A few days into the year, Josiah had an eye evaluation from a specialist from MO School for the Blind. I’m overwhelmed with all the information that’s been coming my way since then.
We learned some interesting things about Josiah’s vision during the evaluation. In short, there were two main things we will be adding to occupational therapy, physical therapy, and language therapy. Safety is a concern, so learning to utilize a cane is going to be a new focus. We did focus on this some awhile back, but it wasn’t anything pressing at the time. He does okay for now, but we’re always with him. Those skills will be helpful to him as he grows and becomes more independent. It will also help him not have to look at the ground as he walks, which is bad for his neck to be constantly looking downward. This is the “easy” thing we’re adding, which is called Orientation and Mobility.
We also learned that Josiah would greatly benefit from learning to read braille. While he is able to see print and will have the ability to read, his eyes get fatigued easily (after 2-3 minutes). When he’s in the upper grades and he begins to read larger books, doing this by sight will be exhausting for him. He will be considered a “dual reader,” with the ability to read both print and braille.
Now what?
Currently, we are waiting for the eye report and getting paperwork filled out for different services that will be helpful to us. There are quite a bit of resources available, which is great, but also overwhelming at times. Josiah saw his neuro-ophthalmologist this week, and there were no changes with his vision, which was good. The doctor also agreed braille would be beneficial.
We are still planning to homeschool, which means I’m going to be learning braille (by sight) as well. I received my parent primer in the mail today and I’m a bit excited and very intimidated! The primer breaks it down in steps pretty well, so I’ll just take it one step at a time. The first task is to learn the first 10 letters of the alphabet.
After we get an IEP with the public school, we will be placed with someone who will help Josiah with learning braille. As we start kindergarten with him next year, he’ll be learning the alphabet both in print and braille. I have seen adaptations made in braille with the curriculum we use, so now I just need to figure out what tools are needed and how to get it all set up for him.
Here’s a few pictures I snapped while at the Neuro-ophthalmolgist’s office.
Such a big boy!
Waiting for the doctor.
He still uses his chin instead of his right hand at times.
Hiding from the doctor.
Great parents great kid Love and prayers to all
Thanks Cindy!
Praying for Josiah and your beautiful family!
Thank you Varinka! So glad we were blessed to connect with you guys!
So very thankful to hear of all these opportunities in therapies that are being made available to your little guy! And very thankful to God for providing parents who are so caring in the follow through. It is a blessing to know and be a part of you folks. What a new world of learning that is opening up to you. Will be praying for God’s constant guiding and blessing.
Oh Dottie, it is a blessing to know you! Thank you! Our whole family is planning on coming with Nathan to Dallas in June – I look forward to seeing you again!
Amy, your family should see if you can hook up with Jordan while you are in Dallas. Maybe she could help you with Josiah’s PT while you are there. ????
Ooh we should! Because he won’t be getting therapy those weeks.
I love that you are “game” to learn! Trusting that Josiah will do well as he’s pretty darn smart! The whole family can be bilingual!
Thanks! I’m hopeful it will help him to learn better and easier!
Josiah will continue to meet the challenges with the help of God and his loving family – proud of you all! Sending love and prayers…
Thanks Aunt Nancy!
What a great mom you are for Josiah, God knew what he was doing when he paired the two of you together. We will be praying for all of you guys as your journey through this new venture in your life. We are somewhat familiar with resources available for the visually impaired as both of my brothers are legally blind, let me know if being connected with them would be helpful. Although it looks like, and sounds like you have that covered. God has great plans ahead! Love you guys!
Thanks Jamie! I will definitely let you know! I’m hoping we have it covered, but we’re just trying to figure it all out. Sometimes it’s nice to know that someone’s been there, done that. 🙂 Love and appreciate you guys! The kids had fun playing together tonight at practice.
Will keep your family in our prayers! What great parents you are!
Thank you Kathy!
Amy are an amazing woman….Proverbs 31 kinda women. God has great plans for Josiah.
Thanks so much Ang. That means a lot. And I’m tearing up, so I’m gonna have to stop there…