Question about blindness?

Question

Just recently found out that my 8 year old is leagally blind due do a tumor and cyst that was in her brain. SHe will never drive a car, cannot play contact sports etc. She has 20% vision in her left eye, also it is tunnel vision. It cannot be corrected. Could it get worse. The Dr. said it will never get better. Glasses won't help. Should I send her to a school for the deaf and blind I know public schools do not cater to blind children. She is not mentally challenged, she was on the A honor roll all last year so she is a strait A student she just can't see any more. What should I do? I have been crying all day, She has been throuh so much. 3 brain surgeries now this. Could she go fully blind. I am soo worried. Please i need input.

Answer 1

people who cannot see and hear usually have stronger abilities with their other senses. if you send her to a school for the blind she could be better taken care of. but some schools have programs for children that are deaf and blind, depending on where you live. One of my high school's had one. once she adjusts to this she will be able to do just as well in school as she did before. you will probably notice those other senses getting stronger, it is human nature. if she asks you about it, let her know her body is making up for her loosing her vision, and that it is a good thing.
did you ask the doctor if she would go fully blind? at least ask so that you know one way or the other. it is better to know, so that you can mentally prepare.
you sound like you need some support at home. if you are married, ask one of the grandparents to watch her while you guys do something together. even if it just getting outside and going for a walk, or going on a mini date for ice cream. find some time for yourself also, do a workout, meditate, read a book that you have been wanting to read. you need to be able to take care of yourself to deal with this stress. when you take care of yourself, and are stronger for you, you are stronger for your whole family.

blessed be.

Answer 2

I am so sorry that you are going through this.
First of all - do not make any decisions right now, you have to much going on just adjusting to the information.
My niece is now 25 years old.
She is blind, but does have very limited sight.
She is a very smart young lady.
Her mother chose to send her to a school for the handicapped, not because my niece had any other special needs, but because my sister did what she thought was the best at the time.
My niece is married to a nice young man (who is also blind) and together they make the most of their situation (their favorite game is hide the present on the blind person - usually in the middle of the table. They say - you laugh or your cry might as well laugh when you can).
Did my niece get the best education at the school for the blind and deaf?
I don't know.
She did get acceptance and understanding that many people have it worse than her.
15 years ago the public school system was not set up as it is today to handle handicapped situations.
Once you have had a chance to process the information (and please give yourself time for this), check out your local resources they will help guide you to an informed decision.
Until then, be gentle on yourself and your loved ones.
Take time to breathe.
Then gather information.
I'll be praying for you.

Answer 3

I'm so sorry for your daughter. I think that if she doesn't see anymore you should send her to that school. I'm not a medical expert, I'm only telling you what I think. I know it's heart breaking for you, but you mustn't give up because your daughter is still very young and i think she is a little scared, but if you cry and loose any hope that will make your daughter think she has no more chances to live a life. Try to encourage her and maybe look in sites, books or ask specialists if there is a treatment. Continue your life along with your girl, she will notice that she can do a lot of many things without needing visions. Because she is so young her senses will increase their sensibility giving her new "eyes" . You should ask the doctors for any information about her problem and try to lead a normal happy live. Be strong so your daughter will learn to be strong too. I hope I was i helping hand. God bless you and your family!

Answer 4

I'm very sorry to hear of your daughter's vision loss. You can keep her in public school, and she will need an IEP (Individualized Education Plan). This is a legal document that states what accomadations and therapies your daughter is entitled to receive through the school district. The first thing you'll want to do is contact the Special Education Director for your school district and request an evaluation. They might not have a vision therapist, but should be able to find one. That's the best place to start.

I can only imagine what a difficult time this is for you and your family. If you are in need of emotional support, please join the online support group at: www.specialparent.org I'm sorry if I wasn't much help. I wish your daughter and your family the best.

Answer 5

I feel for you. We just found out that our daughter needs surgery to fix her eyes to hopefully help her keep her sight....

I help at my childrens school some and from what I have seen.. I would atleast check into the schools for the blind. She would probably be able to hold her on in a public school, but they arent going to be able to teach her brail (hope I spelled that correct) and the class rooms get rearranged alot... I think You would probably worry about her more in a public school just because the teacher student ratios are so much greater... In the school for the blind she would be able to enhance her other senses and become a more independant woman...
God bless you on your journey....

Answer 6

Kindness

Answer 7

I cannot speak about blindness, but I can understand (somewhat) of the decision you need to make. my son has speach impediments and although almost 4, cannot make himself understood to anyone other than the people who know him (and even then it's hard). My choice was to send him to a school for children with speach and language issues, or to send him to a small private mainstream school. I took him to be evaluated by a child phycologist, who said that he has above average intelligence and that he has the comprehension skills of a 5 year old.

I know that the children in the speach school are mostly mainsream, but they also have learning difficulties, behavior issues, and language (communication) problems. I think that if I put my child in that school, he may do very well with speach, but he will lose out in the advance he can get in a mainstream school. He might also pick up some bad behaviour.

On the other hand, if I put him in the mainstream school, he will have trouble with making himself understood to both the teacher and the kids.

I see your dilema. On the one hand, if you mainstream her, she will grow in her intellect and scholatic abilites, and will be utilising her brain. On the other hand, it will be difficult for her to deal with a classroom set up for seeing kids. the teacher may make special concessions for her due to the disability and this may lead to behaviour changes. On another hand, if you put her in the school for the blind, she may be held back academically, but she will have friends who understand her, dont laugh at her and have the same lifestyle as her.

It is a hard choice to make. I think you should find a small school which you like and speak to the pricipal. See what kind of commitment they can make to a blind child. Speak to the teacher of that year and get a feel for her. Then go to the blind school and view a class in progress, get a feel for the place. Discuss with them their academic acheivement. You can only make your decision based on what you know you will get out of both schools. Since your child is 8, you might want to include her in the discussions - does she want to go to a school for the blind (maybe the cop out) or does she want to be in a mainstream school?

Dont suffer for her. Your job is to be strong. Let her do the crying and railing against unfairness. Your job is to make sure that she is given all the opportunites to make a success of herself despite what life has handed her. I know what it is like to have a child with medical issues and problems. You cannot change what is, so you have to make do with what you have. She is bright child and will soon learn to master living a normal life as a blind. You should see what social events there are for blind - groups or concerts etc - in your area. Perhaps you want to join a support group yourself (or make one!) so that you have friends in whom you can confine and who understand your hardship and worry. You can trade idea and tips as well.

Best of luck! I am rooting for you and your daughter!

Answer 8

im a young girl and im 11 i have mascular dystrophy and cant walk i also rides in a wheelchair and i go to a normal school im also in a honor rolls in fact im 3rd honor last year uhm the school is the one who adjusts for me they put the grade 5 down so i dont need to go up wat im trying to say is find a willingful school to adjusts for your child or just find a home study and her grades would be competed to her tutors students then you just gonna attend recognition and i know the problem is her friends just invite her friends at your home every weekend so shell not be lonely.

Answer 9

do not send her to school am so sorry for her

Answer 10

I prayed for her, and you can go to this site and have it done.
www.intouch.org
www.virtualjerusalem.com