How Do You Work With Families With Visual Impairments?
Many sighted people feel uncomfortable when they come in contact with a visually impaired person. This isn’t because of insensitivity, but rather because of a lack of information. This discomfort is often intensified when more than one family member is visually impaired. However, a little education about the visually impaired can ease the anxiety. And if you are a social worker, educator or health-care provider, this education becomes even more imperative to form a trusting relationship with the family. Get to know the family. Because many causes of blindness and impaired sight are hereditary, it isn’t unusual for family members to have degrees of visual impairment, from total blindness to partial sight. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about how much a family member can see. Speak to visually impaired family members in natural tones and volume. Don’t be afraid to use words like “see” and “look.” They are a normal part of conversation. Focus on other senses with children. Visually impa
