We have two mobility and habilitation specialists in our team. They work closely with the parent/carer, QTVI, nursery and other agencies to assess if a child/young person will require mobility support.
When needed they will develop a plan to support the learning of Mobility/Movement Skills including:
- moving around home or nursery safely to avoid obstacles
- negotiating space successfully
- adjusting speed or direction to avoid obstacles
- walking up and down stairs
- locating a variety of rooms within home/nursery
They also identify any gaps in age appropriate Independent Living Skills (ILS) such as:
- dressing and undressing with minimal help
- using both hands together
- washing and drying hands
- brushing own teeth
- using a spoon and fork to self-feed
- beginning to eat independently
- tolerating textures
Environmental audits
Our mobility and habilitation specialists can look at the home, nursery, preschool or foundation stage buildings (inside and outside) to identify any areas which might be potentially challenging for a baby or young person with a vision impairment to navigate. Environments may present a health and safety risk such as trip hazards, low contrast door frames, unmarked pillars, stairs or changes in levels not clearly marked.
Workshops and parties
The team hold regular workshops and parties for the children and young people on our caseload. For students aged 6-12 years we have Easter and Halloween parties and these fun packed days bring the children together to learn important life skills by preparing their own lunches and taking part in a variety of games to challenge their fine and gross motor skills.
The children have an opportunity to mix in a peer group where everyone has a Vision Impairment instead of being the only one in the group with an additional need. For some children it will be the first time they have met other children with a vision impairment, over the years we have seen some lovely friendships develop.