Our Story
I have no comprehension of what it would be like to go through life without sight. I have excellent vision and have never even had to wear glasses or contacts. My children on the other hand are a different story. They were born 15 weeks early and developed ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity). In an attempt to prevent complete blindness, doctor's performed laser surgery to stop the improper growth of blood vessels.
Despite later having Lens Replacement surgery (I didn't know you could do that on a 5-yr old either), my son has 20/80 vision in one-eye and 20/800 in the other and his peripheral vision is limited to about 10%. Even if he keeps his sight (not guaranteed), he will mostly likely never play sports, drive a car, etc. My daughter has similar problems, but not to this extreme. As a parent, this is frustrating, saddening, and a host of other -ings including frightening.
VIPS (Visually Impaired Preschool Services)
We are lucky to live in Louisville and to have found the Visually Impared Preschool Services(VIPS) while our kids were still young. First of all, it is so much more than a pre-school. The staff and therapists at VIPS help children from birth. The conduct assessments, do in-home interventions, and offer Play Groups for those under 3. Second, they are a resource that is unparalleled when it comes to advocating for blind or low-vision children.
The Mission of Visually Impaired Preschool Services, Inc. (VIPS) is to offer appropriate services to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who are visually impaired or blind and to their families; to maximize each child's development potential through direct services, advocacy, and community education.
It is easy to read this statement and skip over the "and to their families" portion. However, the help and support they offer to parents is incredible. VIPS has taught us so much about our children that it is not possible to document it all here. Most importantly, they have given us the knowledge and tools to continue to advocate for them and make sure they have everything they need to succeed in school and in life. Perhaps the greatest gift VIPS has given me is hope. With their help, I have no doubt my children can overcome the obstacles they will face.
Contact for Help
So, if you have a child who has vision loss, give VIPS a call at 502.636.3207. You can also check out their website (www.VIPS.org).
Donate
For those of you who don't need their services, but would like to help, you can donate here. Of course, please don't feel pressured. The blind children will understand if you have better things to spend money on:)
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Erik Hitzelberger is a licensed REALTOR with RE/MAX Alliance in Louisville. If you need a Louisville Real Estate agent please email me or call 502.921.3989.
I specialize in the following areas of the Metro Louisville Area: Prospect, Middletown, Jeffersontown (J-Town), Fern Creek, Okolona, Shepherdsville, Mt Washington, Hillview, Brooks and Pewee Valley. Click the following links to learn more about Louisville and Bullitt County Real Estateor to Search for Louisville Homes
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