Friends and Family

Parents' Place - FAQs

Summary: Frequently asked questions for parents of children with sight problems and for parents who themselves are blind or partially sighted

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We have a diagnosis from the hospital but now we are back at home on our own. What help is available?

This site can provide information about aspects of home and school life, and provide contacts for support organisations and service providers. See Early Years and Play section for details of RNIB information and advice.

The RNIB publication Your First Steps provides information about how the eye works, and about the professionals you are likely to meet and the support you can receive from education, health and social services and voluntary organisations.

What support is available for my child at school?

Visit our Education section for information about the special educational needs system and education authority specialist services.

Where can I get toys suitable for my blind and partially sighted children?

See the Leisure and Play section for details of the RNIB/BTHA Toy catalogue.

We’ve got an appointment at the Eye Clinic, what should we expect?

The Health and Wellbeing section has advice about hospital visits.

How can I find out more about my child’s eye condition?

We have information about eye conditions on this site.

Should my child learn braille?

Your child should be given a functional vision assessment to determine which media is best for them ie large print, braille, Moon, etc. Many children with sight problems use more than one media, choosing what is best for the type of reading task. This assessment will usually be carried out by a qualified teacher of blind and partially sighted children, employed by your education authority (education and library board in Northern Ireland). For further advice about braille and other aspects of education, contact your local RNIB Education and Employment Network Centre

What technology is available for my child at home and at school?

Visit RNIB’s technology website for factsheets, FAQs and details of how to contact the RNIB Technology Information Service.

I am a partially sighted parent and want to find out what support is available for me?

In our Family matters section, there is information about benefits available to parents with sight problems, and case studies from parents talking about different experiences of raising children.

How can I get in touch with other parents?

Visit our Parents' Place forum - here you can read about other people's experiences, ask questions or answer someone else's!

Where can I find out about events for me and my child in my area?

Try our events noticeboard. You can also post information about your own events here.

Content author: sarah.holton@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13