New to Vision Impairment?
Have you recently found out that your child has a vision impairment?
If so then we are here for you.
You may have no previous experience of vision impairment, so when you find out your child has a condition affecting their sight then it may feel a big shock. There is no right or wrong way to feel or react and it’s important to take some time to adjust, consider how you are feeling and to start to understand that you are not alone.
You may feel overwhelmed at all the information you are taking on board, decisions that you are being asked to make for and with your child, and about how the future may look now.
How your child copes with their diagnosis will vary greatly, partly depending on their age and their condition. They may also need some emotional support and feel really uncertain about the future.
What support is there for my family?
There is support for you, your child and your family through RSBC and other services too that support blind and partially sighted children and young people.
We have a dedicated support service called “Families First” where our team of friendly Family Practitioner’s can meet with you and your family and support you at a time when you most need it. They can meet you at home, online or on the phone, but are there for the whole family through what can often feel an emotional time.
You can also call our dedicated advice and guidance support line to find out what support is available for you, understand more about benefits or know more about what services you and your child can expect and what professionals are in your community that can help you adjust.(link here)
How can I meet other families in the same situation?
When you feel the time is right you may want to meet other families who have a blind or partially sighted child and share the same experiences and worries together. You can join our Connecting Families Facebook group here and get that much needed parent to parent support that can be so helpful when you are new to visual impairment. (link here) You may want to bring the family to one of our fun days at our Life Without Limits Centre, or join an online activity together. We also work with partners across England and Wales who may have activities in your community.
We offer a range of activities for children and young people where they can build some great friendships, and if your child is pre-school age you may like to join our Sensory Storytelling Sessions. (Add EY group once arranged)
What next for my child’s future?
For the 37,000 blind and partially sighted children in England at Wales, at RSBC we want them all to have the skills and confidence to live their life without limits and as their family you play the key role in that. We know that the whole family may need a little help along the way so we are there to support you all from the point of diagnosis with practical and emotional guidance. With the right support blind and partially sighted children can live happy and fulfilling lives.