Just five short years ago, we started A Shared Vision to fill a critical void in early intervention vision services in Colorado. Today, we are the leading provider of those services to families with children, birth to age three, who are blind or visually impaired. Through statewide partnerships, we support families in 55 of Colorado’s 64 counties representing over 83% of the state’s population – both urban and rural.
Because of the generous support from our donors, we are changing children’s lives. As one parent commented, “Our teacher goes above and beyond to help my child not only adapt but thrive. She creates a comfortable environment, provides helpful suggestions, and helps us adapt and advocate for our loved ones. I can’t imagine where we’d be without her.”
As our 501(c)(3) nonprofit turns five years old, we would love nothing more than to celebrate with you and thank you in person. However, we continue to be cautious with social gatherings as we serve children who are often very medically fragile. We’re very hopeful for a new start in 2022 and to gather with you all soon.
As we are about to embark on our sixth year, we wish to sincerely thank our donors for enabling us to educate, inspire, and empower these wonderful families. Help us celebrate our fifth anniversary with a donation this year!
Your Founders,
Stefanie Hamilton, Paula Landry, Steven Lindauer
|
|
Spotlight on Leonor Rossen |
|
Leonor joined A Shared Vision as an Early Intervention Teacher of the Visually Impaired in 2021. She is also an Early Childhood Developmental Interventionist for Denver Behavior Consultants and Imagine Colorado. Originally from Venezuela, Leonor moved to Boulder nine years ago from Florida, where she worked in special education. “I love helping families,” explains Leonor. “It is important to me, and fulfilling, to be able to model strategies and coach caregivers during the process of early intervention."
Besides hiking, kickboxing, and spending time with her 20-year-old daughter, Leonor’s other hobby is making origami. “I love all the things you can do with a single square,” she says. Leonor also volunteers for the Boulder chapter of Achilles International, a global nonprofit that transforms the lives of people with disabilities through running and adaptive cycling programs. Meet Leonor HERE.
|
|
 |
Make apple prints! All you need is a one ripe apple, finger paint in a bright color like red, and a sheet of white paper or cardstock. Cut the apple in half from the stem. Pour or spoon the finger paint on a plate. Help your child hold the apple, using hand under hand. Dip the apple half into the paint and press it to the paper. Try making a few more prints. Then let the prints dry.
|
|
|
|
Make a fall sensory bin! Gather seasonal items from your home, your yard, or the grocery store. Some ideas include cornstalks, leaves, dried grasses, pine cones, and pumpkins. Experiment with different bins. HERE are more ideas.
|
|
|
|
White Cane Safety Day Is October 15 |
The white cane is an essential tool that gives children with blindness or visual impairments the ability to navigate their environment. It acts as an extension of their hands and arms so they can assess a situation and move quickly and confidently at home, school, or around a neighborhood.
For babies and toddlers, moving independently and safely in their environment is called Orientation & Mobility. A teacher from A Shared Vision trained in O & M helps a family learn to encourage a child’s purposeful movement, teach body parts and directional concepts, and help their child with an early mobility device such as a push toy or small cane. Learn more about O & M HERE.
|
|
One, Two, Three Little Witches |
|
Songs, poems, and stories are a fun way to cuddle, snuggle, and play with your child while promoting early literacy and social/emotional connection. Here’s a rhyme you can try on Halloween about three witches!
Some tips: First, find a favorite place to cuddle with your child. Hold your child on your lap facing you. If your little one likes to move, you may want to dance and move about instead of sitting down. Start the rhyme off slowly so you can see how your child engages with you. Note what touch, actions, or movement your child prefers. Continue the activity as along as your child is content and comfortable. Even a few minutes of singing and story time is beneficial to your child.
Three Little Witches (to the tune of “Three Little Indians”)
One little, two little, three little witches (Hold up 1,2,3 fingers)
Flying over haystacks (Lean child to the left)
Flying over moonbeams (Lean child to the left)
Without any hitches (Lean child to the right)
Hi-Ho, Halloween’s here! (Bounce child on your lap)
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
