Advice for early years settings on supporting vision impaired children
Admitting a vision impaired child into your setting, whilst perhaps needing some extra thought and preparation, does not necessarily mean a huge amount of extra or special work. Much good practice for vision impaired children is often good practice for all children.
This guide, produced by the Southend-on-Sea City Council Vision and Hearing Support Service, contains some suggestions.
- vision impaired children may be unaware of all the activities which are available in the setting and may need physically guiding around the choices so that they become familiar with what is available
- children should be shown if there is a change in the layout of the setting furniture. Doors and windows should either be fully open or completely closed, since half opened windows and doors can cause accidents
- at story time children may need to sit at the front of the group and may need an opportunity to look at the book individually. Point to features in pictures so that the child is looking at the right thing. Make sure the pictures you use look real and are large and clear enough to see
- pictures etc. should be covered or laminated with matt Perspex
- avoid using tracing paper
- for writing and mark-making black felt tip pen is best
- lighting should be helpful, but not dazzling
- make sure you have the child's full attention before giving any instructions. If you are speaking specifically to them, make sure you say their name first
- vision impaired children are often unaware of body language and gestures and may need specific instructions
- you may need to give individual demonstration of skills. Hand over hand may be necessary
- if the child wears glasses, make sure they have them on and that they are clean. Particular attention might need to be paid after lunch!
- it is really important that vision impaired children handle and play with real objects. Plastic things do not give the same sensory information. If plastic things are used, such as plastic fruit in the role play shop, explain that these are not real but toys to pretend with
If you would like any further information or have any questions, please contact the Vision and Hearing Support Service.