Abstract
L.V. Prasad Eye Institute is a tertiary eye hospital, also provides Vision Rehabilitation Services for Blind and Visually Impaired. It was realised that a level of visual disability could have been reduced and can avoid secondary handicap in children with visual impairment, if there been an early intervention program available with parental involvement.
In this concern parental training was formulated. In Vision Rehabilitation Center 71 parents of visually impaired children underwent parental training from March 1995 to August 1999. Mothers (n=43), Fathers (n=14) underwent training, in some cases both of them (n=14) received training. Parent who had visually impaired children below the age of five received this training. The aim of the training is to make parents to understand their children's visual disability and adapting traditional methods of child rearing. Also to make the parents to participate in both planning and implementation of rehabilitation services for their children. This training program includes periodical parent meet, workshop for parent and siblings. Summercamp for Visually Impaired children along with their families.
Depending upon the child need, curriculum was designed. Initial part of the training program and important instructions given directly to the parent for a short period. Remaining instructions was given through correspondence to the parents (n=55).
Parents met professionals with the regular time interval to give feedback and to get instructions. Parents (n=16) received training through regular classes. In our case some of the parents play a dual role - parent cum professional. We found that those parents with minimum school level of education and middle class economic background, learn sufficient skills to bring up their children. Parents overcome their isolation and develop a group spirit.
By adapting this approach, we have been able to reach children who are distantly located and we have able to accommodate a large number of children.
Also it made economic sense to our centre as well as the families involvement. Visually impaired children benefited in the natural environment, which would not have been possible without parent involvement.
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