The use of low vision aids with children who have multiple disabilities and visual impairment in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This article reports the findings of a one-year project designed to investigate the use of low vision aids (LVAs) with children aged 5-16 who have multiple disabilities, including visual impairment (MDVI), in the United Kingdom. Within stage 1 of the study, a national survey of schools and services where children who have MDVI are educated was undertaken. The results showed that of those children supported by VI schools and services responding to the survey, over one third (36%) were described as having MDVI. Of these children, 6% were reported as using ‘optical’ LVAs (i.e., CCTVs, dome magnifiers) and 10% as using non-optical LVAs (i.e., reading stand, task lighting, etc.). Follow-up interviews were undertaken within stage 2 of the study with selected respondents in order to explore their rationale for ‘use’/‘non-use’ of LVAs with different children who have MDVI. A range of factors were identified and are reported within a broad educational framework of ‘identifying need’, ‘meeting need’, and ‘evaluatin...