Posts by Ashley Ross
Leading the Way for Best Practices
By Kathy Mullen, VIPS Director of Education The VIPS community was well-represented at the 2024 AER Biennial International Conference this year. Five team members traveled to Charlotte, North Carolina in late July to share news on the exciting things happening within the VIPS community and to learn from our amazing collaborators from across the country…
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“Little Medical Miracle”
Written by Natalie, mother to VIPS child Gatlin Meet Gatlin, our little Medical Miracle. At just 2 years old, Gatlin faces immense challenges, including Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy and Severe Vision Impairment. Despite his non-mobile and non-verbal state, he finds joy in life. After a healthy pregnancy, his birth required emergency surgery, leading to a roller-coaster…
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Resilience and Love Amidst Daunting Medical Challenges
VIPS mother, Kacey, bravely shares the emotional journey of their son in her article, The Incredible Story of Sonny Jules. The journey began in August of 2021 with much uncertainty as their son, Sonny, was diagnosed in utero with a congenital brain malformation called Dandy-Walker syndrome—a form of Hydrocephalus. Sonny’s birth marked the start of…
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“We are so grateful to be a VIPS family”
Driving home from the ophthalmologist’s office, Victoria and Josiah’s concerns were confirmed— their baby boy Lucas has Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and Strabismus. At the time, Lucas was not able to track his toys, watch his older brother dance, or see his parent’s faces. His family felt defeated.
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“There is no obstacle we can’t overcome”
Written by VIPS parents, Brooke & Luke— “Our Brynnie girl is a Mono-Di twin—two sacs, and one placenta that our girls shared. Her twin sister’s name is Blake. My pregnancy was incredibly high-risk, and we had no idea how tough of a road we would have. To make a very long story short, I was…
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The Debut of Summer Short Course at VIPS Kids Town Preschool
By: Staci Maynard, VIPS Teacher of the Visually Impaired This summer, VIPS held its first summer short courses in Louisville. Familiesfrom across the state were invited to bring their child with a diagnosed visual impairmentto VIPS Kids Town Preschool for a three day session of activities, assessment, andobservations themed around favorite aspects of summer. The…
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A Mom on a Mission to Advocate for Her Daughter
Avelyn (Avy) lives in Southern Indiana, spending her days outside with her siblings along with her animals–a cat, a dog, and eight chickens. She is a bubbly, playful, animal-loving almost-three-year-old who currently receives services from VIPS due to her Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI), Anisometropia, and hypermetropia. Avy loves wearing her purple glasses as she works…
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Gloria & Odin Stay Positive No Matter the News
Smiling through adversity, VIPS child Odin, has brought such joy and positivity to his family over his young life. His mother, Gloria wrote to VIPS telling the impact her son has on their family as he navigates life with a visual impairment. The family experienced negativity from doctors and those around him, but it brought…
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Who is Tala Beth, “Warrior Princess”?
We are so grateful to Christine, mother to young Tala, for sharing her family’s journey— Tell us about Tala! “Tala is a 2.5-year-old young girl, full of joy! Tala knows exactly what she likes and dislikes. She enjoys being part of the day-to-day activities of life, but ultimately loves the chaos, drama, and excitement of…
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Jacob’s Journey— growing and thriving with each day!
From Melisa, mother to Jacob: “Jacob joined our family via domestic adoption in September 2020, at 10 months of age. At the height of the global pandemic, we had the delight and honor of welcoming our son, Jacob, home forever! What a joy! Before Jacob’s adoption, we were aware that he had experienced global developmental…
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