Sensory Impairment Service (SIS): Supporting Children With Vision Impairment When Learning at Home - NNC and WNC

Top Tips for supporting children with vision impairment when learning at home

Find a distraction-free space for your child to work in. If your child is engaging in activities, ask them if they are in the best position and if they can see .

Please consider:

• Lighting (needs to be good but avoid glare)
• Colour, contrast, and size of materials
• Positioning 

Your child’s Functional Vision Assessment (FVA) report will contain further information. You can also contact your child’s Qualified Teacher of Children with Vision Impairment (QTVI) for support.

• Ensure electronic equipment is kept in a safe place and is charged.
• For large-print users, remember to use magnification and voiceover when using electronic devices.
• Remember to access differentiated equipment such as rulers, pens, sloping boards, and low vision aids.
• If extra lighting is needed, the lamp should be placed to the rear and on the writing-hand side. The light should not dazzle.
• Your child may need a demonstration if learning a new skill. Break down the task into small steps and make your instructions clear.
• Short, varied, and frequent activities are better than fewer and longer ones. Take rest breaks between activities.

Resources 

• You can access adapted materials from:RNIB BookShare:  If you need log-in details, please email [email protected] to access details, guides, and support.
• Custom Eyes Books provides adapted versions of books at the cover price plus postage.
• The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Library provides books in braille and audio on request.
• Everyone can sign up to the Northamptonshire Libraries e-book service. Books can be read on an iPad or laptop, and they disappear at the end of the loan (or you can renew them if you need longer). There are no fees or late return charges. Adult, children and audiobooks are available.
• The RNIB have created a play guide that aims to help parents/carers get started with fun-filled playtimes for their child (to develop and explore their senses). It also features handy tips and ideas from other parents and carers on choosing toys, creating play environments, creative activities, and further resources. RNIB - Let’s Play! A Guide with Toy and Play Ideas for Children with Vision Impairment (PDF 2.3MB).

Please contact your Qualified Teacher of Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (QTVI) for further advice and support.

Northamptonshire Sensory Impairment Service (SIS) c/o The William Knibb Centre, Montagu Street, Kettering, Northamptonshire NN16 8AE