Jackson’s Experience

Parent Review: Vision Forward Camp

“I just want to share our family’s experience because it meant the world to us.

Before we found Vision Forward, we kept running into closed doors. I enrolled my son in a basic gym class—he loved it, the first session went well—then I got a message that it might be “too risky” and they asked him not to return. I was devastated. It wasn’t about behavior; he’s social, kind, and loves being around people.

Then we tried a quiet music group. When he gets excited, he flaps his hands—stimming that helps him regulate. Another parent quickly pulled their child away. I thought maybe he’d bumped someone and went to apologize, but the mom said, “She’s just scared of him.” Because of hand-flapping. My heart broke, and we never went back.

We even gave a community sports program a shot. The people were kind, but it wasn’t the right fit—mostly older participants and only one child near his age. It felt isolating.

So when we signed up for Vision Forward Rainbow Day Camp, I was nervous and honestly bracing for disappointment.

I couldn’t have been more wrong.

At Vision Forward, my son was welcomed exactly as he is. Staff understood both visual impairment and stimming, and they were prepared. One of the biggest daily worries I carry is his vision—he looks like he sees “fine” to most people, but he sometimes skips ahead or bumps into others, and I’m constantly afraid he’ll wander and not find me. From the moment we arrived, I felt that heavy worry lift. He had a dedicated helper who stayed by his side, activities were set up thoughtfully, and transitions were calm and clear. For the first time in a long time, I felt safe handing him over to a team that truly “gets it.”

What made the difference:

• Thoughtful support: a helper who knew how to guide without hovering.
• Real inclusion: he wasn’t just allowed to be there—he belonged.
• Understanding: staff recognized stimming as part of how he experiences joy and regulates, not something to fear.
• Vision-aware: they anticipated the little things most people miss and kept him oriented and confident.

I tear up thinking about how seen our son was here. Vision Forward didn’t just provide a camp; they gave our family peace, dignity, and a place where our son could shine.

If you’re a parent wondering whether there’s a community that will welcome your child as they are—this was it for us. We are so grateful and can’t recommend Vision Forward enough.

– From a very thankful mom”