Parent Resource Books

by Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 17, 2025
When parents first learn their child is blind or has a visual impairment, it can be emotionally overwhelming. Families often begin searching for information, resources, and support to better understand the diagnosis and learn how to best help their child thrive.

This curated list includes books written specifically for parents of children with visual impairments, as well as resources for parents of children with other disabilities or complex needs. These books offer practical strategies, emotional support, and real-life insights to help families feel empowered, informed, and hopeful.
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If there are additional resource books you’d like to see added to this list, please let me know!
Teaching Students with Visual Impairments is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program that allows sites to earn advertising fees by linking to Amazon.com. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I appreciate your support—please feel free to compare prices from other retailers that sell these books

Books Specific to Visual Impairment

  • Children with Visual Impairments: A Parents' Guide. M. Cay Holbrook | Woodbine House, 1995. Part of the Special Needs Collection, this guide explores diagnosis, early intervention, development, literacy, family life, and legal planning for children with visual impairments.
  • First Steps. Anthony, Chen, Fazzi, et al. | Blind Children’s Center, 1993. A comprehensive introduction for families of young children with visual impairments. Topics include early development, family impact, eye conditions, sensory-motor skills, orientation and mobility (O&M), speech/language development, behavior, and IEPs.
  • Just Enough to Know Better: A Braille Primer. Eileen Curran | National Braille Press, 1988. Designed for sighted parents and caregivers, this accessible guide introduces braille basics through print and tactile exercises, flashcards, and helpful cheat sheets.
  • Learning to Play. Susan Recchia | Blind Children’s Center, 1987. Focuses on developmental play, transitions, and interaction with others—helping parents encourage meaningful play experiences for children who are blind or visually impaired.
  • Navigating the Journey: A Handbook for Parents of Children with Visual Impairments. Available through various state schools for the blind or family organizations. Offers step-by-step guidance on early intervention, education, and family life.
  • Orientation and Mobility Primer for Families and Young Children. Bonnie Dobson-Burk | American Foundation for the Blind, 1989. Covers foundational O&M skills, including sensory training, concept development, and movement skills. Offers tips for fostering safe and confident exploration in young children.
  • Reach Out and Teach: Helping Your Child Who is Visually Impaired. Kay Alicyn Ferrell | AFB Press, 2011. A practical guide for teaching essential life and learning skills at home. Especially useful for parents of children with multiple disabilities.
  • The New Language of Toys: Teaching Communication Skills to Children with special Needs: A Guide for Parents and Teachers. ​Schwartz & Miller | Woodbine House, 1996. While not specific to visual impairments, this book offers helpful guidance on using toys to foster communication skills, with adaptations for children with various disabilities.

​Parenting a Child with Disabilities

​Books Featuring Children with Disabilities

  • Brothers & Sisters. Laura Dwight. Photographic picture book featuring real-life siblings of children with various disabilities. Emphasizes the joys and challenges of sibling relationships.

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