Resources for Visually Impaired Children

Children with visual impairments often require additional assistance with needs such as mobility training, adaptive technology, educational adjustments and financial or medical costs. Available resources help ensure these visually impaired individuals grow up to be successful citizens who are able to live and function independently.

Educational Resources

• Although many visually impaired students are successfully placed in mainstream classrooms, some children may require additional one-on-one training. In most states, specials schools for the blind exist. Students in regular classrooms may receive additional services through their special education department allowing for skilled vision teachers and orientation and mobility instructors to work with the child individually on skills necessary for gaining independence not only in the classroom but also in daily life.

Adaptive Technology

• Adaptive resources for visually impaired children and adults help them perform tasks independently. Some children with visual impairments use a walking stick to assist them in getting around their home and school. School districts may obtain large print or braille textbooks to help students read. Magnifiers, telescopes and closed-caption projectors are also available for students to use in the classroom to help enlarge print.

Financial Assistance

• A large portion of visually impaired children are considered legally blind by government guidelines and therefore may qualify for financial and medical assistance from many organizations including the Social Security Administration. Other state and charity organizations may provide services, prescription assistance and special funding for workshops, camps and other educational activities for children with visual disorders.