Visual Impairment

A visual impairment is any vision loss which cannot be corrected by using glasses or contact lenses. Individuals with visual impairments can have a wide variety of sight limitations and hence, like any disability, each individual needs to be discussed personally to make reasonable adjustments. 

There are two main types of visual impairment:

1. Partially sighted or sight impaired: sight impairment is moderate. They might be able to see in tunnel vision or in singular direction. 

2. Registered blind or severely sight impaired: where activities requiring eyesight become almost impossible.  

You can learn more about visual impairment from the World Health Organisation 

Living with a visual impairment impacts all day to day activities from moving round home to reading and using a phone. Support mechanisms the individual may have at scouting meetings can include: a cane, a guide dog, magnification aids, braille keyboard and/or community alarms. 

Some people who are blind may have difficulties with other areas of their development such as speech, language and communication; social interaction, motor skills, reading and writing. They also may have sensory processing differences.