Support for parents, children and young people
Blind Low Vision NZ is here to provide support for children with vision loss.
We support children and young people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision.
Every child and eye condition is different. Your child’s support needs may change as they grow. We are here to help from birth, when they start their early learning education, school, and as they transition and prepare for life after school.
You don’t need to know what support your child needs before you contact us.
Just tell us what is happening.
We can help you work out where to start.
Our goal is simple
To help children and young people build confidence, independence and the skills to live life their way.
Where are you on your journey?
You may be:
- Adjusting to a diagnosis
- Helping your young child learn, play and explore
- Supporting your child at early learning or school
- Helping your child become more independent
- Preparing your young person for life after school
- Unsure about what support is available
Whatever stage you are at, we can help.
My child is young or has just been diagnosed
New diagnosis | Under 5 | Early learning
The early years are a time for learning, exploring and building confidence.
You may be learning about your child’s eye condition and wondering what support they need now – and what they might need as they grow.
We can work with you and your child to build skills and confidence from the beginning.
We can help with:
- Learning through play and everyday activities
- Developing skills at home
- Self-care and everyday living skills
- Moving around safely and confidently
- Communication and participation
- Equipment
- Building independence
- Support for parents, carers and whānau
- Deafblind support, where appropriate, including communication strategies, sensory development, family support, and guidance tailored to children and young people who are deafblind.
- Connecting with BLENNZ, early learning services and other providers
- Connecting with Parents of Visually Impaired (PVI)
My child is at school
Primary | Intermediate | Secondary
School is an important time for developing confidence, skills and independence.
BLENNZ and your child’s school provide specialist support for learning, accessing the curriculum and participating at school.
Blind Low Vision NZ can provide additional support, particularly with the practical skills your child needs in everyday life, at home and in the community.
We can help with:
- Every day and independent living skills
- Getting around safely at home and in the community
- Building confidence and independence
- Participating in sport and recreation
- Peer support opportunities
- Taking part in community activities
- Connecting families with peer support, community connections and other services that can support wellbeing.
- Our Deafblind specialists can provide communication support for whānau and the team working with the child.
- Access to accessible books, audiobooks, Braille, large print and children’s reading resources through our library services and BLENNZ Youth Library.
- Preparing for greater independence as your child gets older
We can work alongside your child, whānau, school and BLENNZ to support the things that are important to your child.
My child is getting ready for life after school
Secondary school | Transition | Leaving school
As young people grow, they may want to take on more responsibility, make their own decisions and prepare for what comes next.
We can support young people and their whānau to identify their goals and develop the skills and confidence they need for the future.
We can help with:
- Independent living skills
- Independent travel and getting around the community
- Study and further education
- Employment goals
- Volunteering
- Community and social participation
- Sport and recreation
- Equipment
- Connecting with adult Blind Low Vision NZ services
Moving on from school or BLENNZ?
Leaving school is a big step.
We can help your young person and whānau think about what support they may need for their next stage of life.
We can support with:
- Learning to travel independently
- Building confidence with daily living skills and routines
- Exploring study and training options
- Equipment and technology
- Preparing for employment and volunteering opportunities
- Building social connections and community networks
- Understanding available funding and support options through Blind Low Vision NZ and other government agencies and organisations.
Our goal is to help young people move into their next stage with the skills, confidence and support they need to live life their way.
Our Youth Council
Our Youth Council gives young people an opportunity to have a voice, share their experiences and help shape our services for young people with vision loss.
Kids Camp
Kids Camp gives tamariki the opportunity to build confidence, develop independence, try new activities and connect with others who are blind, deafblind or have low vision. It is a chance to learn new skills, make friends and have fun in a supportive environment.
Spirit of Adventure
Where funding allows, Blind Low Vision NZ helps rangatahi access Spirit of Adventure experiences. These programmes offer opportunities to challenge themselves, build confidence, develop teamwork skills and connect with peers in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Who can help?
| If your child needs help with… | Start with… |
|---|---|
| Learning and accessing the classroom curriculum | BLENNZ / Your child’s school |
| Specialist vision education support at school | BLENNZ |
| Everyday living skills | Blind Low Vision NZ |
| Getting around safely | Blind Low Vision NZ – Before school age BLENNZ – During school age |
| Building confidence and independence | Blind Low Vision NZ and BLENNZ |
| Sport, recreation and community activities | Blind Low Vision NZ |
| Equipment and technology for independence | Blind Low Vision NZ and BLENNZ |
| Support for parents, carers and whānau | Blind Low Vision NZ, PVI and BLENNZ |
| Preparing for life after school | Blind Low Vision NZ |
| Not sure who to contact | Contact Blind Low Vision NZ — we can help you work it out |
Want to know more?
You don’t have to work it out on your own.
Contact Blind Low Vision NZ to talk about your child and find out where to start.
You can also find our locations on our website.