In this episode, we answer listener questions from families and professionals supporting children who are blind or have low vision. We share practical ideas, real-life experiences, and honest conversation. Links for resources mentioned in this episode: CVI Scottland: CVI Scotland is a charitable organization (SC046836) and comprehensive online resource dedicated to understanding, identifying, and supporting cortical visual impairment (CVI). It provides evidence-based information for parents, educators, and professionals to help them understand how CVI impacts daily life, offering, lessons, and practical tools. https://cviscotland.org/ CVI Now: Cerebral/Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) is the leading cause of childhood blindness and low vision. CVI Now through Perkins School for the Blind follows current research, center the diverse CVI lived experiences, and support families and educators. Every person with CVI has the right to a timely diagnosis, and the support and access they need to find their place in the world. https://www.perkins.org/cvi-now/ Great IDEA Game Show Feeling This Life Episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5kIwOomBrJkeh1FOfzSux5?si=F2AiHKjESgyknUzns6pSxA ECTA: The ECTA Center supports state IDEA  programs in developing high-quality, effective, and sustainable state and local systems, to improve access, services, and supports for children with disabilities and their families that result in positive outcomes. https://ectacenter.org/  We love voicemail! Please leave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/FeelingThisLife  Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals.  A list of those services can be found here.   Please give us your feedback using this survey link: ⁠⁠https://educationutah.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39OmBvMih6MlgNw⁠⁠        Make a Donation to-    VIPS: ⁠⁠https://secure.vips.org/np/clients/vips/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=495⁠⁠       Follow us on Facebook @⁠Feelingthislifepodcast⁠ and Instagram @⁠Feelingthislife⁠    Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠www.vips.org⁠  

Jenny interviews Rachel Will and Meggan Heady, two experienced public school teachers who once taught her daughter. The conversation is about how educational experiences are strengthened through collaboration between families, general education teachers and teachers of the visually impaired or other specialties.  Cathy shares insights on Universal Design for Learning and how educators can create learning environments that meet the needs of all students. She explains how thoughtful lesson design, multiple ways for students to engage with content and varied options for demonstrating learning can help make classrooms more inclusive and accessible.  Later in the conversation, Jenny and Paige talk about the anxiety many families feel about how their child will do in school, especially during important transitions. From starting school for the first time to moving between grades or classrooms, they share insights into why these moments can feel overwhelming for both children and parents.  We love voicemail! Please leave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/FeelingThisLife  Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals.  A list of those services can be found here.   Please give us your feedback using this survey link: ⁠⁠https://educationutah.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39OmBvMih6MlgNw⁠⁠        Make a Donation to-    VIPS: ⁠⁠https://secure.vips.org/np/clients/vips/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=495⁠⁠       Follow us on Facebook @⁠Feelingthislifepodcast⁠ and Instagram @⁠Feelingthislife⁠    Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠www.vips.org⁠  

Paige interviews Emily Munson, a preschool teacher in an early childhood classroom for children who are medically complex. Emily shares her journey of finding her way to her dream classroom. She tells how she includes children who are blind and low vision, and gives a sneak peek into her favorite lesson to teach. Jenny, Paige, and Cathy discuss the powerful impact of preschool. They reflect on the way that Emily seamlessly integrates strategies into the environment that help children thrive and ease parental anxiety. The group dives deep into the importance of observation as a foundational tool for both teachers and families. Jenny and Paige emphasize that learning to "watch and wait" is a vital skill for families before jumping into action. The conversation also covers the often-daunting transition from early intervention to preschool. Cathy breaks down the role of Child Find, a federal requirement that ensures children are evaluated for special education services, and how the process varies by state. Paige shares how early intervention programs support families through this eligibility process. Finally, the team discusses the importance of trusting your instincts when choosing a school and utilizing State Early Learning Guidelines to ensure children are getting the support they need. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/child-find-what-it-is-and-how-it-works  We love voicemail! Please leave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/FeelingThisLife Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals.  A list of those services can be found here.  Please give us your feedback using this survey link: ⁠⁠https://educationutah.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39OmBvMih6MlgNw⁠⁠      Make a Donation to-   VIPS: ⁠⁠https://secure.vips.org/np/clients/vips/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=495⁠⁠     Follow us on Facebook @⁠Feelingthislifepodcast⁠ and Instagram @⁠Feelingthislife⁠   Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠www.vips.org⁠ 

Cathy interviews Zoe Larsen Morgese, an experienced SLP. Zoe and Cathy discuss the importance of early communication between caregivers and young children with blindness and low vision.  Zoe shares her longtime experience learning about communication of the young child during mealtimes through a federal IES research project and as an SLP for educational programs across the country. Zoe discusses the importance of learning to read children’s cues to encourage successful, enjoyable mealtimes. She recommends further reading through Ellyn Satter’s Child of Mine book and the Ellyn Satter Institute and a parent friendly organization called Feeding Matters at https://www.feedingmatters.org/who-we-are/ where you can find support, information, and research. Another excellent resource is the Facebook Page “Kid’s Eat in Color” which is managed by a child nutritionist. For those who would like to see the touching “family time” video about eating together that Zoe and Cathy discussed, here is the link:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9ZMZBSa9q8&t=5s Jenny, Cathy & Paige discuss how important establishing beginning, middle and ending routines are for infants and toddlers throughout the day, particularly for young children with blindness and low vision. These early communication efforts lead to joint attention, anticipation, vocabulary development, and choice-making skills. Jenny and Paige emphasize that these efforts can be easily incorporated into family life.   We love voicemail! Please leave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/FeelingThisLife   Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals.  A list of those services can be found here.    Please give us your feedback using this survey link: ⁠⁠https://educationutah.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39OmBvMih6MlgNw⁠⁠        Make a Donation to-    VIPS: ⁠⁠https://secure.vips.org/np/clients/vips/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=495⁠⁠       Follow us on Facebook @⁠Feelingthislifepodcast⁠ and Instagram @⁠Feelingthislife⁠    Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠www.vips.org⁠  

Cathy interviews Carol Benson Puchalski. Carol and Cathy discuss the importance of social emotional development between caregivers and young children with blindness and low vision.  Carol shares her longtime experience learning about social/emotional development of the young child through research and as a consultant for the programs at Anchor Center for Blind Children in Denver, Colorado. Carol discusses the importance of learning about early brain development and how social emotional experiences can last a lifetime. More information and videos to share are available at https://developingchild.harvard.edu/?s=Infant+mental+health    and  https://www.zerotothree.org/issue-areas/infant-and-early-childhood-mental-health/ Jenny, Cathy & Paige discuss how unique real-life experiences with sleeping can be and the benefits of the resources shared by Carol as social media is not always reliable. Cathy and Paige discuss “serve and return” research as well as the goal of responsive parenting for children with blindness and low vision.   We love voicemail! Please leave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/FeelingThisLife   Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals.  A list of those services can be found here.    Please give us your feedback using this survey link: ⁠⁠https://educationutah.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39OmBvMih6MlgNw⁠⁠        Make a Donation to-    VIPS: ⁠⁠https://secure.vips.org/np/clients/vips/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=495⁠⁠       Follow us on Facebook @⁠Feelingthislifepodcast⁠ and Instagram @⁠Feelingthislife⁠    Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠www.vips.org⁠  

Jenny interviews Christie Gage. Christie and Jenny discuss the importance and challenges of O&M and its vital role in the blind/low vision community. Christie has a bachelor’s degree in Adapted Physical Education and Health, Adapted Physical Activity, Orientation and Mobility and Specialist, and Doctorate of Education in Special Education Leadership and Management.  She has worked as an O&M for 9 years, teaching blind and visually impaired youth how to access their school and community. Currently serving 24 school districts in the state of Kentucky, she is also a licensed TVI. She has been involved with Envision Blind Sports for 12 years, providing blind and visually impaired youth sport and recreation opportunities. She has also been a Lions Club member for over 5 years and is the recipient of many Lions’ awards. Jenny, Cathy & Paige discuss trust and safety for children who are blind and low vision, including experiences with orientation and mobility services. They explore various aspects of providing O&M services, including the benefits of early cane introduction and the challenges of limited specialist availability, while sharing personal experiences and research findings.    Christie discusses her experience with Envision Blind Sports. More information is available at https://www.envisionblindsports.org   We love voicemail! Please leave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/FeelingThisLife   Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals.  A list of those services can be found  here.    Please give us your feedback using this survey link: ⁠⁠https://educationutah.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39OmBvMih6MlgNw⁠⁠        Make a Donation to VIPS: ⁠⁠https://secure.vips.org/np/clients/vips/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=495⁠⁠       Follow us on Facebook @⁠Feelingthislifepodcast⁠ and Instagram @⁠Feelingthislife⁠    Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠   ⁠⁠www.vips.org⁠    

Paige, Jenny, and Cathy dive into Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin, exploring how slowing down and tuning into everyday sensory experiences can deepen our connection to the world around us.  The group reflects on what it means to truly notice life’s small details — from familiar walks and neighborhood scents to unexpected sensory discoveries. Paige shares a funny story about confusing skunk and weed smells, while Cathy describes counting bunnies and exploring during her travels. Together, they discuss how this awareness can enrich both personal life and professional practice, especially in the field of visual impairment.  They also chat about bringing sensory awareness into education, mindfulness, and daily routines — and how paying attention to what we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch can help us find joy in familiar places.  Jenny, Paige, and Cathy close by reflecting on how each of them plans to slow down and savor the sensory world a little more.  "Life in 5 Senses" by Gretchen Ruben ⁠https://gretchenrubin.com/books/life-in-five-senses/⁠  ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Life-Five-Senses-Exploring-World/dp/0593442741⁠ Use the Libby app to check this book out from your local library! https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6144.htm  We love voicemail! Please leave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/FeelingThisLife Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals.  A list of those services can be found here.  Please give us your feedback using this survey link: ⁠⁠https://educationutah.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39OmBvMih6MlgNw⁠⁠      Make a Donation to-   VIPS: ⁠⁠https://secure.vips.org/np/clients/vips/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=495⁠⁠     Follow us on Facebook @⁠Feelingthislifepodcast⁠ and Instagram @⁠Feelingthislife⁠   Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  

Our guest for this month is Carol Spicer, an experienced pediatric occupational therapist with real life practical knowledge of how a diagnosis of a blindness or low vision can affect mealtime development!  Carol has worked with many families of children with blindness and low vision in both educational and medical settings, guiding them through mealtime developmental challenges. While her strategies she shares on Feeling This Life this month are research-based and promising practices, she will be the first one to remind us that the “occupation of children is play” and mealtime should be a positive experience for all.   The OT Toolbox: https://www.theottoolbox.com/   Feeding Matters: https://www.feedingmatters.org/  Children’s Colorado Hospital: https://www.childrenscolorado.org/just-ask-childrens/articles/sensory-processing-disorder/ We love voicemail! Please leave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/FeelingThisLife Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals.  A list of those services can be found here.  Please give us your feedback using this survey link: ⁠⁠https://educationutah.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39OmBvMih6MlgNw⁠⁠      Make a Donation to-   VIPS: ⁠⁠https://secure.vips.org/np/clients/vips/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=495⁠⁠     Follow us on Facebook @⁠Feelingthislifepodcast⁠ and Instagram @⁠Feelingthislife⁠   Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠www.vips.org⁠ 

Paige sits down with Kacey Poynter for the first episode of season 5! Kacey shares her experiences as a parent of a child with several medical conditions. Kacey is Mom to Sonny, who has Dandy Walker Syndrome and is impacted by blindness/low vision. Sonny also has a tracheostomy and other medical needs. Kacey discusses her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and therapy for Sonny, highlighting both the challenges and triumphs she has faced along the way. She emphasizes the importance of parental advocacy, support systems, and listening to one's intuition when navigating medical and educational challenges for children with special needs. Cathy, Jenny, and Paige reflect on the power of Kacey’s words.   Sonny's hashtag: #SonnyStrong   Kacey’s Blog Post: https://adayinthelifeofkacey.wordpress.com/2022/09/13/the-incredible-story-of-sonny-jules/  Dandy Walker Alliance: https://dandy-walker.org/  We love voicemail! Please leave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/FeelingThisLife Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals.  A list of those services can be found here.  Please give us your feedback using this survey link: ⁠⁠https://educationutah.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39OmBvMih6MlgNw⁠⁠      Make a Donation to-   VIPS: ⁠⁠https://secure.vips.org/np/clients/vips/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=495⁠⁠     Follow us on Facebook @⁠Feelingthislifepodcast⁠ and Instagram @⁠Feelingthislife⁠   Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠www.vips.org⁠ 

Get ready to join us for season 5 of Feeling This Life! The theme of season 5 is Vision AND, focusing specifically on how vision intertwines with all aspects of development and its relationship with other conditions.  This season's book talk (October Episode): "Life in 5 Senses" by Gretchen Ruben https://gretchenrubin.com/books/life-in-five-senses/ https://www.amazon.com/Life-Five-Senses-Exploring-World/dp/0593442741  We love voicemail! Please leave us a message:  https://www.speakpipe.com/FeelingThisLifePlease give us your feedback using this survey link: ⁠⁠https://educationutah.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39OmBvMih6MlgNw⁠⁠      Make a Donation to-   VIPS: ⁠⁠https://secure.vips.org/np/clients/vips/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=495⁠⁠     Follow us on Facebook @⁠Feelingthislifepodcast⁠ and Instagram @⁠Feelingthislife⁠   Email: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠