Mother’s Day is a time to honor the love, resilience and wisdom of mothers everywhere. For families affected by blindness or low vision, that love often includes powerful lessons in independence, advocacy, and communication — whether across miles, across years, or just six feet away.
VisionAware peers share honest thoughts about the role mothers have played in their lives. We also invite you to explore our website Available on Mother’s Day Gift guidewhich features thoughtful options like braille jewelry, large print and tactile games, audio entertainment, talking watches, and even smart glasses for people with vision loss.
Mom, the wind under my wings
Written by Diana Noriega
My mother was seventeen when she was born, the first of her five children. Six months later, I was diagnosed with congenital glaucoma, and doctors predicted that I would be completely blind by the age of ten.
I was a curious and independent child. My mother, unsure of how to raise a blind child, made a crucial decision: she would step back and let me discover my abilities and limitations.
She enrolled me in camps and activities for children with visual impairments, which helped me build my confidence and social skills. Most importantly, it gave me the freedom to try, fail, and grow. I understood that loving a blind child meant eliminating fear and encouraging independence.
On the occasion of my mother’s ninetieth birthday, I completed my book, Fifty years of walking with friendsabout my life with nine guide dogs. I had hesitated to publish it for years, but my desire to give it to my mother inspired me to finally take the step.
Honoring the mother’s advocacy and strength
Written by Sandra Burgess
He met my father singing in the church choir. Just six months later they got married. My mother came out of the church filled with joy, shouting: “I did it!”
I was born blind in the 1950s. At that time, resources were limited, and my father was encouraged to consult specialists with little practical experience. Fortunately, my mother knew a blind woman who lived independently, and this example shaped her approach.
She chose to raise me as a “normal child,” believing that I could grow into independence. While my father preferred boarding school, my mother invited me to attend the neighborhood school, where I stayed until seventh grade before transferring to the Perkins School for the Blind.
When I was in first grade, my school hired a teacher to help me learn Braille. My mother went further, waking up at 5:00 a.m. to write school materials in Braille by hand using a tablet and pen, and later as a Braille typist.
Her dedication made my education possible. Her belief in me changed my life. I will be forever grateful for her advocacy and perseverance.
Stay connected across miles this Mother’s Day
By Maribel Steele
Instead of waiting for my kids to call or send them gifts, I decided to surprise them. I ordered the flower bulbs online and had them delivered directly to my daughters.
Even from a distance, sharing my love of gardening helps me feel closer to them. This small gesture reminds me that connection does not depend on proximity, but grows through intention and love.
Accessible Mother’s Day gift ideas for people who are blind or have low vision
Are you looking for meaningful and practical gifts? Consider these accessible options designed for people with vision loss:
- Braille or tactile jewelry
- Large format printed and tactile board games
- Audiobooks and entertainment subscriptions
- Talking clocks and clocks
- Smart glasses and assistive technology
- Low vision devices such as magnifying lenses and electronic aids
These gifts can support independence, enjoyment and everyday life.
