Aussie Blind Kids Network has been developed specifically for families of children who are blind or vision impaired. The reason for this is that all infants/children learn fundamental lifeskills such as mobility, daily living skills, social skills initially in the home environment under the guidance of their family. Children who are blind or vision impaired are no different. The expectations of the child's family regarding independence, behaviour, manners, routines, chores, dress, personal hygiene etc during the critical stage of 0-5 years will have a lasting impact on the child throughout childhood, adolescence and adulthood.

Experience in working with many young adults who are blind or vision impaired indicates that the most important factor in the development of children who are blind or vision impaired is the expectations of the family. The key to having realistic expectations is reliable and timely options in the following areas - information, resources, support and training.

The reality is that unrealistic family expectations coupled with overprotection creates long term dependency and learned helplessness in the child, adolescent and young adult. Aussie Blind Kids Network is based on three main principles:

• families are empowered and equipped to effectively parent a child who is blind or vision impaired through information, resources, support and training.
• a child who is blind or vision impaired maximises their potential for independence through the development of (a) specific lifeskills outlined in NULM which must be learned and reinforced on a daily basis and (b) the expectations of their family about age-appropriate independence
• The age range 0-12 years is absolutely critical to a child's development. Research suggests that by the age of seven a person has largely established their personality, self-esteem and expectations of themselves as a person.