RESOURCES
1. Chairperson of the Education and ECD Committee
Susan Bam
Blind SA
Cell: 079 871 6628
Email: susanmbam@gmail.com
2. Parents’ Network Letter BlindSA
Family, teachers and professionals who are interested in the development of children with visual impairment, can subscribe to this free quarterly network letter. It is also available in Xhosa – both electronically and audio. Send an email to the editor: retha.work@gmail.com
3. ECD resources/centres for VI children and their families
a) EASTERN CAPE
- Bona uBuntu Education Team
Team of teachers with training and knowledge in early education for VI children, early braille learning and advice for parents and organisations
Contact:
Robyn Fick – coordinator@bonaubuntu.org or 082 928 1859
Shanice Human – itinerant@bonaubuntu.org or 073 641 3734
- Ukukhula ECD for VI Children
An ECD centre in Gqeberha providing preschool education specifically for VI children aged 3 – 6yrs.
For queries and enrolments:
ukukhulaecd@gmail.com or 084 584 2851
- Nkosinathi Foundation
Providing rehabilitation services, support groups for parents and ‘moms and tots’ groups for 0-3yr olds.
Contact: 041 487 1150
https://www.nkosinathifoundation.org/
b) WESTERN CAPE
- LOFOB (League of Friends of the Blind)
Providing homebased infant services, preschool programme, education & family support.
Contact: 021 705 3753
https://lofob.org.za/children/
c) GAUTENG
Lucca Special School
Contact: 011 781 0952
http://www.luccaspecialkids.co.za/
d) KWA-ZULU NATAL
Bright Eyes Centre
Bright Eyes Centre for visually impaired children is an early intervention centre caring for, educating and supporting visually impaired children and their families
Contact: 084 251 7754
4. Assistive Devices and Toys for Visually Impaired children
South African National Council for the Blind: SANCB
phone: +27 12 452 3811
Email: helpdesk@sancb.org.za, admin@sancb.org.za
5. International websites with more ECD information
a) National Federation of the Blind (NFB)
https://www.nfb.org/resources/publications-and-media/future-reflections
“Future Reflections” is an American magazine for parents of children with Visual Impairment.
On the NFB web page is also other information for parents.
b) American Printing House for the Blind
https://familyconnect.org/?s=playing+with+toys
This comprehensive site “gives parents of visually impaired children a place to support each other, share stories and concerns, and find resources on raising their children from birth to adulthood.
c) RNIB in the UK
Although we cannot share in most of their services, there is lots of information on all topics concerning blindness – also parents and blind toddlers. Just use the “search” link for the topic you need.
d) WonderBaby.org
https://www.wonderbaby.org/
HELPING YOUR BABY REACH GREATER WONDERS
Many topics are covered in articles – also written by parents.
e) Perkins School for the Blind and Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Paths to Literacy provides resources to teachers and schools supporting students who have disabilities, with a focus on the blind or visually impaired. Topics include General Literacy, Emergent Literacy, English Language Learners, and Mathematics. There are many resources for parents and teachers.