Milton Keynes mum facing long waits and uncertainty over specialist support for blind son
New research suggests more than two-thirds of visually impaired children never receive mobility support
A mum from Milton Keynes says it’s an uphill battle to get basic support for her four-year-old son who is visually impaired.
Jasper, who has recently turned 4, has albinism, extreme photophobia and congenital nystagmus, meaning he is severely visually impaired and highly sensitive to light.
His mum, Lauren Looker-Hutchins says the family has faced long waits and uncertainty accessing specialist support to help Jasper develop vital mobility and independence skills before starting school soon.
She said: “Without support, I think he'll struggle to last even until half-term at school. So, for me, I want the support in place now.
“It's just a constant battle to get support in place.
“And it is a worry because, he's very clever and with that right support, I think he would absolutely thrive in a mainstream school, but if there aren't things in place, he is just going to keep falling behind.
“At preschool now, they struggle to get him to show them that he can recognise numbers, but at home, he's doing his two-times table and his four-times table. So, he can do it.
“It's just there needs to be something in place that works with him and how he learns.”
69% of children never receive mobility support
New research suggests more than two-thirds of visually impaired children never receive mobility support.
Guide Dogs charity is calling on the Government to take action to improve access to essential education support for children and young people with visual impairments.
Eleanor Briggs, Head of Policy, Public Affairs & Campaigns at Guide Dogs says: “With the right support, children with sight loss can thrive in the classroom but unfortunately too often these young people are missing out on vital support and learning.
“Early intervention from vision impairment professionals and specialist teachers, alongside steps to make sure classrooms are inclusive, are essential if we are to ensure children can learn alongside their sighted peers.
“As part of the Schools White Paper, the Government must ensure every child can access essential support by tackling the workforce crisis in specialist SEND professions, ensuring schools are accountable in implementing reasonable adjustments and giving local authorities the funding they need to provide consistent specialist support.
“Without this, children with sight loss risk being left behind and families will continue to face uncertainty.”
A Department for Education spokesperson said: “Our Schools White Paper will be a golden opportunity, a once in a generation chance, to change the course of children’s lives for the better.
“But we’re not waiting for the White Paper to lay the groundwork for an inclusive education system where all children are supported at the earliest stage and can thrive in a school that meets their needs, getting the support when they need it, closer to home.
“For too long, families have been forced to fight for support that should be routinely available when and where it is needed. Our reforms will create a better system for all families, where support is delivered earlier and more consistently, while retaining legal rights to support.”