Learning disabilities and sight impairments

People who have learning disabilities are more likely to have sight problems - particularly if they have cerebral palsy, Rubella syndrome or Down's syndrome. It has long been known that the more profound the learning disability, the more likely the individual is to have difficulty seeing. Some types of sight impairment are unique to people who have learning disabilities.

Did you know?

• 33% of people with a learning disability are likely to have a significant sight loss, a much higher incidence than the non-learning disabled population. Yet people with learning disabilities still struggle to access good eye care and preventative services

• Our research suggests that there may be between 9,000 and 11,500 sight impaired people with learning disabilities in Kent alone

Despite this, people with learning disabilities still struggle to access good eye care, preventative and rehabilitation services. Sometimes this is because staff and carers do not realise that the person has a sight impairment. They may also assume, quite wrongly, that it is either impossible to test the sight of someone who has a profound disability, or that little will be achieved by such a test.

One of the key problems is the shortage of those working with learning disabled people who are trained to recognise a sight impairment or trained to understand the specific needs arising from different types of sight impairment.

This means there may be many individuals in Kent with learning disabilities and sight impairments whose situation is not clearly recognised or recorded. Those who are known are receiving a varied quality of service.

KAB's work with people who have learning disabilities

We believe people with learning disabilities have the same rights to good eye care services as anyone else. To ensure this happens KAB employs specialist rehab workers for people with learning disabilities. Where appropriate people with learning disabilities can take advantage of the whole range of KAB's rehabilitation services.

This dedicated service started in 1994 after research indicated an urgent need for specially trained rehab workers in this field. Today six of our seven rehab teams have a specialist learning disability worker, whilst in Bromley a Screening Project is currently in operation to identify the level of need in that specific area.

KAB specialist services for people with learning disabilities

Support for Good Eye Care

• Vision screening to identify low vision
• Functional assessment of vision
• Preparation & referrals for sight tests
• Preparation & referral to ophthalmic services
• Advocacy for appropriate eye care & treatment
• Registration as severely sight impaired or sight impaired
• Support for spectacle wear

• Specialist Assessment of Needs
• Independent living
• Equipment provision
• Orientation and mobility
• Environmental audits
• Communication

Information and advice on:

• Benefits and concessions
• Play therapy and leisure activities
• Environmental assessments
• Sensory stimulation

Find your nearest KAB learning disabilities worker