Vision Impairment

This guide is from the Southend Vision Impairment (VI) Team. It is written from the perspective of a young child, we hope you find it helpful.

I may not be able to see very well but this does not mean that I will not be able to:

• lead a full and happy life
• have a full-time job
• look after my own family in the future

However, I may need more help than other children.

I have to be taught to do things that other children learn by copying. I have to learn to use my hands, ears and senses of taste and smell to the fullest. Read these tips and see how you can help me become curious and independent.

• do things with me - I can't learn by seeing you do it
• let me learn to dress and undress myself
• help me wash and dry myself
• tell me what is around the walls, floor, ceiling, the door, windows and furniture
• let me get used to stairs, but have a safety gate when I explore on my own
• let me know you can see me when I am doing something clever. I like to know you are admiring my skills!
• take me out. Let me play outside in all weathers. Please don't cover my ears, I need them for my sense of direction
• I am just like other children and like to play with friends. Don't worry too much if I get a few knocks and bumps
• cuddle and talk to me, I need to know you are there
• tell me when you are going to touch me, or do something startling. I can't see your hand coming towards me! I might not want to be constantly touched and handled. It might irritate me. I can't read your body language but you can learn to read mine
• if you approach me from behind, speak to me and touch my shoulder so you do not startle me
• try to use the same perfumes and familiar smells. This helps me recognise people and situations
• always try to be truthful and honest with me. I must be able to trust those who help me. Let me hear you laugh when you tease me. I may not be able to see your smile
• explain what is going on. I may not be able to see what is happening. I can't always see where you are
• tell me what frightening noises are. Hold my hands when they happen, to reassure me
• tell me what you are doing and what is happening around me. The radio is nice but it's not like listening to you
• keep the room I'm in well-lit. Position me so I can make full use of the lighting. This helps me use my vision as well as I can
• when you speak to me, get close and speak very clearly
• I only get to know people by being with them, hearing them and "helping" them
• give me things made of wood, wool and metal to play with, not always plastic. Tie them to the cot so I don't lose them. I prefer hard, chewy things to play with. Make sure they are not tiny until I am older because I might swallow them
• let me find out for myself and tell me what it's called. What is wet? What is gritty? What is sticky? What is soft? What makes a nice noise?
• real things and boxes are good to play with. They are things I should understand. I may like them better than expensive toys
• let me `help` in the kitchen. I learn a lot through my fingers and nose. Fit a guard to the top of the cooker. Turn saucepan handles away from the front and sides because I cannot see danger
• as I grow, I need to know about the real world. Let me handle as many natural objects as possible
• let me help to bath a friend's baby. Is it a girl or a boy? Am I a boy or a girl? It is important that I know the difference.
• point to things in pictures, so I can look at the right thing. Make sure they look real and are large and clear enough to see
• if I need to wear glasses, make sure I wear them when I should
• if more than one member of the family wears glasses, make sure I wear mine and can recognise them
• if my glasses are essential, please make sure I have a spare pair
• make sure my glasses are clean (sometimes I get my food on them). When cleaning the lenses use material that won't scratch the surface. Plastic lenses are safer but scratch more easily than glass ones
• the glasses prescribed will not suit me forever. Eyes have to be re-tested. Check with the optician
• when my glasses are off, don't rest the lenses against a surface. They scratch and mark easily