Supporting Literacy Development for Children Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision

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Literacy—the ability to read and write—is essential for success in today’s world. For children who are blind or have low vision, literacy skills are the gateway to academic success, creative expression, and meaningful social connections. Whether your child is just beginning to learn literacy skills or is facing challenges as a struggling reader, there are many ways to support their journey. Combining practical strategies with tailored approaches, you can help your child build confidence and fluency while fostering a lifelong love for reading and writing. 

Understanding How Your Child Learns to Read and Write 

Depending on your child’s visual diagnosis, they may learn to read and write using standard print, braille, large print, or a combination of methods. A teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) will conduct a Learning Media Assessment (LMA) and Functional Vision Assessment (FVA) to determine the most effective approach for your child. These assessments help identify whether your child will use their vision, touch, or oral methods for literacy tasks, and they are updated throughout your child’s education years. Discuss changes in vision and concerns with your child’s team at your next IEP meetings.  

Creating a Literacy-Rich Home Environment 

Making literacy a natural part of your child’s daily life encourages skill development and a positive attitude toward reading and writing. Here are some ways to integrate literacy into your home: 

  • Model Literacy in Everyday Activities: Show your child how you use literacy, such as reading recipes, writing shopping lists, or following directions. 
  • Encourage Participation: Have your child help with tasks like creating chore lists, writing thank-you notes, or keeping a transaction log for a savings account. 
  • Adapt Materials: If your child uses braille, consider accessible board games or braille storybooks for family reading time. 
  • Host themed reading days: Choose a night or day where the entire family focuses on a topic, exploring books, audio materials, and hands-on activities related to that theme. This makes literacy fun and interactive for everyone. 

Tips for Encouraging a Struggling Reader 

If your child struggles with reading, working with their educational team to identify challenges and implement strategies is essential. Here are some tips: 

  1. Choose Accessible Books: Let their interests lead the way, selecting books with familiar topics to reduce cognitive load. 
  1. Build Fluency: Encourage re-reading favorite books, reading aloud to a younger sibling, or practicing with a pet. Use Bookshare or other audibles to support reading aloud with expression and appropriate pace. 
  1. Provide Non-Traditional Materials: Magazines, cookbooks, or joke books can make reading feel less like a chore. 
  1. Incorporate Audiobooks: Audiobooks let your child enjoy age-appropriate stories beyond their current reading level, exposing them to rich vocabulary and sentence structure. 
  1. Make Reading Social: Help them start a virtual book club or write letters and emails to family members and friends. 

Supporting Literacy at School 

Collaborating with your child’s TVI and educational team ensures they have the tools and resources to succeed. Key areas to monitor include: 

  • Access to Materials: Ensure your child receives textbooks and classroom materials on time, whether in braille, large print, or audio format. 
  • Assistive Technology: Work with the team to explore tools that support literacy, such as refreshable braille displays, magnifiers, or text-to-speech devices. 
  • Instructional Strategies: Discuss methods to help your child use their vision effectively, such as scanning techniques or tactile exploration. 
  • Advocate in school: Encourage your child to use digital tools like screen readers or braille notetakers during group projects, fostering inclusion and independence in collaborative settings. 

Final Thoughts: Empowering Your Child’s Literacy Journey 

Helping your child develop literacy skills is a long-term investment in their future. Whether they learn braille, overcome reading challenges, or embrace audiobooks, your encouragement and advocacy make a difference. Remember to celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and create a supportive environment where they can explore, learn, and grow. 

Combining these strategies and incorporating personalized approaches will give your child the tools to navigate the world with confidence and curiosity.