Caitlyns Story

I know its been a while since i posted to the site but with work commitments and family commitments etc its been hard to find the time.

Today i was sent a post on Facebook that made me think about Caitlyn and in general the way people perceive not only Vision Impairement but in general any disability.

This is the post i received.
My wish for 2010 is that people will understand that children with disabilities do not have a disease; children with disabilities are not looking for a cure but ACCEPTANCE........93% of people won't copy and paste this, WILL... YOU be one of the 7% that does and make this your status for at least a day

As i mentioned in my own re-post of this..

Very True and close to my heart. People often do not accept Caitlyn for who she is. They judge her like she has a disease. Society today needs a wake up call. These kids and Adults in general just want to be normal in their own special way!!!

Society is definately judging of the way people look and act. Their disability is often taken way out of proportion and made into something like a flesh eating disease that everyone wants to stay away from. From our own experiences we have had people shy away from Caitlyn as soon as they hear she is blind.

Caitlyn already is starting to catch up on her learning and how to interact with the world in general. I admit she has had difficulty in learning some things other kids find very simple.. As an example she really hasn't crawled around much cause she has her own little world which is basically what she can find within her arms or legs reach.. To get her to stand and take a step hasn't been easy but she is finally starting to take one or two tentative steps.

Well enough of my rant and rave for today. I will do my best to update the site a little more often.

Intel have released a new piece of equipment to allow VI people the ability to read printed material. It is a major step forward for the Vision Impaired community. The Unit does however cost $1499 US each...

READ MORE

This would have to be one of the best pieces of specialist equipment for Vision Impaired.

NEWS ITEM ON GIZMODO

I have just read this story on a Yahoo news group i read daily. I have posted a copy of the text here for all to read. It really shows how the perception of the needs of VI people varies so much depending on how you perceive the needs of the VI person. (Yeah i know that sounds confusing but please read on)

DON'T THROW THE NICKEL
by Kenneth Jernigan

This shows that technology is going ahead in leaps and bounds. You never know what is around the corner.

Virginia Technology

This is the second dance performed by Gerrard Gossens and his partner Jessica.

Well where does one start after watching "Dancing with the stars (Australia)".

Gerrard you are a true "star" and go getter.

As the grandparent of a VI child you have given both myself and my husband a great boost as to what our darling Caitlyn will be able to achieve in her life time.

I wish that we could be there when you do meet Caitlyn in the near future, but unfortunately that will not be possible, as we no longer live close by.

We will be following your adventure of ball room dancing with both admiration and anticipation and wish you well.

With regards to Caitlyn I believe that she is a little girl with a spirit of adventure. With the ongoing love and support of her Mum, Dad, big sister and her 2 brothers and all members of her family she will also meet all challenges, with the same results as Gerrard.
We should see Caitlyn again in a couple of weeks and I know that she will have advanced in leaps and bounds since our last contact with her.

Cheers to all, and especially, Caitlyn her loving parents, brothers and sister.

Mooty and Poppy

This is a short video that shows how a vision impairment will not stop anyone who wishes to succeed.

It shows how Caitlyn can live a very full and fullfilling life. That nothing will stop her from being able to do whatever she wants to do.

It is the video of Gerrard Gosens on the first episode of Dancing with the Stars. As a quick side note we are shortly going to meet with Gerrard and his Wife and Daughter. This has been arranged thru Caitlyns Day Care service.

Please enjoy this video as much as i have.

Fantastic news story of a Blind Man in Queensland, Australia who is on Dancing with the Stars Australian edition.

Dancing with the stars Link

I found this video today on youtube of a Pianist from Japan who has microphthalmia same as Caitlyn.

Please enjoy watching this video as much as i did.

Further to this i found an article relating to his performance here. Please read HERE for further information