September is Cortical Visual Impairment Awareness Month

 

The leading cause of childhood blindness isn’t what you think. In fact, it’s most often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) is a brain-based impairment that impacts 150,000+ kids in the U.S. alone. And while every person’s experience with CVI is different, the reality is these kids can learn to see more and access their world.   Since September is Cortical/Cerebral Visual Impairment Awareness Month, we want to recognize the brain, and how it’s just as important as the eyes when it comes to seeing.   Read on to discover CVI: what it is, what we’re doing to support kids and families affected by it, and why CVI is such a crisis. You can be an ally to kids with CVI, too! One of the biggest challenges we face is simply raising awareness. Help us by simply forwarding this message along to a friend!

 

#FRIDAYFORWARD

 

Want to understand CVI? Start here. People often associate blindness with the eyes. CVI, however, is caused by damage to the visual processing areas of the brain. This primer tells you everything you need to know about CVI and ways you can be the best advocate possible!   Check it out!

 

Visit CVI Now, our online community for families! As the number of children with CVI grows, and the prevalence remains misunderstood, families desperately need a community of support. That’s why we launched CVI Now, where our experts and families share information and tips, discuss everyday parenting strategies, and connect with one another.   Take a look around!

 

Meet a child who has CVI We love this story about 9-year-old Krish, who’s helping his peers and teachers better understand his visual impairment. Krish’s story is also a good example of how hard it is for families of kids with CVI to get the right support. Check it out!   Give it a read!

 

CVI is the new face of blindness Two parents have twin boys, one of whom has CVI. This is their story. In many ways, it's also the larger story of CVI itself, from struggle and despair to hope and possibility.   Watch!

 

NEED TO KNOW NEWS

 

•   STUDY: 1 in 30 may have brain-related visual impairments, meaning this type of blindness is far more common than previously understood

 

•   READ: Massachusetts bill would increase college access for people with disabilities

 

FOLLOW FRIDAY

 

•   Check out Everyday CVI on Instagram and keep up with one mom’s methods of building CVI strategies into everyday living!

 

•   The CVI Perspective is a rich, vulnerable and truth-telling blog by an adult with CVI.

 

•   Start Seeing CVI includes resources about the brain and CVI, as well as a long-standing blog sharing important insights on raising a child with CVI.

 

•   Dive into CVI Momifesto for a collection of parent and family stories!