VIDBE-Q Volume 66 Issue 4
of articles, authored by an all-star cast, which I feel get to the heart of major issues
parents and families face when navigating life with a child with a visual
impairment or deafblindness. Included articles also give ideas for educators to
facilitate collaboration with parents and families.
This issue kicks off with a focus on the prerequisite relationships that must
be in place in order for learning to take place. It is written by Emily Coleman,
Superintendent of TSBVI and parent, and emphasizes the importance of building
trust before teaching can occur. This piece also exemplifies a mother's need to
connect with her child and the cautions we should exercise with assessments and
proclamations of intelligence and ability levels. After establishing the importance
of connecting, we can then focus on specific strategies; the next four pieces in this
issue are devoted to sharing tools for parents and families to utilize with their
children. The first article providing tips for parents, one in which I authored, is
intended to give global tips for parents and families, including information relevant
to service provision, assessment, and special education processes. Christopher
Tabb, a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist from TSBVI, authors the next
piece which provides practical ideas for fostering independence. The next article,
authored by Dr. Belinda Rudinger. President of the Texas Association for the
Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (TAER) and
certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, shares tips for braille
