Cathy interviews Carol Benson Puchalski. Carol and Cathy discuss the importance of social emotional development between caregivers and young children with blindness and low vision.

Carol shares her longtime experience learning about social/emotional development of the young child through research and as a consultant for the programs at Anchor Center for Blind Children in Denver, Colorado.

Carol discusses the importance of learning about early brain development and how social emotional experiences can last a lifetime. More information and videos to share are available at https://developingchild.harvard.edu/?s=Infant+mental+health and

https://www.zerotothree.org/issue-areas/infant-and-early-childhood-mental-health/

Jenny, Cathy & Paige discuss how unique real-life experiences with sleeping can be and the benefits of the resources shared by Carol as social media is not always reliable. Cathy and Paige discuss “serve and return” research as well as the goal of responsive parenting for children with blindness and low vision.

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Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals.  A list of those services can be found here.  

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Jenny interviews Christie Gage. Christie and Jenny discuss the importance and challenges of O&M and its vital role in the blind/low vision community. Christie has a bachelor’s degree in Adapted Physical Education and Health, Adapted Physical Activity, Orientation and Mobility and Specialist, and Doctorate of Education in Special Education Leadership and Management.  She has worked as an O&M for 9 years, teaching blind and visually impaired youth how to access their school and community. Currently serving 24 school districts in the state of Kentucky, she is also a licensed TVI. She has been involved with Envision Blind Sports for 12 years, providing blind and visually impaired youth sport and recreation opportunities. She has also been a Lions Club member for over 5 years and is the recipient of many Lions’ awards.

Jenny, Cathy & Paige discuss trust and safety for children who are blind and low vision, including experiences with orientation and mobility services. They explore various aspects of providing O&M services, including the benefits of early cane introduction and the challenges of limited specialist availability, while sharing personal experiences and research findings.

Christie discusses her experience with Envision Blind Sports. More information is available at https://www.envisionblindsports.org

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Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals.  A list of those services can be found  here.  

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Paige, Jenny, and Cathy dive into Life in Five Senses by Gretchen Rubin, exploring how slowing down and tuning into everyday sensory experiences can deepen our connection to the world around us.

The group reflects on what it means to truly notice life’s small details — from familiar walks and neighborhood scents to unexpected sensory discoveries. Paige shares a funny story about confusing skunk and weed smells, while Cathy describes counting bunnies and exploring during her travels. Together, they discuss how this awareness can enrich both personal life and professional practice, especially in the field of visual impairment.

They also chat about bringing sensory awareness into education, mindfulness, and daily routines — and how paying attention to what we see, hear, smell, taste, and touch can help us find joy in familiar places.

Jenny, Paige, and Cathy close by reflecting on how each of them plans to slow down and savor the sensory world a little more.

"Life in 5 Senses" by Gretchen Ruben

⁠https://gretchenrubin.com/books/life-in-five-senses/⁠

⁠https://www.amazon.com/Life-Five-Senses-Exploring-World/dp/0593442741⁠

Use the Libby app to check this book out from your local library! https://help.libbyapp.com/en-us/6144.htm

We love voicemail! Please leave us a message: https://www.speakpipe.com/FeelingThisLife

Children who are blind and low “Vision AND” have additional needs may receive early intervention services from multiple professionals. A list of those services can be found here.

Please give us your feedback using this survey link: ⁠⁠https://educationutah.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_39OmBvMih6MlgNw⁠⁠

Make a Donation to-

VIPS: ⁠⁠https://secure.vips.org/np/clients/vips/donation.jsp?forwardedFromSecureDomain=1&campaign=495⁠⁠

Follow us on Facebook @⁠Feelingthislifepodcast⁠ and Instagram @⁠Feelingthislife⁠

Email: ⁠⁠feelingthislife@vips.org⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠