19th April 2024
We are delighted to share this Voice blog by Andy Farrell, Service Marketing Officer at Guide Dogs, which illustrates the impact of habilitation support for early years children. It includes a video link to one of their youngest service users, Margot, who was born with bilateral anophthalmia, which is when a baby is born without both of their eyes. It also includes a couple of links to the Guide Dogs website with useful resources for health visitors and the families they work with.
Margot with Kate, a Guide Dogs Habilitation Specialist
Did you know that Guide Dogs is the largest employer of specialists dedicated to helping children overcome the challenges of sight loss? We offer lifelong support and welcome referrals to our services from the earliest ages.
One of our youngest service users, Margot, came to us at just 9-weeks old when her parents reached out for help. They were introduced to Kate, a Habilitation Specialist and soon began having monthly sessions to help Margot explore the world around her.
“Kate has done things with Margot that we would never have known to do and would never have thought of doing. It means that, for Margot, her development has come on far more than if we didn’t have the support of Guide Dogs. We went from a desperate situation filled with anxiety and uncertainty, to a situation where we feel equipped with the skills and tools that we need to help Margot flourish.”
Laura, Margot’s Mum
Find out more about Margot’s story here https://youtu.be/RMob0SWx7W4
Children with a vision impairment learn about and explore the world in a slightly different way. Guide Dogs is here to support children and their families develop the practical skills and confidence to do just that. On our website you can find out more about our early years offer including Guide Dogs My Time to Play sessions for children aged 0-4, access our learning through play resources, which will give ideas on how to support a child’s development, as well as a song book full of popular children’s rhymes and songs with guided actions and movements.
For further information contact Guide Dogs on 0800 7811444 or email [email protected]. Together we can give children the best start in life.
