Parenting with Low Vision: Challenges, Adaptations, and Strength 

Parenting is rarely simple—and for parents who are blind or have low vision, it can present a unique set of challenges. However, what many people don’t see is how vision loss often enhances creativity, deepens connection, and builds resilience in both parents and children. 

Parenting with a visual disability isn’t about doing less. Instead, it’s about doing things differently—and just as effectively. 

At NewView Oklahoma, we believe in amplifying the voices of parents navigating this path. And in Episode 2 of Eyes Closed, Mind Open, we explore the many ways that parents who are blind or have low vision raise thriving families while adapting to a world not designed with them in mind. 

What Does Parenting Look Like with Low Vision? 

Raising children while blind or with low vision means managing common daily tasks—school drop-offs, meal prep, helping with homework—with a different toolkit. Depending on the individual, some parents lose their sight after their children are born, while others raise children without ever having full vision. 

To manage the day-to-day, many rely on creative solutions such as: 

• Tactile labels and voice-assisted technology 
• Muscle memory and spatial organization 
• Asking for help when needed—and learning to accept it 
• Creating structure and consistency for themselves and their kids 
• Navigating complex emotions about missed milestones or independence 

Ultimately, these adaptations help create environments where both parent and child can succeed. 

The Emotional Side: Guilt, Grace, and Growth 

Of course, parenting with low vision isn’t just about logistics—it’s also deeply emotional. Many parents who are blind or have low vision wrestle with internal guilt. Whether it’s about not being able to drive, missing out on visual milestones, or relying on their children for help, these feelings are valid—and very real. 

Yet, these families often discover an unexpected upside: children who grow up with a deep sense of empathy, resourcefulness, and confidence. 

These kids learn to: 

• Respect differences 
• Adapt with grace 
• Celebrate achievements in new and meaningful ways 

In turn, parents find that being “strong” looks different in every household. For them, the journey often includes: 

• Letting go of perfection 
• Communicating openly about vision changes 
• Embracing moments of joy, laughter, and grace amid uncertainty 

By reflecting on these moments, many parents find strength and peace in their evolving roles. 

Building Support and Seeking Connection 

Parenting with low vision is not something anyone should do alone. Fortunately, access to community, tools, and emotional support can make a world of difference. Whether it’s connecting with other parents who are blind or have low vision, seeking mobility training, or simply having someone who “gets it,” support helps turn fear into empowerment. 

At NewView Oklahoma, we work every day to ensure that no one has to navigate this journey unsupported. 

Together, we are creating a community where parents thrive, not in spite of vision loss—but alongside it. 

Want to hear from parents who are living this every day? 

Listen to Episode 2 of Eyes Closed, Mind Open to hear firsthand how parents who are blind or have low vision raise children, face challenges, and redefine what successful parenting looks like—on their own terms.