1. Research your area to see if there are any accessible Visual Impairment (VI) Coded mainstream schools that provide a TBVI (Teacher of the Blind & Visually Impaired) who can implement braille, abacus, assistive technology, orientation & mobility and other specialised programs that will assist in supporting your child's needs. You'll be surprised how many there are!
2. If the VI Coded school involves travel look into applying for a taxi subsidy to receive free travel to relieve the morning and afternoon drive. Ask the school for further information!
3. On enrolment, ensure you have all recent ophthalmologist & relevant specialist reports so the school can ensure your child receives the funding and support they need.
4. If your child participated in an Early Childhood Developmental Program (ECDP) ask the teacher to email the TBVI or school a transition report including photos of their daily set up.
5. Request to meet with the Head of Special Education (HOSE), TBVI & Classroom Teacher to talk with them about your child's individualised needs, what you need to prepare as a parent for your child's first day and start building a positive rapport with those who will be heavily involved with your child's learning to reduce first day nerves.
6. Work with the school to develop an Individualised Education Program (IEP) for your child that outlines their specific needs and goals.
7. Provide the school with any necessary adaptive equipment or materials that your child may need, such as a Mountbatten brailler, Smart brailler, Perkins, etc. or devices such as ipads, lightbox or laptops.
8. Encourage your child to be independent and to develop their problem-solving skills.
9. Support your child in learning how to navigate their way through the school environment by attending transition days and liaising with an Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Instructor who can teach skills in how to navigate safely and map their new environment. The school may also permit extra transition sessions with the O&M Instructor on school grounds to build familiarity.
10. Make sure your child is receiving appropriate instruction in braille, if applicable. If a VI Coded school isn't accessible, the school can apply for an Advisory Visiting Teacher specialising in Visual Impairments (AVT-VI) who can visit the school in implementing braille programs.
11. Support your child in developing social skills and making friends by encouraging them to participate in extracurricular activities and sports.
12. Stay in touch with your child's teachers and school staff to stay informed about their progress and to address any concerns that may arise. Send an email or request a meeting to discuss important issues.
13. Advocate for your child's rights and ensure they are receiving the same opportunities as their sighted peers. Teach your child how to advocate for their needs in the classroom, eg. Asking to change seating positions to hear teacher more clearly, request braille resources for equal access to curriculum, using assistive technology in the classroom to access school work, etc.
14. Encourage your child to set goals for themselves and to work towards achieving them with the help of their teachers and school staff.
15. Expose your child to a wide range of experiences, environments, textures, opportunities to explore, and immerse them in braille as often as possible to assist in developing foundational concepts and sensorimotor skills.
Jax @TactileCollective
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