Parent Pathways
Parent Pathways is a free and informal service for parents and carers whose child has recently been diagnosed with vision impairment, or who want to find out more about the support available.
Parent Pathways is a safe and supportive space for you and a small group of other parents and carers to:
- learn about a range of topics on parenting a child with vision impairment
- discuss some of the important questions that you might have
- share experiences and understanding with others in a similar situation.
Parent Pathways: First Steps course
Our Parent Pathways First Steps course offer you the chance to find out about:
- early support around your child’s diagnosis
- the ‘who’s who’ of key professionals
- certification and registration
- accessing specialist support
- ways of meeting other families
Duration and structure
Parent Pathways: First Steps courses are open to parents and carers of children aged 0 to 25 across the UK. New courses run throughout the year and:
- take place over two consecutive weeks
- last for 90 minutes each week
- take place on Microsoft Teams
- include a Parent Plan to help you organise your notes
- are led by two experienced professionals from our Education and Children Service
2026-27 course dates
Morning courses run 11am-12.30pm on Tuesdays:
- 14 and 21 April
- 2 and 9 June
- 22 and 29 September
- 17 and 24 November
- 9 and 16 February 2027
Evening courses run Thursdays at 7-8.30pm on:
- 7 and 14 May
- 9 and 16 July
- 15 and 22 October
- 21 and 28 January 2027
- 11 and 18 March 2027
To book a course or find out more:
The opportunity to talk to other parents and carers is a vital part of Parent Pathways so we may cancel or postpone a course if numbers are too low. We’ll give at least 1 week’s notice and offer priority choice of alternative dates if this happens.
Further support
RNIB provides free, specialist advice and support for children and young people with vision impairment – from birth to age 25 – and their families.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or you’d like more information about anything mentioned on this page, we can help.
We offer:
- family, early years and transitions support
- support for education professionals
- advice about accessible books, toys and learning materials
- opportunities to meet and talk with other families.
Please contact us at [email protected].
