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Support Groups

Father and mother holding their daughter's hand

Navigating as a Blind Parent in a Sighted World

November 1, 2017 | 1 Comment

by Polly Abbott, CVRT

  A lot has been written about supporting parents of visually impaired children, but not as much for parents with vision loss raising sighted children. Recently, a group of parents and a new grandmother gathered at Second Sense to talk about the challenges and rewards of raising children.  Everyone agreed the children were their reason […] Read More »

An iPhone on top of a Book

Book Clubs: More than Just a New Book to Read

September 15, 2017 | 1 Comment

by Polly Abbott, CVRT

It’s More than a Book Several vision loss support groups in the Chicago area also host Talking Book Clubs. Many occur at local libraries and are led by professional leaders. The only difference is that the participants generally are all reading audio books through the NLS Talking Book program. Recently, I had a conversation with […] Read More »

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Lisa

What Can a Support Group Do for You?

July 15, 2016 | 2 Comments

by Kathy Austin: An Interview with Lisa, Second Sense support group member

Support groups, no matter what the nature of issue, serve many purposes.  It is a chance to learn, to adjust and to heal.  Lisa is one of those people who reached out and experienced the benefits of what a support group has to offer.  Recently we sat down with Lisa to talk about her experiences […] Read More »

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Silhoutte of a woman with arms outstretched at sunset

Breaking Free from the Flock: When Is It Time to Stop Going to the Support Group?

May 31, 2016 | Leave a Comment

by Polly Abbott, CVRT, OMS

Feeling the Safety in Numbers There is safety in numbers and comfort in being one of a crowd.  But, sometimes it is necessary to see if you can stand alone.  It means facing fears of failure and putting to the test everything you have learned up to that point. Blind service agencies and support groups […] Read More »

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Couple shaping hands into a heart

Love, Belonging, and Commitment: Not Just for Your Valentine

February 3, 2016 | Leave a Comment

by Polly Abbott, CVRT, OMS

I have a small confession.  Valentine’s Day has been a favorite holiday of mine since grade school. Once January hits, I am already planning a party that somehow never gets thrown.  Wrapped up amongst thoughts of pink-iced heart-shaped sugar cookies with cinnamon heart candies on them is an appreciation for the less silly and more […] Read More »

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Have Intentional Discussions with Your Loved Ones

April 16, 2014 | 1 Comment

by Marcia Knudson, Manager of Counseling Services at Second Sense

[getty src=”481897087?et=g8dNCNwlG0yVT_nDdRTTYg&sig=12LN4QiUDGxYPIFxIN0rIKoeViYxBCTppjBAPIPXwN0=” width=”507″ height=”398″] If you’re anything like me, your thoughts and energies are directed toward lists and responsibilities. When your activity level goes up, so can your stress level. The close relationships we have go more smoothly when expectations and intentions are clear.  But they often aren’t clear, and misunderstanding, frustration and impatience ensues. Bringing some […] Read More »

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Join the Family and Friends Exchange!

January 15, 2014 | Leave a Comment

by Marcia Knudson, Manager of Counseling Services at Second Sense

We’re All In This Together Remember when our parents would say something like, “This is going to hurt me more than it’s going to hurt you,” right before imposing something on us that we clearly didn’t want?  They knew that we were going to be unhappy, and it hurt them when we were unhappy because […] Read More »

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The Independence Balancing Act

September 19, 2013 | 2 Comments

by Marcia Knudson, Manager of Counseling Services at Second Sense

I Can Do It Myself! Independence is a goal that motivates us throughout our lives.  A forceful “I can do it myself” is a solid part of a toddler’s vocabulary. At the same time, children will easily and without drama, ask an older sibling or a parent to reach that bag of cookies that is […] Read More »

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