interaction, daily living, and
self-advocacy, so that he or she will truly be on the road to an
independent future. A practical, easy to use guide, written in plain
English, the book warns about common problem areas and provides ideas
for getting and keeping the child's education and development on track.
It highlights the interplay between skills and competence, confidence,
self-respect, and the respect of others. Of the small number of books
and videos available on the subject, most were written by professionals
in the field and many begin with the supposition that blindness is at
best sad and at worst tragic. Few --maybe none --have the ardent passion
for independence that the parent of a blind/visually impaired child
brings to the subject. Instead of overwhelming parents and teachers with
the difficulty of the undertaking before them, Getting Ready for College
Begins in Third Grade will inspire their confidence and enthusiasm for
the task at hand.
