39 Years of Experience Raising a Blind Child
My son Skylar was born with Leber’s congenital amaurosis, a rare genetic condition causing blindness from birth. I spent 39 years learning everything I could about raising a blind child — and Skylar’s story is proof that the right approach works.
Skylar’s Journey
- Early intervention at six months old at the Jewish Guild for the Blind (now Lighthouse Guild) in New York
- Academic excellence — member of his high school’s Academic Challenge Team, nearly single-handedly defeating another school in Jeopardy-style competition at age 15
- First Guild Scholar — scholarship program created after the Guild saw Skylar’s story
- Graduated top of his class from Saint Mary’s College of California — won two major awards, selected as one of three valedictorians
- PhD in Philosophy from UC Santa Barbara
- 27 gold medals in track, equestrian, and other events at the New York State Games for the Physically Challenged
- Paralympic-trained downhill blind snow skier
- Concert pianist who performed at Perkins School for the Blind
Dr. Skylar Covich Today
At 39, Skylar holds several prestigious positions:
- Advisory Committee Member — Lighthouse for the Blind (New York)
- Vice President — Xavier Society for the Blind
- Disability Rights Advisor — City of Santa Barbara
- Keynote Speaker and Trainer — Be My Eyes AI program
- Married to Theresa (PhD), father of two sons
What I Can Help With
Drawing from 39 years of practical experience, I offer guidance on:
- Home safety — Comprehensive protocols covering furniture, bathrooms, doors, cars, and all aspects of keeping a blind child safe
- Early intervention — What programs exist and how to access them
- Educational advocacy — IEP development, classroom positioning, assistive technology, coordinating braille specialists
- Athletic and recreational programs — Building confidence and physical skills through adaptive sports
- Independence training — Guiding the transition from dependency to full adult independence
- Medical research — Staying current with treatment possibilities, clinical trials, and assistive technology
A Resource I Recommend
I helped create and contributed to Wonderbabies.org, a comprehensive resource for parents of blind children. Skylar’s life is profiled on the platform. My philosophy: every blind child can become a wonder baby.