But before I write about yesterdays meeting I want to answer a question that many, many people have asked. Why doesn't Elisabeth have that distant look in her eyes that most blind people have? Here is the answer: most blind people can't see because their eyes are damaged or not working. That's what gives them that far off look. This is not the case for Elisabeth. Elisabeth's eyes work great. They are constantly focusing and "seeing" the world around her, just like a sighted persons would. However, the connection to the brain doesn't translate the information into images for Elisabeth. This is why she looks so normal and appears to have sight. I hope that answers everyone's questions in regards to that.
Now about our meeting. We talked a lot about Elisabeth being delayed due to her lack of vision. For example, what incentive does she have to roll or crawl when she can't see anything to go to? We discussed different ideas for stimulating her and encouraging movement. We also talked about what to expect in the next few years. When Elisabeth is somewhere between 3 and 5 years of age they will begin teaching her to use a white cane. Some children are not very responsible with them (use them to hit at siblings), so her maturity level will determine when they start training her to use a stick. There is a chance that Elisabeth could struggle with the coordination of it depending on her mental capabilities. However, even if she can't learn to properly use a white cane, they said it will still be a good idea for her to carry it as a way of letting others know that she is blind.
Naturally, I wanted to know what the Tri-Cities has to offer blind children in the educational system. As it turns out, the most highly trained person in the state of Washington for working with blind children lives here!! Isn't that fortunate! Apparently this woman, Virginia, has been toying around with the idea of retiring...but I asked a message be relayed to her that she can't retire until Elisabeth is much older :)
I received some great information yesterday - pamphlets, links to websites, and information on doctors that have done extensive research of cortically blind children. I am excited start reading and learning.
I still have many questions about what to expect as we raise Elisabeth. Debbie mentioned that one of the best ways to get all those questions answered is by getting in contact with other parents. I know that being in touch with parents of hydrocephalic children has been a great resource for me. I am sure that meeting other parents of blind children will be equally rewarding. It will be helpful to know what comes next.....how will she learn to crawl??....what are the best toys to buy???....etc. These are the kinds of questions that are perfect to ask people who have already been where I am now.
I am so in love with Elisabeth. She fills my world with joy. Her angelic little spirit has made our home heaven on earth. What a blessing she is.
