What about my child's future?

---

HealthWiki > Helping Children Who Are Blind > Chapter 1: How Can I Help My Child? > What about my child’s future?

---

In this chapter:

 

In this chapter:

Many parents worry about their child’s future, even after he begins to learn new skills and go to school. They wonder, “What will happen when he grows up? How will he manage when we are gone?”

Sometimes it helps parents to learn about others who, even though they cannot see, have grown up to lead full and satisfying lives — to have families of their own, to earn a living, and to become respected members of their communities. Blind people can achieve this when:

• people understand that blind children, like all children, can learn.
• their families and communities help them succeed.

Here, for example, is what the future held for Rani:

How proud I am of Rani.

As Rani grew up, she often helped her parents in their shop. By the time she had finished school, Rani was so good at math she was able to help with the store’s accounts. She also kept track of supplies by writing the lists in Braille. Rani’s parents were pleased with her accomplishments.

When Rani turned 18 her parents accepted a proposal of marriage from Mani, a young man from their village. Mani and Rani were married, and after Rani had her first baby, she kept the baby beside her as she worked at the shop.

We’ve seen you manage your accounts. Can you teach us too?

Rani was so capable, people began to rely on her skills in other ways.

Children asked her to help with their school work. “Rani usually knows the answer,” they said. And when some neighbor women started a weaving cooperative, they came to Rani for help setting up their accounts.

Sometimes Rani thinks about her life and how it might have been different if she could see. “Perhaps I would have done less if I could see,” she says. “Being blind made me determined to have a life just like other people.”