Episode 10 –  Insights from a Teacher of the Visually Impaired

In this episode, we’re joined by Beth, an education consultant with the Bureau of Education Services for the Blind at the Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services. With more than 20 years of experience as a certified Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI), Beth supports children and their families as they navigate the educational journey with low vision.

She shares how she found her path into this field and offers practical guidance for parents who are just getting started—covering everything from understanding available resources to making decisions about mainstream education versus schools for the blind. Beth also talks about the importance of advocacy, adapting learning materials, and building the skills students need for independence.

Episode 1 – The LCA Journey: Two Parents’ Perspectives/Get to know the Hope in Focus founding

In this inaugural episode, host Ben Shaberman talks with Laura Manfre and David Brint—founders of two leading organizations in the LCA space. Laura is the co-founder of Hope in Focus and a current board member of the Foundation Fighting Blindness. David founded the Foundation for Retinal Research and is the former board chair of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

They share their personal journeys as parents of children with LCA, from receiving the diagnosis to helping build the LCA community into what it is today. Hear how their experiences led to the creation of Hope in Focus and the Foundation for Retinal Research, and how those efforts continue to support and inspire families.

For those newly facing an LCA diagnosis, Laura and David offer perspective, encouragement, and practical ways to find connection, hope, and community.