The framework can be used to enable parents and carers to understand the pathways of support for their child or young person and the services involved in providing that support within a given nationwide context.
It provides a common language and shared vocabulary which enables parents, vision impairment education professionals, classroom teachers, teaching assistants and other professionals to communicate more effectively when discussing a child or young person’s support needs.
This increased understanding of the areas of focus for learning should enable parents to feel more comfortable and confident when meeting professionals to discuss their child or young person’s progress.
Examples of how our team supports parents and carers
- Help families understand the diagnosis or implications of visual impairment.
- Provide direct support to babies, young children and their parents or carers in the home and/or early years setting to support the early development and learning through play.
- Offer support and ideas on how to create a visually stimulating environment.
- Ideas on which toys allow your child to develop and use their vision, for example, good colour contrast, tactile features.
- Positive focus on a child or young person’s strengths.
- Ensure that pupil and parental voice is captured to promote collaboration.
- Liaise with other professionals involved with your child or young person.
- Attend meetings.
- Effective signposting to other organisations that can offer additional advice such as:
- Devon Information and Support (DIAS)
- The Nystagmus Network – a UK-based charity that supports people with nystagmus and leads to research into the condition
- The Albinism Fellowship – a voluntary self-help, sociable and positive organisation that aims to provide information and support for people with an interest in the condition
- RNIB – Royal National Institute of Blind People
- Guidedogs
- Royal Blind Children’s Society