Summer Tips for Parents of Blind Students

by LaShawna Fant

Summer reminds us of sweet lemonade, barbecues, swimming, and beaming sunshine. Convertibles, beaches and sandcastles, outdoor walks, and the joy and excitement surrounding the end of the school year are icons, as well. During these summer months, kids will need time to learn and play. Parents, please slide down this refreshing list of ideas to help prepare your child for the upcoming school year and everyday life.

1. Slice out time for your child to have fun, relax, and enjoy their summer.
2. Arrange opportunities for them to learn their accommodations, how to advocate for themselves, and what needs to be done to receive the appropriate support.
3. Create social opportunities for your child to interact with others.
4. Organize a staycation or vacation for the family. Either of them can be filled with sunny moments.
5. Have them participate in transition activities to help plan and nurture their postsecondary goals.
6. Allow time to work on daily duties involving cleaning, organization, personal health, and any needed tasks to propel their independence.
7. Schedule moments for them to explore communities and areas using various modes of transportation and their orientation and mobility skills.
8. Download various accessible apps and ensure your child can maneuver them (shopping, navigation, games, learning platforms).
9. Talk with your child about their goals and subjects for the upcoming school year and assist them with learning some of the content over the summer months.
10. Attend the National Federation of the Blind ’s 2023 National Convention in Houston, Texas, to attain resources, interact with others, and learn lots of current information.

NFB Pledge

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.