Services Children & Families Supporting Children who have sight impairments
Supporting Children who have sight impairments
We can't really know what a child who has a sight impairment is able to see, because we can't see the world through their eyes. However, we can get a good idea of what they can and can't see, and therefore what help is needed, simply by watching them closely:
KAB Medway Aiming High Scheme
Aiming High is a national scheme designed to provide short breaks for disabled children. KAB has secured funding to deliver leisure activities across the Medway area for children and young people with sight loss. We try to ensure that all of the activities are free and we will, wherever possible, provide transport to and from activities. We have sighted volunteers to ensure that the activities are inclusive and accessible for you too.
Since the project started in April 2010 we have arranged a variety of activities ranging from theatre trips with audio described performances, music workshops, a young drivers experience at Brands Hatch to a James Bond themed trip on a London Duck Tour.
We have also arranged regular drop in sessions at Gillingham Jumpers Gymnastics Centre; once a month families come together and there is the opportunity for the children to enjoy trampolining with qualified instructors. We try to provide the children with a range of activities which will enable them to build up their confidence and self-esteem, increase their mobility and independence.
New friendships have been made and parents are given the opportunity to network and hopefully relax whilst the children and young people enjoy the activities. One parent commented: “[My child] enjoyed themselves, they loved seeing Santa, doing some colouring in, making a card, enjoying their bacon sandwich and hot chocolate! It was a terrific and special time for them. They even talked to one of the other children which was a first! It was great to see.”
We continue to organise monthly activities for children and young people with sight loss living in the Medway area. We produce a termly newsletter which outlines the dates of forthcoming events and we are looking forward to an exciting programme of events over the next few months. This includes a visit to Chatham Ski Centre, theatre trips to see The Snow Queen and War Horse as well as a Christmas shopping expedition.
For further information on the project and how you can get involved please contact Alan Whetherly, KAB Medway Aiming High Co-ordinator on 01634 332 929 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Depending on the nature of their sight impairment:
- things may look blurred or fuzzy
- only a part of an object can be seen
- things can only be seen when they are moving
- or when they are stationary
- only objects directly in front of the child can be seen
- whereas things on the side are invisible
Because every child's needs will be different, so will be the support and help they receive.
Read about sight impairments in children
A sight impaired child often doesn’t realise that they see things differently than other people Join Parents of VI Kids Facebook Group - for parents and carers of visually impaired kids everywhere
Early intervention and independence
When a child has a sight impairment, it's important to provide them and their families with support and advice as early as possible. This can be when the child is still a baby. This way, the child stands the best chance of becoming as independent as possible later on in their life. They can also learn to use their vision to best advantage.
The degree of independence depends upon the nature of the sight impairment and whether the child has any other needs that require specialist support, such as a hearing impairment.
Some children will be able to travel independently, and may decide when they have finished school to go on to Further or Higher Education. Others will be able to achieve a degree of independence within a specialist educational environment.