Vision Impairment

This guide has been produced by the Southend Vision Impairment (VI) Outreach Service. 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 and 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. So please read these tips and see how you can help me to become inquisitive 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 to wash and dry myself
• show me what is around the walls, floor, ceiling, the door, windows and furniture - please let me know
• let me get used to stairs but have a safety gate when I explore on my own
• let me know that you can see me when I am doing something clever. I like to know that you are admiring my skills!
• take me out and 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
• please cuddle me and talk to me, I need to know that 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! Please remember that I might not want to be constantly touched and handled as this might be irritating to me. Even though I cannot read your body language you can learn to read mine
• if you approach me from behind, please speak to me and touch my shoulder so that you do not startle me
• try to use the same perfumes and familiar smells so that I begin to 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.
• please explain what is going on as I may not be able to see what is happening. I can't always see where you are
• tell me what those frightening noises are and please 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
• make sure you keep the room I'm in well-lit and make sure I am positioned so that I can make full use of the lighting as this helps me to use my vision as well as I can
• when you speak to me please 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 that I don't lose them. I prefer hard, chewy things to play with and until I'm older make sure they are not tiny 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
• please let me `help` in the kitchen. I learn a lot through my fingers and nose. Please fit a guard to the top of the cooker and 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 the things in pictures, then I can look at the right thing. Please make sure they look real and are large enough and clear to see
• if I need to wear glasses please make sure I actually wear them at the times I should
• if more than one member of the family wears glasses please make sure that I am wearing my own and can recognise them
• if my glasses are essential, please make sure I have a spare pair
• please 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 are more easily scratched 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 taken off please make sure the lenses are not resting against a surface because they scratch and mark very easily