It's a Snow Day!
When it’s too cold and snowy to go outside, you can bring the snow inside with some fun, sensory activities HERE. Your child will still experience snow with all their senses while learning important concepts like “cold,” and “wet,” sequencing skills while you build a snowman, and predicting what happens when the snow melts.

If this is the first time your child is experiencing snow, just put some in a bowl or cup so they can touch it with their hands or feet, or try tasting it. Use a brightly colored bowl so the snow is easier to see. A metal bowl will make more sound when your child touches it with a spoon. Put a towel on the floor just in case your floor gets wet!

Find more of our Learning Experiences HERE.
Read a Snowman Book in a Bag
A Shared Vision families are reading the book bags made by Girl Scout Troop #60035! Book bags include the book and objects related to the story so their child can understand the words by listening to the story and/or touching the objects. The Girl Scouts even did a book bag about a touch-and-feel snowman – not including real snow.
Spotlight on Julie King
Julie joined A Shared Vision in the fall of 2022 as an EI-TVI and Orientation and Mobility Specialist. Prior to joining A Shared Vision, Julie taught in Colorado’s central mountain communities as a general educator, special educator, and Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments. She also works with adults who experience vision loss.

“I am excited to be part of A Shared Vision collaborating and supporting our families living in the mountains,” says Julie. She believes early intervention helps provide a strong foundation for families to build upon over time. Like many teachers from A Shared Vision, Julie enjoys the close relationships that develop with children and their families. She explains, “It’s so rewarding to celebrate a family’s successes and accomplishments, and I feel honored to be a part of their journey if even for a short period.” Learn more about Julie HERE.
Update on Our 2023 Mystery Parties
During our March 8 Mystery Party A Shared Vision families learned how to support their child’s sleep, with special guest Carol Puchalski, a developmental psychologist and sleep expert who has supported families of very young children with visual impairment for more than 38 years.

Very young children who are visually impaired often struggle when it comes to sleeping on a typical schedule. HERE is an article from FamilyConnect on some ways you can help your child develop healthy sleep patterns.

On June 20 from 10 to 11 am we’ll discuss the importance of tactile exploration and make sensory cubes with EI-TVI Maggie Tutt. Sign up for this year’s Mystery Parties and Caregiver Connect Hours HERE.
Join an Egg-Venture on the Western Slope
The Orchard Mesa Lions Club, along with A Shared Vision, the Center for Independence Vision/Blind Program, and Enstrom Candies, are hosting an accessible Easter egg hunt for families with children who are blind or visually impaired AND their siblings on April 1 from 10 am to 2 pm at the Mesa County Fairgrounds in Grand Junction. Enjoy sensory-friendly crafts, music, and an accessible hunt with beeping Easter eggs. Siblings will be blindfolded so they can experience how someone without the use of their vision can be a confident, independent traveler and egg hunter. Registration is required. Sign up HERE.
How to Prepare for Your Child's Eye Exam

You’ve just been told your child should see a pediatric ophthalmologist. Preparing for the eye exam will help you feel more confident walking into that appointment. The teachers from A Shared Vision often accompany our families on doctors’ visits. Your EI-TVI can help you take notes, record the doctor’s instructions, explain medical terminology, and even ask the right questions. Get more tips on how to prepare for your child’s eye exam HERE.
A Shared Vision is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the leading provider of in-home and community early intervention vision services in Colorado. We inspire and empower families to nurture the development of their very young children who are blind or visually impaired so that all children may discover their brightest future.
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