Playgroup for vision impaired children

A play service for babies and toddlers with vision impairments has been launched by a charity in Scotland. 

The scheme provides sensory play, with rhythm, music, stories, and sounds. Activities are tailored to address the challenges faced by children and parents.

Charities Sight Scotland and Hearts and Minds are piloting Play and Connect  in Edinburgh and Glasgow. It combines Sight Scotland’s specialist teachers and habilitation experts with Hearts and Minds’ Clowndoctors – clowns trained to play with children with special needs. Habilitation specialists work to promote the mobility skills and independence of children and young people with vision impairment.   

The sessions focus on building confidence in non-verbal communication and creative play, fostering connection between families. 

Scotland has over 4,500 young people with vision impairments, yet the condition is often misunderstood, especially in preschool children.

Lucy Chetty, head of learning at the Royal Blind School, said: “Early intervention is vital for these children’s development, as it helps lay the foundation for their future education, social interaction, and well-being.

“Parents of children with vision impairments often feel overwhelmed and isolated, which can be exacerbated when attending traditional baby and toddler groups. These families frequently face feelings of loneliness and a lack of support. 

“Play and Connect offers an inclusive, relaxed environment where families can bond, share experiences, and feel understood. The sessions are tailored to each child’s needs, providing them with specialised stimulation and creative play to thrive.”

Feedback has been incredible, she added. “Parents have been emotional when they see their child beginning to interact with their environment differently, recognising sounds, responding to stimulation, and improving communication skills. 

“It is so heartening to watch the children grow in confidence and engage with their surroundings.”

Lucy McGreal from Hearts and Minds said: “Clowndoctor visits offer authentic connection and imaginative engagement, responding to how the child or young person is feeling at that moment. 

“The space that has been created during the start of Play & Connect has highlighted the opportunity for their unique voice, unique humour, unique imagination and their unique self to be valued, validated and amplified at times when they might be feeling powerless, anxious, lonely, or bored.”

• For more information please visit sightscotland.org.uk