When a parent finds out that their child is blind, it can be devastating and easy for them to believe that their child will not be able to be happy or to really experience their life. It’s understandable – how many of us really know first-hand about blindness, or even know a blind person?
At the Colorado Center for the Blind, we work with parents and their kids so that they realize that being blind is not a tragedy at all and that their kids will live rich fulfilling busy lives. The key to this message is our community of confident, successful blind people who believe that blind and low vision kids can do anything with their lives!
In November, we came together with blind youth and their families (and some teachers) for our annual Thanksgiving youth event. We put blind and low vision youth in the kitchen with capable blind role models to do some baking. The blind kids loved deciding if they wanted to bake apple pie or snickerdoodle cookies. One five-year-old loved every minute of this baking time, and she insisted on using the hand mixer.
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Confident blind role models are key for youth to develop positive attitudes about their own blindness. With ingredients and utensils laid out on the counter, Ciara provides direction as Matthew stirs eggs in a mixing bowl and Jacob anxiously waits for his turn to mix. The recipe was Pumpkin Spiced Snickerdoodle and both boys took a bag of cookies to share at home.
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Meanwhile, parents and staff discussed many resources that are available. Also, We took parents and teachers for a guided spin using learning shades and white canes to travel in and around the Center.
Positive blind role models make all the difference. Being taught by competent blind adults paints a picture of success. Parents can observe that tragedy doesn’t have to be the narrative for their blind and low vision kids and that they truly can live full \and exciting lives.
At the end of the afternoon, all the kids took home cookies or apple pie they’d help to bake, feeling proud and accomplished!
You can support our community of positive role models and the work we do with blind youth and their families and teachers. In truth, your generosity is a critical aspect of the work we do.
And the generous $25,000 match from the Bob Bell family is still active, so your donation goes even further!
Support our Youth Programs and help us meet the match!
