Blind Couple, Alan And Paula Sprecher, Adopt Two Visually Impaired Daughters

Alan and Paula Sprecher of Chicago, both legally blind, understand how to face the daily obstacles of a darkened world together.

They decided to adopt two visually impaired girls, hoping to show them the same.

The Sprechers teach Rupa, 10, and Aihua, 6, how to live a normal life despite their impairment, guiding them through everything from finding their way in public to recognizing coins by size and weight.

Both legally blind since birth, the Sprechers wanted to help their own children overcome the same difficulties they faced growing up. Paula Sprecher told the Chicago Tribune:

"We could have had our own children, but we knew they would be visually impaired. We just knew that there were children who were out in the world who needed homes who already were visually impaired."

Originally from India, Rupa came to live with the Sprechers last year. The bubbly, extroverted 10-year-old now plays the piano and loves dolls. Alan Sprecher described the change she brought to the family to the Chicago Tribune:

"When we went to India to adopt Rupa, we came back with this extroverted child...who was outgoing and always bubbly and talks to everyone. So it's like, 'Well maybe she's going to draw the two of us out of our shells.'"

Six-year-old Aihau, from China, has been with her new family since January. She's still adjusting and learning English.

Sprecher explains:

"It remains to be seen what kind of personality she's going to have. From what we were told she's probably more introverted like us."

WATCH:

 

Comments

[allencollinsa]

05:23 AM on 05/29/2011

and the best thing of this whole story is their commitment to being very vocal democrats and fighting for our rights that the republicans are trying to take from us.

[RoseOC]

07:59 PM on 05/28/2011

As the mom of a young adult who recently became legally blind, this story brought tears to my eyes. I hope his life is as happy and rewarding as theirs is.

[katie lawson]

07:45 PM on 05/28/2011

Truly wonderful....

[isisreptiles]

06:07 PM on 05/28/2011

Kudos to these two wonderful, unselfish people who chose not to bring biological children into the world, knowing that they would be visually impaired. Instead they chose to share their lives and love with already-born visually-impaired children who really need them.

[brooklyncitizen]

12:27 PM on 05/28/2011

Man that is humbling....and utterly beautiful.

[Havana Thinks]

07:08 AM on 05/28/2011

Lovely people with two adorable children...Love makes all the difference!

[DanoX]

03:57 AM on 05/28/2011

Freakin AWESOME! I am sending positive energy to you!!

[MerrieWay]

01:55 AM on 05/28/2011

Touching...filled with love. Wonderful they reached out for children that they can really guide and help. Gratitude for their generous hearts.

[Anthony Goodwin]

03:57 PM on 05/27/2011

Wonderful story. Best wishes for this family!

[KIVPossum]

03:45 PM on 05/27/2011

So nice to hear about the Good people in the world.

[Sencbull]

03:43 PM on 05/27/2011

These are the type of people that I wish I had as neighbors.

[humansareinsane]

03:24 PM on 05/27/2011

This is what making a REAL difference looks like.

Notice the lack of protesters signs?

[An Independent Woman]

03:06 PM on 05/27/2011

When I read something like this, it makes all the Sarah Palin nonsense, and the left vs. right stuff seem so insignificant. My nomination of Persons of the Day are the Sprechers. Your great attitudes towards your children are awe inspiring.

[Guytar]

03:40 PM on 05/27/2011

The current political debate has become a screaming absurd farce.

Sprecher family are good parents with good kids. They make their own family life.

[frank day]

02:59 PM on 05/27/2011

Wow! Wonderful story of hope springing from tragic circumstances.

These folks are great examples.

[keemia]

02:51 PM on 05/27/2011

What amazing people. Puts me to shame.

[Guytar]

03:03 PM on 05/27/2011

Me too.