Children and families
‘Working with Jen has been invaluable, her experience and advice has been amazing. Being new to the visual impairment world can be quite scary but knowing where to go for advice makes it a lot easier.’
Our caring team are dedicated to helping children and young people with sight impairment to become as independent as possible. We’ll be here every step of the way giving your child the skills they need, when they need them. We will help your child to overcome any challenges of sight impairment so they can achieve their goals and fulfil their potential.
What we do
Every child’s needs will be different, so the support and help we give will be personalised to them. We can provide you, your family and your child with support and advice regardless of their age or how much sight they have, giving them the best chance to be as independent as possible. Our service is flexible and we’ll adapt to the needs of your child including if they have other disabilities or conditions.
We also provide a range of activities like theatre trips, bowling, cooking and ice-skating for them to enjoy with their peers, parents and siblings. Giving children with sight impairment the opportunity to have fun and experience new interests while building confidence, practising skills and meeting other young people.
Short Breaks
In Kent, we receive a short breaks grant funding to support activities for Kent children.
Forthcoming events
For information, please contact nicola.tallon@kab.org.uk (West Kent), Hayley Spain (Medway) or jen.bent@kab.org.uk (East Kent) or call 01622 691357 (select 1 for Rehabilitation).
In partnership with RSBC, we have organised monthly trampolining sessions with a coach from the Centre.
It’s the first Saturday of the month and is open to sight impaired children and young people in Medway.
We have a variety of activities that children and young people can take part in, from gliding and swimming to soft play and music sessions. Click the link below to see a calendar of events, or get in touch with our Children’s Workers:
- West Kent: Nicola Tallon
- Medway: Hayley Spain
- East Kent: Jen Bent
The service KAB has provided us with since our daughter was diagnosed has been amazing. They have guided us through and given us advice when needed.
KAB play a big part in our son’s life and he wouldn’t be where he is now without them.
Access Unlimited
Access Unlimited is a National Lottery Community Fund project managed by Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC); working in partnership with KAB.
Children, young people and carers will benefit from the project, accessing:
- Advice and support for families: Advice Officers help with benefits and funding applications. Family Practitioners support the whole family through difficult times, such as diagnosis, deterioration of vision, key school transitions or family difficulties.
- Online activities and support for children, young people and their families, including social events, post 16 and employment support, information and advice and assistive technology.
Fill out an online form to get support.
Mobility support
Some useful tips for helping your child continue with their mobility outside of school, including going somewhere new.
Guiding a child
Using the right techniques when guiding someone is very important. We help you to guide a child across a road and to sit at a chair.
Ready, steady, bake!
We have some recipes to try with your child when you’re at home. Help them to be independent, whilst observing safe practices.
Safety and wellbeing
If you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child or young person, particularly those with a disability, please contact your local KAB team or you can contact your local Safeguarding Children Board.
Kent Safeguarding Children Board
Medway Safeguarding Children Partnership
Bromley Safeguarding Children Partnership