Visually impaired child

[Mausbajiiw]

My child is 11 months old and has just been diagnosed as visually impaired in both eyes. We have been issued a certificate of visual impairment for her.
How do I fill out the dla form for her when so many of the questions are about mobility and she hasn’t learnt to walk yet?

I would ring RNIB and ask for some support. You will be assigned a Family Support Officer who can help you. I did the RNIB Parent Pathways sessions and they were really helpful. There's a guide to benefits on their website. www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/money-and-benefits/benefits-concessions-and-grants/disability-living-allowance-dla/

You should also have already been assigned a QTVI (Qualified Teacher of Visual Impairments) by your LA, whose role is to support your child's education from 0 to 25. The RNIB Family Support Officer or your HV will know how to get this in place.

I'd definitely speak to somebody for advice, as I've been told it's a long process, and you don't want to make a mistake on the form and have to reapply.

Other charities such as RSBC and Guide Dogs are really helpful too

@GrandmistressGlitch thank you for the advice. This is a whole new world for us and I have no idea where to start, the consultant told us that different teams will be in touch but no one has been yet

I am so sorry you have been left to deal with this on your own. I can assure you, there are many people out there going through the same thing.

I'd call RSBC today, honestly in my experience they're so nice and understanding. It's literally what they're there for. https://www.rsbc.org.uk/how-can-we-help/new-to-vision-impairment/

And I'd have a read of this.
https://www.rnib.org.uk/living-with-sight-loss/education-and-learning/education-for-younger-children/early-years/

Best of luck, I hope you get some professional support soon!

@GrandmistressGlitch thank you so much