“I just hope that Max can grow up to be independent and work and have a family – all those things.” – Kelly, mum to 6-year-old Max
Finding out your child is blind can be such shocking and unexpected news. It’s so important for parents to have support and information to understand what their child’s eye condition means for their family.
They also need ongoing practical and emotional help to encourage their child’s learning and development. Vision Australia’s services are critical in ensuring children like Max are supported and can reach their developmental milestones and grow into happy, confident children.
Beth, our Early Childhood Specialist Teacher, has been there every step of the way so that Max could reach all the usual milestones, such as learning to sit up, grasp items like toys, and to walk.
When Max was seven months old, Beth started the Puggles Playgroup to address some of the family’s specific needs and connect them with other families with children who are blind, going through similar experiences.
And Toni, an Orientation and Mobility instructor, has been working with Max since he started walking. She gave him a very small white cane – his first – that instantly became part of his life. Max receives ongoing training with Toni to help him independently find his way around the school grounds and buildings with the aid of his white cane.
Max’s family have high hopes for his future, but there are many other children who will need our help in the coming year.
You can help by making a special gift this Christmas so that children who are blind or have low vision like Max can achieve their goals.
