Play sessions for visually impaired children

The Blind Association is to host a play session for very young children with visual impairment to plug "a slight gap" in provision.

The Guernsey Blind Association is to partner with Guide Dogs UK to invite families to attend sessions that will use music, movement, sensory play, crafts and stories to help young children build confidence and develop early skills.

Organisers said it would also give families practical, playful techniques they could use at home, while offering a supportive space to meet others.

Islanders were invited to a free My Time to Play taster session designed specifically for children aged from birth to four, on 9 July.

Orientation and mobility instructor at the Guernsey Blind Association, Chantelle Tucker, said the charities were there to support "everyone and anyone".

"We had contact with Guide Dogs earlier this year to talk about children's services, what they put on in the UK and what we could bring to the island", she said.

"We identified there was a slight gap in support for nought to five year olds, the really early years intervention.

"What's really nice about the sessions is that it is really individual and personalised to each child.

"They all have a story that is interactive and there is a goodbye song to each child individually.

"The child might not neccessarily see the other children in the room but it makes them feel included.

She added: "I think it is really important for the children and parents to get this support.

"The child will navigate the world their own way, they'll find adaptations, they know no different.

"But for the parents, it's nice for them to meet other parents with children in similar situations and to have that support."

"We are here and we are here to support everyone and anyone at any age with a sight condition."

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