Family Resource Group- Jan. 2026
Blind/Visually Impaired Edition
Happy New Year!
In this edition of the newsletter, we’re highlighting upcoming events and ways you can stay involved in your child's journey. Your partnership and support make a meaningful difference every day — thank you for being an essential part of our educational community.
As always, if you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to contact me at any time. We also ask you to provide feedback by completing the survey at the end of the newsletter.
Teachers, therapists and school staff who work with your child are invited to subscribe to receive a copy of this newsletter as well. Education staff may visit the registration page to sign up. Please pass this information on to the professionals who support your child.
Tess Nasehi
Family Resource Group BVI Editor
This newsletter is not an endorsement of any organization or product that may appear.
Transition Talks Family Workshops from Perkins
Transition Talks Family Workshops from Perkins are a series of free, monthly workshops, designed for parents and professionals to learn the many aspects of transition planning for young adults with disabilities. Learn from Perkins and industry experts on options and supportive services available to students after high school graduation. Remember, it's never too early to start talking about secondary transition!
These virtual workshops are free to attend, and registering for one session registers you for all the sessions. Session topics include:
- From High School to the Workplace: Setting an Expectation for Employment- 1/20/26, 6-7pm
- Innovative Technology Solutions for Self-Determination and Lifelong Supports- 2/3/26, 6-7pm
- Empowering Fathers- 5/19/26, 6-7pm
Winter Camp Abilities Delaware
Camp Abilities Delaware is an overnight educational sports camp for children ages 5-17 who are blind or have low vision. The camp introduces children to a variety of sports, including cross-country running, orienteering, swimming, and much more.
When: February 14-16, 2026
Where: University of Delaware's Virden Retreat Center in Lewes, DE
2026 Pennsylvania Department of Education Conference - Save the Date!
Join us for the annual Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education's premiere conference: 2026 MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Educational Practices That Work! The Pennsylvania Department of Education, Bureau of Special Education conference brings together families, school leaders, teachers, related service providers, community organizations, and other experts in general and special education.
Dates: February 25 - 27, 2026
Location: Hershey, PA
2025-2026 ECC Challenge
Students can participate in the Maryland School for the Blind's Monthly ECC Challenge for the 2025-26 School Year by doing activities for a chance to win prizes! Students may see other students' ECC experiences, discover they are not alone in their ECC journey.
Paths to Literacy shares helpful tips and ideas to get you started on this month's challenge!
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) offers many resources to learn more about the importance and ways of teaching career education to your child.
- CareerConnect offers job seekers of all ages and employers a variety of resources to help with the job search and hiring process.
- FamilyConnect shares articles and resources on career education topics, such as skills for toddlers to teenagers, stories of blind people succeeding in work and life, age-appropriate career education, and more.
- APH Access Academy also shares related videos on their YouTube channel on topics, such as career education for children with dual diagnoses, career readiness for preschool, elementary, middle and high school students, and many more.
- The Hive also offers an online course on career education for blind children.
Videos from Perkins
- "Career Education: A Student's Perspective" by Nancy Moskowicz
- "Career Education for Children Who are Blind or Visually Impaired" by Dr. Karen Wolffe
Guides & Resources from Perkins
Programming
- Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services employment training
- Braille Institute offers virtual programs online career education workshop
- National Federation of the Blind programs and CareerQuest
Additional Resources
- Michigan Department of Education career education resources
- Described and Captioned Media Program learning experiences
- PA Secondary Transition Career & Technical Education
- National Federation of the Blind toolkits and employment resources
Scholarships for Students with Visual Impairment
National Federation of the Blind PA
The Pennsylvania chapter of NFB includes the
PA Council of the Blind
The Pennsylvania chapter of ACB is a peer network of people impacted by vision loss offering different resources and includes the American Council of Blind Students.
PA Association for the Blind (PAB)
PAB is a group of agencies serving the blind throughout Pennsylvania.
Visit PAB's website to find an agency in your area.
Bureau of Blindness & Visual Services (BBVS)
assists Pennsylvanians who are blind or visually impaired gain the skills necessary to live and work independently in their communities.
TSBVI Family Recharge Zone
serves as a virtual space for families to collaborate on the first Thursday of each month.
FamilyConnect from APH
offers online resources for families.
NUEVO: Charlando con Conchita
Estoy iniciando un grupo de apoyo mensual para padres hispanohablantes de estudiantes ciegos y con baja visión. Este será un lugar para hablar en español, hacer preguntas y construir una comunidad. Será el último martes de cada mes. Nuestra primera sesión será el 28 de enero a las 4:00pm EST. No es necesario registrarse. Enlace de Zoom aquí.
This is a support group for Spanish-speaking families of blind/low vision children.
NEW: Telesupport Group for Parents of Blind/Visually Impaired Children
Announcing a virtual support group for families of blind/visually impaired children in the Philadelphia region. This group, sponsored by Educating Communities for Parenting, connects every-other Thursday from 6:30-7:30pm via Zoom. Families share resources, information, and encouragement with other families in the Philadelphia region. Contact Maria Ceferatti at mcef869@gmail.com or 610-212-5566
for more information.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS)
NLS provides a free braille and talking book library service. Follow the steps shown on the National Library Service website to enroll and receive:
- books and magazines, including bestsellers, biographies, fiction, how-to books, music scores and instructional materials
- in braille or audio formats
- instantly downloadable or mailed to your door for free
FAMILIES TO THE MAX: Statewide Network of Families
leads change by building awareness, empowering families, presuming competence, and fostering high expectations of students with disabilities.
PEAL Center
works with families, youth and young adults with disabilities and special health care needs to help them understand their rights and advocate for themselves.
HUNE
offers free bilingual (English and Spanish) programs, supports, and services on all aspects of special education. HUNE also offers an after-school and summer program.
Parent to Parent of PA
aims to connect and empower families by building a supportive community. Families can connect with others who have had similar journeys so that no parent feels alone.
PaTTAN Library
PaTTAN hosts a collection of publications, videos, podcasts, and websites to help families and educators better understand special education information. Listed below are a few popular resources, but you can also search PaTTAN's website and PaTTAN's YouTube channel to find more. Many of our publications are also available in other languages.
- Family's Quick Start Guide to Special Education Bundle
- Blind-Visual Impairment page
- Blind/Visual impairment publications
- Family Information
- Student-Led IEP Process
- IEP Information
This newsletter is not an endorsement of any organization or product that may appear.