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    The Needs & Rights of Children who are Blind or Visually Impaired

    The impact of vision loss on the child & family must be understood and addressed

      Lack of vision limits much of a child's ability to:

      • know where he is and how to move from place to place.
      • imitate and interact socially.
      • understand what causes things to happen.

      Children learn to play with others by watching, moving close to the action, and then joining in the game. A child who cannot see others playing, who doesn't know how to move closer to them, and who has no way to find out how the game is played, often becomes isolated. As a result, this child may be perceived as withdrawn or developmentally delayed. Special training is required to understand the role that vision plays in development and to master the techniques for teaching the skills that deal with the effects of blindness and visual impairment.

    Children who are blind or visually impaired and their families require early intervention services.

      Childhood services or impairment has an impact on the entire family system. Services should begin as soon as a vision problem is diagnosed in order to encourage a child's development and to prevent or minimize secondary conditions such as withdrawal, stereotypic behaviors (ex. eye poking, rocking), school failure, and family stress.

    Children who are blind or visually impaired and their families have a right to qualified instructors and specialists

      The people specifically trained to provide educational services to a child who is blind or visually impaired are:

      • Teachers of the visually impaired
      • Orientation and mobility instructors

    Children who are blind or visually impaired and their families have a right to appropriate special services and instruction

      The following services must be integrated into a program that promotes independence for each child:

      • Cognitive development opportunities (learning basic concepts, problem solving skills)
      • Communication skills instruction (listening, turn taking, personal expression, braille readiness)
      • Gross and fine motor training (developing physical control and stamina)
      • Low vision training (learning to use vision)
      • Orientation & Mobility instruction (learning to move independently in the environment)
      • Parent education and family support (developing understanding, skills, and the ability to access personal and community resources)
      • Recreation opportunities (enhancing creativity and enjoyment)
      • Sensory training (learning to use the senses)
      • Social skills instruction (learning skills for daily living and relationships)

    Keystone Kids is a program of the
    Keystone Blind Association
    e-mail: kba@keystoneblind.org