Did you know that Visability WA’s specialist team can help you and your child as they navigate their journey through the school system?
Starting school is an exciting time for children and their families. It’s no less exciting for children with low or no vision, but it can come with additional challenges.
Our team is here to help your child navigate those challenges as they arise and ensure they get the most out of their education journey.
Supporting School aged children
Some children with vision impairment have unique learning needs which can impact the way they learn, navigate the playground and develop friendships.
Our specialist therapy team is here to support children, families, early childhood educators, teachers and teaching assistants as children navigate this exciting new stage of life and ensure they develop the tools to live independent, fulfilled lives.
What impact can vision impairment have on learning?
The impact that having no or low vision can have on learning varies significantly depending on the nature and extent of vision impairment.
Some school aged children may rely on a guide dog or white cane to assist mobility, and many will use assistive technology to help them with their learning. Even seemingly minor adjustments such as sitting a vision impaired child at the front of the class can have a major impact.
Vision impairment can not only impact a child’s ability to learn, it also impacts the way they connect with others in the school community, their confidence navigating the classroom, the playground and the school grounds and ultimately their enjoyment of life.
Our specialist services can help your child to:
- Communicate effectively to develop friendships and connections
- Enjoy reading books and playing games
- Build coordination and fitness to participate in sport and leisure
- Manage their feelings and emotions
- Prepare them to live independently, find employment and actively participate in family life
- Use equipment and technology to enhance learning outcomes
Our Accessible information Services Team also provides transcription services and practical information to ensure schools and university learning materials are accessible for those with low or no vision.
This includes everything from books and printed documents to websites, videos, apps and physical spaces such as workplaces and public areas.
We can translate information into large print, Braille, e-text and DAISY (Digital Accessible Information System).
Group Programs
We also run a number of group programs for school aged children including the LEGO® Workshop – which builds key skills including problem-solving, sharing and turn-taking.
If you think we can help you and your child and make sure their school days are as rewarding as possible please reach out to our team to find out more.