New Hampshire
Vision/Hearing Network

Resources for Families and Teachers

Resources for Families

• Resources for Parents of Children with Vision Loss (doc)
• Resources for Parents of Children with Vision Loss (pdf)
• Windsor Mountain International Summer Camp: English as a Second Language
• The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation: PO Box 959, East Hampstead, NH 03826-0959; Phone: 800 473-2310 (US and Canada) Phone: 603 887-2310 Fax: 800 648-2310; If you have any questions or comments, please e-mail us at webmaster@albinism.org. NOAH is a volunteer organization for persons and families involved with the condition of albinism. It does not diagnose, treat, or provide genetic counseling. It is involved in self-help, while trying to promote research and education.
• NHBVI.com: This web site is the result of an interest expressed by consumers, families and professionals throughout New Hampshire to have a resource where information about agencies, resources and services could be accessed quickly and easily. The development of this collaborative web site was the result of their expressed interest.
• NAPVI: We are the NH Parents of the Visually Impaired (NHPVI), also known as the NH chapter of The National Association for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (NAPVI).   This is a very exciting new step for us. Our group currently meets three to four times a year in various places.  We are always looking to see new faces at our meetings.  If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please contact us at nancyfnh@aol.com.
• Family Resource Connections: The Family Resource Connection is a special library program and clearinghouse of information of the New Hampshire State Library. Its purpose is to collect and make available to New Hampshire residents current and useful information on all aspects of caring for, educating, and raising healthy children, especially young children with special needs. The Family Resource Connection is a library and will loan materials through the mail to any NH resident on subjects pertaining to children. Books and videos are mailed upon request, along with an enclosed postage-paid return mailer. The Family Resource Connection also provides a research service.  Reference librarians will do internet and database searches on any subject related to children.  The program also has extensive subject and organization files, as well as a clearinghouse of information on programs and agencies that assist families with children.
• NOPBC: The National Organization of Parents of Blind Children is a national membership organization of parents and friends of blind children reaching out to each other to give vital support, encouragement, and information. We believe the real problem of blindness is not the loss of eyesight. The real problem is the misunderstanding and lack of information, which exist. With proper training and opportunity, blindness can be reduced to a physical nuisance.
• Family-Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS): offers resources for children, birth through age two. In New Hampshire, FCESS is available through DHHS within twelve area agencies. Aside from being a New Hampshire resident, services are available to those who meet the following criteria: Established diagnosis displaying conditions that may reflect a high probability of developmental delay; Already experiencing developmental delays; At risk for substantial developmental delays if early supports and services are not provided. In New Hampshire, our local FCESS staff and Family Support staff collaborate to effectively support both the child's birth family and the foster family. The staff from these two programs possess a high level of knowledge and experience in assisting families to address their needs and the needs of the infant or toddler who has developmental issues. Please contact your local area agency.
• New England Center Deafblind Project: The New England Center Deafblind Project is funded by the United States Department of Education, Special Education Programs, under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), to assist State Education Agencies in developing their capacity to adequately serve children and youth who are deafblind.
• Advisor: Assisting development of visually impaired students through on line resources.
• Hadley School for the Blind: Hadley has a course for you if you are: A blind adult (14+ years of age); A relative of a blind or visually impaired child; A family member of a blind or visually impaired adult; A professional in the blindness field. The Hadley School for the Blind offers more than 90 distance education courses to eligible students completely free of charge. From “Braille Reading for Family Members” to “Birdsong Tutor,” you can select from a wide variety of Hadley courses. You can study in the comfort of your own home at a time convenient for you. Course materials arrive in the mail (a few are downloadable), and for students in the U.S. and Canada, instructors are just a toll-free call away: 1-800-323-4238.
• The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC): is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted. CEC advocates for appropriate governmental policies, sets professional standards, provides continual professional development, advocates for newly and historically underserved individuals with exceptionalities, and helps professionals obtain conditions and resources necessary for effective professional practice.
• The American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults: has offices in Baltimore, Maryland, and Tarzana, California, and volunteer workers throughout the country. The Tarzana office houses our free lending library of Braille and Twin Vision® books for blind children. Books are sent postage free to borrowers in the US and Canada. We publish and distribute to deaf-blind persons a free weekly newspaper in Braille internationally. The Action Fund also distributes free Braille calendars to blind and deaf-blind people on a nationwide basis. A very large number of volunteers help the Action Fund provide its services.
• Blind Children's Fund promotes the development of materials and methods regarding how to care for and work with and educate infants and young children. We develop articles, handouts and video materials for use by both parents and professionals. BCF also produces a quarterly VIP Newsletter that is available for an annual subscription of $10.00 within the United States and $15.00 outside the United States.
• College Board Services for Students with Disabilities: This site provides information about the Advanced Placement (AP), PSAT/NMSQT, and SAT testing for the visually impaired.
• eein Mentorship Program: Mentorship program matching families, teachers, caregivers with mentors with expertise in topic who will provide up to 15 hours of one on one instruction on topic of choice. Their goal to improve the quality of services to kids 0-6 with developmental issus and their families. Program applications available on line. Coordinator Pam Miller Sallet; Pms88@comcast.net; 603-772-7848.
• Just Enough to Know Better: Author Eileen P. Curran. This booklet is a great place for parents of blind children to start to learn Braille. Book starts from the begging by teaching the Braille Alphabet and common punctuations. Moves from grade 1 Braille to grade two. Presented in chapters focusing on different grouping of the Braille code with practice exercises after each chapter. Also includes flashcards to practice with. Available from National Braille Press, 88 Stephens Street, Boston, MA 02115.
• Suggestions for Miodifying the Home and School Enviroment - A Handbook for Parents (1996): Author Flo Peck and Dennis Lolli. Price $5.00. This handbook s designed for parents and teachers of children with dual sensory impairments and other physical limitations. It contains practical, affordable and easily implemented suggestions for enhancing a child's learning and mobility by making the environment more visible. Available from Perkins School.
• Equals in Partnership – Basic Rights for Families of Children With Blindness or Visual Impairments (1997): Authors: Pamela Crane, Diana Cuthberton, Kay Alicyn Ferrell, Ph.D., and Hazel Scherb. Price $15.00. This handbook compiles educational advocacy materials to help parents better understand the unique needs of children who are blind or visually impaired, and to assist in accessing appropriate services for their children. Available at Perkins School.
• Playing a Crucial Role in Your Child's Development, and Beginnings Video: Book with video for parents and teachers of visually impaired babies. Many easy to follow suggestions. Ways to build critical skills such as, reaching, grasping, midline coordination, walking etc. Playing a Crucial Role in your Child's Development video: Cat# 1-08341-00, $19.00. Beginnings: a Practical Guide for Parents and Teachers of VI Babies: Cat# 7-17710-00, $10.00. Available at American Printing House for the Blind.
• Reach For The Stars, Planning For The Future: A Transition Process for Families of Young Children. This guidebook is about transitioning young children into preschool or kindergarten settings. Family members can work with teachers, community members, and their child's peers. Service providers can use the materials to understand a family's desires and expectations regarding their child's future. Cat # 7-08410-00, $26.00, Print copy. Cat# 5-08410-00, $38.00, Braille copy. Available at American Printing House for the Blind
• Accessible Documents
• Hands & Voices is a nationwide, parent driven, non-profit organization dedicated to providing unbiased support to families with children who are deaf or hard of hearing. We provide support activities and information concerning deaf and hard of hearing issues to parents and professionals that may include outreach events, educational seminars, advocacy, lobbying efforts, parent to parent networking, and a newsletter. We strive to connect families with resources and information to make informed decisions around the issues of deafness or hearing loss.
• Deaf Students Education Services: Guidance from the Office of Civil Rights website.
• Hearing Exchange: If you or your child is hard of hearing or deaf, or you are a professional who works with people with hearing loss, you've come to the right place. We are an online community for the exchange of ideas and information on hearing loss and related issues. No matter what method of communication you have chosen, you'll find interesting and supportive information.
• IEP Checklist
• Laurent Clerc Academy: The mission of the Laurent Clerc Academy (LCA) is to provide a high-achieving and well designed bilingual (ASL-English) education program for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing who use ASL. The academy will strive to empower student to achieve and reach their full potential. We are committed to introducing children to adults in leadership positions who are deaf.

Resources for Teachers

• AT Consideration Guide for IEP Teams (pdf)
• Principes of Quality AT Evaluations
• Quality Indicators for AT Services in Schools (pdf)
• Teacher Tip Sheets for those working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Achieving Goals: Career Stories of Persons who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing
• Literacy Ideas for Children with Low Vision and Multiple Disabilities
• Low Tech Aids for Students with Low Vision
• Guide to Assist Students with Visual Impairments in Meeting Curriculum Goals
• Curriculum for Blind and Visually Impaired Students, Including Additional Disabilities
• Accessible Documents
• Guidelines for School Districts: How to Purchase an FM System
• IEP Checklist
• Laurent Clerc Academy: The mission of the Laurent Clerc Academy (LCA) is to provide a high-achieving and well designed bilingual (ASL-English) education program for students who are deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing who use ASL. The academy will strive to empower student to achieve and reach their full potential. We are committed to introducing children to adults in leadership positions who are deaf.