August Updates

Tommy walking the tightrope.

Daycare Update
Tommy now has two weeks of daycare experience under his belt. I am feeling so good about his ability to adjust to a new situation and new people. He has been amazing. Last week they learned about the circus. You can see him walking the tightrope in the picture above. The way they choose themes and then base activities around them in ways that are very interactive and tactile is just perfect for Tom. Learning that he can experience with multiple senses will always be best - especially for such young learners.

Blog Update
I added new blogs to the "Tom's Favorite Blogs" list, found along the right side of the page.  Amber & Max is the story of Maddox, who has Optic Nerve Hypoplasia and Septo-Optic Dyplasia. Like this blog, they are sharing their story to help others understand blindness and break down stereotypes.

Then check out Making It On The Playground. This is a blog written by a blind woman, who is a certified Teacher of Blind Students (TBS) and Orientation and Mobility instructor (NOMC). She also has a bachelors degree in child development. Wow. Can you say- perfect mix of skills to write a blog for parents and teachers of blind/low vision children? Yeah. Read this blog for excellent information from someone who really understands.

Two Guest Posts Are Coming Your Way
I am so excited about my upcoming guest posts. One is from a the parent of a blind child and one is from a blind adult who is going to tell us about what it was like growing up blind. I can't want to share these with you.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on Thomas Marshall Does It All, please send me a comment with your email and a little bit about why you would like to post. I will not post the comments with emails so don't worry about that.

Want to win Tactile Stickers or Braille Board Books?
It costs a lot of money to adopt a child and today people are finding creative ways to finance these adoptions. One way is through contests like this - http://myheartbeeps4orphans.blogspot.com/2012/08/the-pick-your-prize-giveaway.html.

A $5 donation is one entry, $10 is 3 entries, and $20 is 7 entries into the giveaway. Click the link for more information about for how to enter and to view the other prizes. They have not had many donations so your chance of winning is really good.

Even if you don't win a prize you will have helped a child find a family. The three children whose future parents are raising money for all have special needs. One of the children is blind (Victoria.) These kids need to come to America where children with special needs can get the healthcare and opportunities they deserve. Those opportunities just don't exist in their countries. Please think about taking a $5 chance to help these kids out!

Trying out his new shades.