New to vision impairment?
Have you recently found out that your child has a vision impairment?
RSBC is here to help. You may have no previous experience of vision impairment, so when you find out your child has a condition affecting their sight, it may feel like a big shock. There’s no right or wrong way to feel or react, and it’s important to take some time to adjust, consider how you’re feeling, and to start to understand that you’re not alone.
You may feel overwhelmed with all the information you’re taking on board, decisions that you’re being asked to make for and with your child, and about how the future may look now.
How your child copes with their diagnosis will vary greatly, partly depending on their age and their condition. They may also need some emotional support, and feel really uncertain about the future.
What support is there for my family?
There is support for you, your child and your family through RSBC, and other services too that support blind and partially sighted children and young people.
We have a dedicated support service called “Families First”. Our team of friendly Family Practitioners can meet with you and your family and support you at a time when you most need it. They can meet you at home, online or on the phone, but are there for the whole family through what can often feel like an emotional time. Even if a quick chat is all you need as you start to understand your child’s diagnosis, we’re happy to do just that.
You can also call our dedicated advice and guidance support line to find out what kind of support is available to you, understand more about benefits, or discover more about the services you and your child can expect and the professionals in your community who can help you adjust.
What next for my child’s future and our family?
RSBC wants every one of the 37,000 blind and partially sighted children in England and Wales to have the skills and confidence to live their life without limits. As their family, you play the key role in that. We know that the whole family may need a little help or information along the way, so we’re there to support you all with practical and emotional guidance from the point of diagnosis.
With the right support, blind and partially sighted children can live happy and fulfilling lives.
