Alden was born with profound hearing loss and limited vision. He has colobomas in both eyes and has lost additional vision in his right eye due to a retinal detachment. While specialists consider his vision loss significant, Alden continues to amaze us with how well he compensates.
He recognizes familiar faces, picks up tiny objects, loves watching cartoons, is learning to use his new AAC device, and is even beginning to match colors. He has far surpassed the expectations placed before him—so much so that I’m not always sure his eye doctors believe me when I tell them all the things he can do!
This year’s Deafblind Awareness Week theme, “Connected by Touch: Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges,” feels especially meaningful to our family. Alden thrives on touch and movement. He loves big hugs, swinging, rocking, and spinning. He relies heavily on hand-over-hand support—but often in his own unique way. He has become so accustomed to hand-over-hand that now instead of someone guiding his hands, Alden will frequently grab another person’s hand and guide them through a task he is fully capable of doing himself!
Watching Alden overcome obstacles and find his own way to navigate the world is one of our greatest joys. Every day, he reminds us that connection comes in many forms, and that barriers can be overcome with determination, creativity, and a little extra support along the way.
