Welcome to Aussie Blind Kids Network.

Aussie Blind Kids Network has been designed for families of children who are blind or vision impaired. It provides:

• a comprehensive service directory
• a coherent guide to the development of your child's lifeskills
• a dynamic online forum for you to meet and discuss issues with other parents
• a valuable guide to accessing quality resources.
• a useful tool for therapists, service providers, educators and anyone seeking information about children who are blind or vision impaired.

Aussie Blind Kids Network has been developed and based on the National Unified Lifeskills Model (NULM) Conceptual Framework. More information about NULM can be found at www.nulm.org.

Children who are blind or vision impaired are faced with the challenge of not being able to learn formally, informally and incidentally through direct observation. This means that their learning experiences, including essential lifeskill areas, must be structured and sequential throughout infancy, childhood and adolescence. This approach will ensure that key concepts and experiences are covered at critical developmental and transitional stages.

You will notice the age range navigation bar at the top of the page. Please select from the age range that you are interested in by hovering your mouse over the top. Select from the drop down menu that appears. We have divided ABK into the following sections:

• Short and Sweet - a conscise overview of that particular developmental age range and what to expect from your child who is blind or vision impaired.
• Snaphots! - profiles of children who are blind or vision impaired to give you a better understanding of the importance of teaching lifeskills so that your child can particpate in age appropriate activities in the home and community environments.
• Wrap-Up - Final comments worth noting

The development of the Aussie Blind Kids Network has been made possible by the support of a range of generous sponsors.

In particular, we would like to thank the Ian Potter Foundation for their support in the development of this website.

We encourage you to explore the Aussie Blind Kids Network website and welcome any suggestions or feedback.**Insert link to feedback/contact form**