BLINDNESS
For a blind child, it is important that special help and stimulation start early—in
the first months of life. Without this the child will fall far behind in her development.
She may become quiet, not do much, and be afraid to move about. So her family does
not expect much of her, or provide many learning opportunities. As a result, she falls
still farther behind.
However, if a blind child has the stimulation and help she needs from an early age,
she will develop many skills as quickly, or nearly as quickly, as a child who sees. So
her family expects more of her and includes her more in their activities. As a result, she
may develop almost as quickly as other children her age. She can probably enter school
when they do.
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Helping the blind child learn to move about
The child who is blind often is slow at learning to move about and will need extra
help and encouragement. Some of the activities in Chapter 35 for creeping, crawling,
standing, and walking will help. Here are some other suggestions.
When the child is beginning
to scoot or crawl, you can
leave toys and other
interesting things in
different places where he
will find them. This will
encourage him to explore
and discover.
But when the child begins to
walk, try to keep everything
in its place, so that she
does not bump into things
unexpectedly and can gain more
confidence moving about. If
you change the position of
something, show her where it is.
Play games and do
exercises that will
help the child gain
confidence in moving
and using his body.
Encourage the child to make adventure, explore, and do all the things a child normally
does. Protect her from hurting herself—but do not protect her too much. Remember,
all children learning to walk sometimes fall. A blind child is no different.
Help the child
find his way by
following walls
and fences.
The child can learn
to feel the edge of
the path with her
feet, and to feel
plants or other
objects with her
hands.
If the child does not start
walking without help, let
him start by pushing a simple
walker, chair, or cart.
Do not force the blind child to
walk alone before he is ready.
One day he will start walking
alone, first a few steps only,
but finally with confidence.
disabled village children