Sense is a specialist service for children and young people with multi-sensory impairments. Sense aim to make sure that no one with complex communication needs is isolated, left out or unable to fulfill their potential.

• 07780443279
• sue.fawcett@sense.org.uk
• https://www.sense.org.uk/
• Download Guide/PDF

Guide Dogs offers a range of services to children and young people with a vision impairment and their families:

• Our Specialist Family Support Service provides information, advice and guidance, including emotional support from early diagnosis throughout a child’s life, to parents/guardians of children with a vision impairment. The aim is to develop their confidence and knowledge so they can address the specific needs of their child, enabling them to achieve their full potential, within a supportive family unit.
• Our Specialist Education Support Service offers independent, tailored, impartial information, advice and guidance in relation to the education system and the SEND Code of Practice. We deliver this service directly to a young person with vision impairment, or to parents and/or carers of a child who has vision impairment and their families.
• Habilitation is the process of helping children and young people with vision impairment to achieve as much independence as possible in their daily lives. We do this by providing personalised training and support in mobility, orientation and independence skills, often in partnership with the local authority.
• Our Access Technology Grant Service provides 90% toward the total cost of funding for equipment and software for children and young people with a vision impairment where no statutory funding is available.
• Our Access Technology Service offers independent expert advice and support on all accessible and standard technology and software for children and young people with a vision impairment.
• Our Recreational Activities enable children and young people with a vision impairment and their families to meet, share experiences and support each other whilst having fun in a relaxed environment with access to specialist advice from our Children’s Services team.

To access our range of support for your child with a vision impairment, please contact our advice line on 0800 781 1444 or via email cypservices@guidedogs.org.uk

• 0118 983 5555
• guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk
• http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/services/children-and-young-peoples-services

SWAN UK is an initiative of the charity Genetic Alliance UK offering support and information to families of children with undiagnosed genetic conditions.

• +44 (0) 20 7831 0883
• info@undiagnosed.org.uk
• https://www.undiagnosed.org.uk/contact-us/

The leading patient information, support and scientific research charity for Nystagmus in Europe. Provides support and information to families affected by the condition.

• 0845 634 2630
• info@nystagmusnet.org
• http://nystagmusnetwork.org

Information about Microanophthalmia, Anophthalmia, Coloboma and related conditions. MACS offer support and information to parents and professionals in the UK and around the world. Macs also give parents, families and children the opportunity to meet each other, support each other and learn from each other.

• 0800 169 8088
• enquiries@macs.org.uk
• http://macs.org.uk

A UK-wide charity providing advice, information and support to the parents of all disabled children – no matter what their health condition. They also enable parents to get in contact with other families, both on a local and national basis.

• 0808 808 3555
• info@contact.org.uk
• https://contact.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/
• Download Guide/PDF

Support Group for those affected by childhood cataracts.  Organises trips and has an email group for advice and where members can chat.

• 01278 764 770
• FamilySupport@nbcs.org.uk
• https://www.childhoodcataracts.org.uk

Provide family support services, equipment and therapies for disabled children and their families across the UK. Run the destination dreams holiday for children fighting life threatening conditions.

• 0345 300 1348
• charity@caudwellchildren.com
• http://www.caudwellchildren.com

A guide dog, though not suitable for every young visually-impaired person, can offer significant and truly life-changing benefits to some. Guide dog ownership can open the door to safe, independent travel, whilst bringing with it many additional benefits, such as companionship, social inclusion and an increased sense of responsibility.

• 0118 983 5555
• guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk
• http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/blindchildrenUK