Posts by Ashley Ross
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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Meet Noah: a social butterfly who happens to be non-verbal
“Noah is full of life and laughter,” says Becci, mother to almost 3-year-old Noah. Noah is a social butterfly; he loves playing with his brothers and interacting with anyone who wants to talk to him. Noah is not able to use words to talk but that doesn’t stop him from communicating. Thanks to a collaboration…
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The first year is the hardest
“Having a baby with complex medical needs and being in the NICU for 48 days wasn’t what we had expected,” said Stephanie, mother to Madison who was born in January 2020 just before the COVID-19 pandemic began in the US. Stephanie recounts, “Dealing with the trauma of her birth, the uncertainty of her future, COVID,…
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ALLEN WHITEHILL CLOWES CHARITABLE FOUNDATION AWARDS VISUALLY IMPAIRED PRESCHOOL SERVICES WITH $50,000 GRANT FOR NEW SENSORY GARDEN
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation has awarded Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS Indiana) a grant in the amount of $50,000 to support the sensory garden that will be planted at the new Simon & Estelle Knoble VIPS Family Resource Center. VIPS Indiana is a statewide nonprofit agency that provides early intervention…
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Welcome to the Simon & Estelle Knoble VIPS Family Resource Center
In late October, our Indiana staff officially moved into the new Family Resource Center located at 1212 Southeastern Avenue, just east of downtown Indianapolis! This center will not only house offices and storage for our staff, but, more importantly, will be a hub for VIPS parents to receive more resources and programming, and allow for…
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Simone is learning independence one step at a time!
“Simone is joy and light, and the center of our family,” said Nicole, mother to VIPS child Simone. She is a busy little girl, always moving and thriving on attention. She spends her days playing, dancing, and exploring the outdoors; specifically, the trees and flowers. She especially loves doing so with her family. Simone is…
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