CHILDREN AND BLINDNESSWe have found that one of the best ways to assist children in developing a healthy self-image about blindness is to help them meet and interact with competent blind adults who are leading happy, productive lives. We have blind outreach workers who are glad to talk with parents and blind children. The passage of Public Law 94-142, the Education of All Handicapped Children Act, established certain rights and protections for blind children and their parents. Blind children are now entitled to a free public education in the "least restrictive environment," and parents have the right to help plan their child's educational program. We are always happy to answer questions, provide literature, serve as advocates, or refer parents to other knowledgeable people in their community for information and support. Since the best way to change attitudes about blindness is to educate the public, and since our children are our society of tomorrow, it is equally as important to educate sighted children about blindness. We believe that it is important to help children get a positive and accurate understanding of blindness before their attitudes are completely formed and become difficult to change. To assist with this process, the American Action Fund for Blind Children and Adults distributes Questions Kids Ask About Blindness. This book gives basic information about blindness in a straightforward question/answer format. Parents, teachers, and children themselves write to us to request information
about blindness. We also provide information about how they can get in
touch with blind people in their community who may be able to come and
talk to their classes. You can help us educate children in your community
by helping make our literature available.
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