In this section you can read our guides on developing skills in communicating with children with complex needs, including the use of communication technology, touch and objects of reference.
Read contributions from speech and language therapists and those by senior lecturers in the Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research, at the School of Education, University of Birmingham.
RNIB effective practice guides: communicating with children with complex needs
Alternative and Augmentative Communication
This guide gives explores the use of Communication Technology or Alternative and Augmentative Communication for children with severe visual impairment and complex needs.
Objects of Reference Guide
This guide considers the shortcomings of speech and sign and explores the use of Objects of Reference to aid communication.
Promoting Communication Guide
This guide gives explores the challenges of promoting communication in children with severe visual impairment and complex needs.
Sensitive Communication Partner Guide
This guide gives explores how to support a child with complex needs and visual impairment in developing early communication skills.
Using Touch Guide
This guide explores how to reduce potential barriers to learning and participation through touch for children who have multiple disabilities and visual impairment.
Further information
Communication in children with visual impairment is a new website created by Ian Bell, who is a Speech and Language Therapist specialising in children with visual impairment and additional complex needs. Please note that RNIB cannot be responsible for the content of external websites.