Don’t give up on a blind baby

I know, it is always very daunting for many parents who find themselves having to bring up a blind baby in this confused and cluttered world. I am here to tell you that my parents did not give up on me, and for better or for worse, I have managed to weather the storm.

Over the years I have had the pleasure of speaking to many parents who have had to bring up blind babies. Yes, at first, it could be a real scare or challenge. Especially so if you have never had the experience of dealing with a blind person. But you know what? It is not nearly as difficult as you may imagine.

True it is that a blind baby can not have the pleasure of playing visual games with you and they can not respond to visual cues. But there is something very powerful that they can enjoy: listening to sounds and responding to audio cues. They can definitely hear noises and sounds around them and they can learn to play with you in a different way, without vision but with sound.

All babies are a joy and blind babies are no different. So don’t be afraid and simply enjoy what you have been given. Give a blind baby every chance to grow into a budding child, and a great human being.

I’m Donna J. Jodhan, your friendly accessibility advocate, wishing you a terrific day and urging you to go out there and tell others about the joys of a blind baby. Visit www.nfb.org to learn more.