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VIDBE-Q Volume 64 Issue 2
might be available to the client. While the resources may prove beneficial
when working with young adults, the dvd is meant for those with driving
experience.
Addressing the Grief Cycle
When families first find out about their child's vision loss they begin to
grieve. They grieve the loss of having a typical child who is able to engage
in the same milestones as his sighted peers. As the child ages and is able
to achieve milestones in a way that is unique to him/her, the family moves
through the stages of grief (shock, anger, depression, bargaining, and
acceptance; Kübler-Ross & Kessler, 2005). It is important to note that
although researchers refer to the "stages" of grief, it is more of a circular
cycle, not a linear path from shock to acceptance. Missed milestones, like
the inability to obtain a permit or license, can cause families and students
to return to other, previously experienced, stages within the grief cycle. This
may also occur when peers or siblings obtain a driver's license when the
adolescent with a visual impairment is not eligible to do so. The
professional's role during this time is to empower the student with a visual
impairment to help him realize he has alternate transportation options to
driving a car. It is important to listen to student and family concerns and
direct them to seek professional help if the issue of nondriving becomes
