Services Children & Families Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What toys and games might be suitable for my child?
If your child has some sight, then choose toys that:
- are bright, bold and big
- make a noise. If your child has no sight, then making a sound of some kind is a must
- have a variety of interesting surfaces and textures
The RNIB online shop has a range of toys and games specifically designed for children who have a sight impairment.
It's a good idea to keep games and activities in the same place. For example, always use the same table for play dough or painting. For a small child keep their toys on a play mat so they can easily find them and learn to explore within a safe area.
Will my child be able to drive when they grow up?
It depends on the nature of their sight impairment. For example, some cataract conditions can be cured. So long as they then have a sight test which confirms their eligibility, your child would then be able to drive. If your child's eye condition makes future driving impossible, there are concessions available for use on public transport.
Read more about driving eligibility
How can play help my child to learn?
Young children learn a great deal by watching and imitating others. Children who have a sight impairment can learn through a variety of play and games specifically designed to help them learn about their worlds and acquire self-help skills (like eating and dressing):
- songs that combine words with touch (like ‘Head, shoulders, knees and toes') teach the names of body parts
- messing around with over-sized clothes gives your child practice in dressing themselves
- a song like ‘The Hokey Cokey' can help your child understand the concepts of ‘up', ‘down', ‘behind'
- sorting games that use only touch. A collection of objects can be sorted by their different qualities: shape (circles, triangles, squares), rough or smooth, hard or soft, silent or noisy
- finger painting and colouring
Some children who have a sight impairment hate getting their hands dirty. They may find it unpleasant to touch wet or squidgy substances like Play Doh or wet foods.
Will my child be able to go to a mainstream school?
This depends upon whether your child has other needs in addition to their sight impairment.
Many children who have a sight impairment attend a mainstream school. According to their academic interests, many go on to Further or Higher education.
Some of the best mainstream provision for students with a sight impairment are schools that have a designated sight impairment unit. The presence of a specialist team ensures an awareness of the needs of students with sight impairments throughout the school, and a high-level of support across the curriculum.
What education support is available for my child?
Specialist teaching services are available to children who live in Kent, Medway and Bromley. These services are available from pre-school through to 19. They are provided by:
- Preschool workers who provide support for families, helping sight impaired babies and young children develop
- Qualified Teachers of children who have sight impairments who provide regular support in school settings
- Technical Support Officers who give advice on the types of assistive technology that can support a sight impaired child
"Our aim is to support families and children in order to maximise the learning experiences of children whose sight is impaired. We work with children from birth or diagnosis until they leave school."
Kent Specialist Teaching Service
When should my child start independent travel?
When they are ready. All children develop and grow at their own speed and this includes the need to be independent either in mobility or daily living skills. It is vitally important for your child to receive the training required to help them achieve the independence they need to fulfil their potential in these skills areas.
My child is registered severely sight impaired. What are his/her prospects?
Nowadays sight impaired children are given just as many opportunities for education and development as sighted children. There are a whole range of interests and careers available to them. KAB Mobility Officers can teach a child with any level of vision how to move about safely and independently both indoors and outside. It is most important that sight impaired children are encouraged to be as independent as possible so that they can take advantage of opportunities in every aspect of their lives.