Consider Adopting A Child With Visual Impairment

Hand In Hand was happy to receive information about Bethel China, an organization that advocates for visually impaired children. They have compiled the information below for those who are interested in adopting a child with visual impairment or those who would like to help advocate for these children. The information is also available on their webpage: Bethel China Advocacy Ideas

 

1. “Exposed to Hope” E-book (bethelchina.org/exposed-to-hope-book)

Exposed to Hope is an E-book available for $2.99 featuring the stories of 13 families who have adopted a child with a visual impairment from China. From babies, toddlers to teenagers, from children with cancer to albinism to eye conditions you’ve never heard of. Families share honest and beautiful accounts of family life, school, independence, attachment, surgery and more. We can offer a discount for adoption agencies who would like to promote the book amongst their families.

2. Pinterest (pinterest.com/bethelchina)

These Pinterest boards are full of information and hundreds of links to articles about family, education, craft, daily life, independent living skills, technology, toys, mobility, adoption, parenting and more. If a family has a question about braile, link them to the Braille board. If they have a question about a child becoming independent, link them to the ‘independent teenagers’ board. The craft and games pages are packed with resources to ensure a blind child doesn’t get left out of the fun.

3. Facebook (www.facebook.com/bethelchina.loveisblind)

What began as a way to keep sponsors updated with Bethel has become a tool to breakdown stereotypes and perceptions and replace them with positive images of blind children aged 1-14. Potential parents can imagine a blind child who is an orphan, healthy and happy in a loving environment where they can reach their potential. Advocates can share photos of blind children swimming, hiking, riding bikes, recording songs, reading/writing at school, riding on public transport etc...

4. Videos

We have a number of videos on our Youtube channel of blind children walking to the store, riding the subway, beading necklaces, choosing products in the supermarket, and just having fun. We also have an interview with an 18-year-old adoptee who is independent, smart and funny. Videos can help children come alive and allow a potential to imagine life with a child who is visually impaired. Bethel China's "Happy" video by Pharrell Williams and our new Love is Blind music video are both fun to advocate with. 

 

5. Wonderbaby.org

WonderBaby.org, a project funded by the Perkins School for the Blind, is dedicated to helping parents of young children with visual impairments as well as children with multiple disabilities. Here you'll find a database of articles written by parents who want to share with others what they've learned about playing with and teaching a blind child. We focus on real-life advice and real-life experiences.