Do you have any ideas on how to encourage play and learning in babies and children with vision impairment?

When children play, they do much more than simply enjoy themselves – they are learn to make sense of the world using all their senses: taste, smell, touch, hearing and sight. Young children with vision impairment may need encouragement and support to explore toys and materials and to play with other children. You can help your child by: 

• Observing your child’s behaviour closely to find out what interests them 

• Giving enriched descriptions of what they are doing and what you are doing 

• Providing a commentary so that your child learns about the things they cannot see 

• Providing rich experiences which build on your child’s interests 

• Giving them choice and control when they’re playing 

• Making sure your child can engage with an activity in their own way 

• Making sure your child is in the most suitable position to use hands and eyes to best advantage, whether seated, standing or lying down 

• Keeping toys within reach so that any of your child’s movements can create an effect 

• Allowing your child to explore objects with their mouth or feet as well as encouraging them to use their hands. 

RNIB has several guides to support parents playing with babies and children with vision impairment: 

• Let’s Play covers sensory play: www.rnib.org.uk/play  

• Messy and Muddy covers outdoor play: www.rnib.org.uk/messy 

• Parties and Playdates covers inclusive play with sighted peers: www.rnib.org.uk/parties 

• Celebrations covers inclusive cultural and religious activities: www.rnib.org.uk/celebrations 

RNIB Specialist Advice Service Advisors can give further information on this topic