Visual Impairment (VI)
- Around 25,000 children in the UK have a visual impairment
- Two-thirds of visually impaired children have at least one other disability
- Early intervention from a specialist VI teacher makes a significant difference
- Most visually impaired children attend mainstream schools
What is Visual Impairment?
Visual impairment covers a wide range — from children who need glasses but still have some useful vision, to children who are completely blind. Many children with VI have some residual vision that can be made the most of.
For children who are blind or severely sight-impaired, the world is experienced primarily through touch, sound, and other senses. With specialist support and adapted resources, these children can access the full curriculum.
A visual impairment does not affect intelligence. Your child may need things presented differently, but they can learn and achieve just as much as any other child.
👀 What you might notice
- Holding books very close to their face or sitting very close to the whiteboard
- Tilting their head, squinting, or screwing up eyes to see
- Missing visual information — not seeing what's on the board or screen
- Difficulty copying from the board
- Taking longer to complete visual tasks like reading or finding things on a page
- Being cautious when moving around, especially in unfamiliar places
- Tripping over things or bumping into objects
- Difficulty with stairs, uneven surfaces, or crowded spaces
- Not recognising people until they're very close
How schools can help
Specialist teacher providing assessment, advice, and sometimes direct teaching
Bigger text, bold fonts, high contrast colours, and reduced clutter on the page
For children with little or no useful vision — braille for reading and writing
Screen magnifiers, screen readers, tablets with accessibility features, audiobooks
Good lighting, high contrast markings on stairs, clutter-free routes, and familiar layout
3D models, raised diagrams, and hands-on practical work for concepts usually taught visually
🏠 What you can do at home
- Keep your home layout consistent — don't move furniture without telling your child
- Good lighting makes a big difference for children with partial sight
- Help them learn routes from memory — practise familiar journeys
- Describe what's happening, especially in new situations
- Encourage independence appropriate to their age and level of vision
- Connect with VI charities — they offer brilliant resources and family events
🤝 Organisations that can help
🔗 Related conditions
SEN types often overlap. Your child may have more than one area of need. Here are conditions commonly linked to Visual Impairment:
Note: This guide is for general information only. Every child is unique, and SEN types often overlap. If you have concerns about your child, speak to your child's school SENCO and your GP. For legal advice on SEN rights, contactIPSEA (free).