Advice for Parents of Visually Impaired Children

[@BlindtoBillionaire]

Hi Cayla! This is Corey and Matt and we LOVED this video. We liked how you talked about being casual and less serious about bringing up low vision and about not always telling the low vision or blind person that you are praying for them. We also liked your tips and the part about giving your kids independence but also having reasonable expectations and making reasonable accommodations. Thank you for this well done video! Matt and Corey

[@CaylawithaC]

Hey guys! It’s always nice to hear from both of you. I’m so glad y’all liked the video!

[@bamablind9916]

Hi Kayla, this is an excellent resource video for any parent of a child with a visual disability. I, like you grew up in a household that didn’t necessarily discuss openly my legal blindness and I actually remember around age 5, when I was diagnosed, family members walking into the room where I was, bursting into tears and leaving my presence. This kind of gave me the idea that there was definitely something wrong with me. You hit this point very well in your video. And as far as the promise of a cure, I was actually told at age 26 that “just wait a few years there will be a cure“needless to say that has not happened and your point again, is well taken. I am now 61, happily married, on my own home, have two children and three grandchildren and a wonderful extended family that I have actually created I completed a bachelor of science degree in three years and completed a master of arts degree, have worked in many capacities and have traveled the world. I only say these things in case there are parents who need to know that their children’s lives can be very productive and very happy. Again, thank you for such an outstanding resource video for parents of children with visual disabilities.

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Bama Blind well in the Cytie community where people were not animals and I can tell you Beverly you're beautiful and there's nothing wrong with you and I will say this to any kid who is blind there's nothing wrong with them

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Bama Blind can you send your video for my project soon because it like to feature you

[@CaylawithaC]

Hi Beverly! Thanks so much for your input! Your story made me so sad. I’m sorry you experienced that. I think people don’t quite realize just how much young children pick up on. It definitely seems like you have lived and are continuing to live a happy and successful life. Thank you so much for your comment! I’m sure it will be helpful for others to read

[@jacquelinesmith-jackson2815]

Cayla with a C 💜❤️💜❤️💜❤️💜❤️ I love your positive attitude Cayla. Most visually impaired children and adults are forced to live in this reality that says hey I don't want you doing this because of being Visually Impaired. 😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱😱 It really does break my heart when someone says I don't want you cooking because of vision impairments. So to everyone who thinks Vision Impairments are more than what they can work with, it truly breaks my heart. 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 I have an eye disease I was born with called Retinopathy Of Prematurity and an autoimmune disease called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. JRA does inflame eyes and internal organs as well as joints. Sometimes the autoimmune disease can inflame the entire body.

[@darquequeen2323]

Such a wonderful topic. And I might add as a person who went blind as an adult, most of these points still apply. My mom has taken my blindness the hardest. She’s better able to deal with it when she doesn’t see me, but when I fly back east to visit, she still has a time of it. But, as time has passed, she’s now able to see that I’m just fine, and will continue to do so. My advice to parents: Don’t hold your kids back. Don’t make them feel like being blind/visually impaired is a bad thing, or somehow makes them less than. There’s enough of other people out there who will want to do that to them. Be their biggest cheerleader, because then you become their hero. I think sometimes parents forget just how powerful an impact they make, no matter how old their child is.

[@CaylawithaC]

These are all such good points! Thanks so much for sharing! That is very true that it can be difficult for parents to navigate no matter what age their child is when they become visually impaired or blind. It’s been a learning curve for my parents as well since I don’t have the same amount of vision as I did when I was little. And I love what you said about parents needing to be cheerleaders for their kids because so many other people will underestimate them. Thanks again for sharing all of these great points!

[@tabitas.2719]

Your advice is such good advice to all parents - regardless of the child's personality, abilities, disabilites and what-nots! - "Be their biggest cheerleader, because then you become their hero." Amen :) Thanks!!

[@karenkelly612]

I'm the parent of a 9 year old with a visual impairment. Such great and timely advice!

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Karen Kelly know your kid have a happy life and limb be who he wants to be because I never got that opportunity as a person when I was a kid and I want people to remember that and not take it for granted

[@CaylawithaC]

Karen Kelly I am so glad this was helpful to you! Best of luck to you and your son ❤️

[@ChristianSullivan]

Hi Cayla! I really like this advice for people! My parents have always loved me for who I am! They NEVER let my visual impairment stop me from living life! They ALWAYS been supportive. My parents never hid it from me. They pushed me to learn braille, use a cane, and just overall independence. Plus, I’ve always enjoyed learning that stuff! The first time I told them that I accept my own disability, they were happy I said that! I’m VERY CLOSE to become a guide dog user! I got approved by Guiding Eyes For The Blind in April. Currently on waiting list for match and training! Which is a very huge and emotional moment! Because I’ve wanted to be a guide dog user for a long time! It was a goal I set for myself! The way I was raised REALLY worked for me! All my parents want is what’s best for me!

[@OntheFritz]

Totally agree with everything!! Especially the part about not making it dramatic and not talking about it. I was actually watching tv today and was thinking how the media in general makes everything so dramatic or makes a big deal about things like disabilities. Like you said, be accepting, own it, and just openly talk about it 😊

[@CaylawithaC]

Thanks Cassie! Yes, I totally agree. The media is the worst! I really think our lives would be 70% better if the media did a better job of representing us

[@OntheFritz]

So very true! 💜

[@myvisuallyimpairedlife5674]

Great video you got so many good points it's almost as if you didn't leave a single thing out. You did this video like a champ. Hopefully I never have to worry about this with my kids but if I do I know know a better way to handle it. Thank you so much

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you! I’m glad you think I covered all the important points. I hope you don’t need this video either, but it’s here for you if you do ❤️

[@myvisuallyimpairedlife5674]

@@CaylawithaCI would love another kid down the road but the wife doesn't want anymore. ️ We are getting old now. Hahaha But it was truly very insightful and I enjoyed watching every minute of the video. I think you did a tremendous job especially coming from the perspective of the child and not being the parent.

[@chanelwilson4249]

I truly appreciate this video. My son is blind and I am slowly learning to accept it and just be there for him

[@CaylawithaC]

I’m so glad to hear that ❤️

[@MaxAngor]

This is your best video yet. Hopefully, this reaches everyone possible. I have nothing else to say except that you hit all of the points I would have (and some I didn't even think of since my family is a family of snarky shit-talkers by nature and we just... accepted this is how I am. Given the 3 months early, we were just happy I survived.)

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you so much!! That really means a lot! Also kind of surprising, you always have something to add lol

[@MaxAngor]

@@CaylawithaC It shows how completely and wonderfully you covered the topic. And no, I couldn't tell you were miffed at the original recording getting messed up. I've shared it with a few moms I know to see if they have any input. As well as Count Dankula and his wife since they got married a couple of days ago and I KNOW they're gunning for an heir or two.

[@Nicki06214Life]

Thank you Kelly for your input , I'm also visually impaired and more patents & society need our perspective, we are experts.

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you. I agree

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

Great video Kayla. I think you had all the important points. I can definitely relate to the importance of allowing your child to have extra time, and if the importance of trial and error when it comes to finding which adaptation will be helpful and which ones are not. I also think it is extremely is imperative for parents to remember that just like every sited child, every visually impaired child is different and we learn differently and have different struggles and excel in different areas and enjoy different things and need to have accommodations in different ways.

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you! I’m glad you think I covered everything and were able to relate. That’s such a good point that you brought up about us all being different. Thanks so much for sharing that!

[@asecretcourtofcrowsandcloc4084]

Yes I can definitely relate. I knew what you were saying when you talked about help putting the key in the door may take you an extra minute or two but it’s worth it if you can do it independently. And I can definitely relate to the frustration of not being able to find my table at a restaurant. And yes I think sometimes teachers and even parents occasionally forget when you know one Visually impaired child, you know one visual impaired child. It may be helpful to compare what worked for someone and maybe it’ll work for your child. But it’s important to remember that Everyone is different and has different ways of doing things.

[@danielmayim4537]

Well done Cayla. I think this is great advice. I also fantasized for years about my vision getting better, it never has, LOL. Acceptance is truly the answer, both for the child and the parent.

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you!! I’m sure many of us fantasized about being able to see. But yes, acceptance is definitely the answer for everyone involved

[@mrsteresa1999]

Having my own low vision helped me to raise my 2 low vision sons as well as one normal sighted son. Your description of the moon was the same as it was for me.

[@ramblingmillennial1560]

I think this was great advice. When I was growing up I definitely tried to hide my RP too. I hated how my parents talked about it with people as if it was the only thing that defined me. I was also made fun of because of it by my family and got yelled at when I stepped on or bumped into things. I always felt like it was the only thing people wanted to talk about and i grew up feeling really bad about myself. Its still pretty hard to think differently about my vision but I have been working on and getting the help I needed all along. I went through school and nearly failed some classes in high school because I refused to disclose that I was visually impaired.

[@CaylawithaC]

I’m glad you thought this was good advice. And I’m sorry you had a hard time when growing up. I got in trouble a lot as a child for spilling things or making a mess. It always made me feel so bad then, and looking back on it it makes me sad because I couldn’t help it

[@ramblingmillennial1560]

@@CaylawithaC Yea I dont know why they blame us when they know about our vision issues. It really makes no sense.

[@alookinsideablindlife5143]

His video was spot on ! I totally Agree with this ! I feel like my parents need to each this video !

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you. I’m glad you agree. You should share it with your parents

[@Federico-zm1ym]

I agree with you I am doing with you a hundred percent it's the way you said

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

I like the examples you gave when you had to go to and ask your mum for help that was really more Bashan

[@britnigallina5768]

Cayla, thank you so much for the video! My 10 year old son has recently been diagnosed with Retinitis Pigmentosa. I have been researching a lot and really appreciate your advice. Thank you for sharing!

[@CaylawithaC]

You are very welcome! That’s great that you have been researching, I think that will prove to be very beneficial. I also have RP. That can be particularly hard with so much uncertainty about the progression. Best of luck to you and your son ❤️

[@travisjones1593]

You are a great person you inspire me and everyone with love

[@CaylawithaC]

Aw thank you so much! That’s very sweet

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

There is always hope

[@MidnightBaker]

Great advice

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you! I’m so glad you think so

[@loisfriesen5196]

Great information. These things can also apply to adults. I am legally blind and i really need to connect to other blind people or I would become really depressed.I belong to to tell conference phone connections for the blind.Not alone. Lois

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you! You’re very right, these can all apply to adults as well. I agree that being able to connect with others is so important no matter your age

[@Federico-zm1ym]

That was very true

[@ShayPeters0n]

Hi I hope you don't mind me asking what video editing software do you use? I'm looking for one that's visually friendly, a lot of video editing software have very tiny buttons. I'm legally blind.

[@CaylawithaC]

Hi! I use iMovie on my iPad with a Bluetooth keyboard so I can do everything with keyboard commands. It’s also accessible with voiceover if there is a feature you need to use that doesn’t have a keyboard command

[@ShayPeters0n]

Oh awesome, thank you for replying!

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

For me my apartment in my blindness is it kept because because a bitch I am able to read Braille and that is something I would not give up ever

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Be happy

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

I agree with you. My father felt sad about me going blind. But I am a strong young man with independence. I am proud of that

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

That is something I want to end Kayla I want to end a days work if a person goes blind do you have to hide it just to feel normal and I want to I want them to feel normal with their blindness not without it

[@Federico-zm1ym]

Hang around with you

[@theflyingsnails5733]

Nice video! Could you make a video about your glasses?

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you! I’ve gotten quite a few questions about my glasses lately, so maybe I should make a video about it

[@theflyingsnails5733]

Cayla with a C it would be awesome 😃

[@melkatts]

Very nice video Cayla. I heard those statements from my parents all time. I still do. lol by the way, I'm in the RP group on Facebook.

[@CaylawithaC]

Thank you! I still hear those types of comments from some of my family members too. I’m hoping they will listen extra close to that part of the video

[@melkatts]

@@CaylawithaC My RP is X linked, so I got it from my mom's side of the family. I think she feels a lot of guilt because of that. Sometimes she feels like it's her fault I have RP. You & I know it is NOT her fault (yes, I've told her), but when she sees me struggle, sometimes it gets to her.

[@CaylawithaC]

Aw that is sad that she feels guilty, although I can understand where she is coming from. That’s good that you reassure her that it’s not her fault

[@stacyannlowe5221]

Am the parent of a 6 years visually impaired very interested baby

[@stacyannlowe5221]

Am the parent of a 6 years old visually impaired very interested baby

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Blind jokes! Love them

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

In this world we all need a little bit help and that's not just because for a blind we just general mind me need a bit help and that's okay child or parent we all need help

[@angiemarquez06]

I am visually impaired myself how are you

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Angie marquez Buddy I am blind thank you subscribe to my channel are you don't have to be known in this world

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

It makes you feel alone

[@sannaslife6395]

👍👍👍😊

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

And the child needs to know that there vision and blindness and the child themselves know that they are not a mistake that you are the mother did not give birth to them at stake because this is something that can Ethan traumatised when you said to them all your Blankey checked your mistake

[@angiemarquez06]

Hey

[@CaylawithaC]

Hello!

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Cayla with a C hello my friend thank you for replying to my comments it means a lot

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Extra pair for the kid who is blind you were there app account you're not just a role model your Rossiter app account

[@jordanmahonytheblindworld8483]

Like with me. I am blind