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Chapter 13
Becoming Part of the
Community
Children who cannot see well are part of the community, just like all
children. But too often children who cannot see are kept at home. They
seldom play outside, or walk, or help with their family’s work. These
children have little chance to get to know other people, and other people
do not get to know them. People may even think that blind children
cannot learn how to do things. When children who cannot see go out
into the community, people may be unsure how to talk to them, or how
to act.
I never met a
blind child before
Comfort.
I wonder if
Comfort can
come play with
us.
As parents, you can do a lot to help your child become an active member
of the community. Take your child with you as much as possible — when
you collect water, or gather wood, or when you go to the market, or to
school, religious services, and community meetings and events. Along
the way, describe what you see and encourage her to listen to sounds,
and to touch and smell things. Introduce her to the people and animals
you meet, and teach her how to greet people.