A generous donation has allowed leading blindness and low vision service provider, Vision Australia to give Illawarra children who are blind or have low vision the opportunity for fun day out.
Vision Australia clients aged 5 to 13 years-old visited the Illawarra Inflatable Play Centre last week for a morning of fun and the opportunity to interact with other young people living with blindness or low vision.
Vision Australia Occupational Therapist Hannah Sutherland said the play centre visit, which is one of many activities the not-for-profit offers children clients during school holiday, was a valuable activity for those involved.
“This is an opportunity for our clients to have fun and explore a new space in our community. Our qualified staff, volunteers and guardians will be there to assist and encourage children to access the equipment in a supportive environment.” Ms Sutherland said
“It’s also a wonderful opportunity to socialise with other children who are living with blindness or low vision and realise they aren’t alone in their experiences,” she said.
Similarly, Ms Sutherland said it’s also an important opportunity for the family and carers of children who are blind or have low vision to connect.
“Being a parent or carer of a child who lives with a disability can be isolating at times and it’s important that we can provide a forum where they can meet others, relate to and learn from,” she said.
“It gives them the opportunity to build a support network and also share the strategies they use in supporting their children.”
The participation of Vision Australia clients was fully funded by a $500 donation from the Wollongong Lions Club.
“We’re extremely grateful to the Wollongong Lions Club for their donation. This is just the latest example of the Illawarra community showing their support for Vision Australia and the blind and low vision community,” Ms Sutherland said.
“Thanks to the donation our clients will be able to try out a fun new community activity, meet new friends and learn some new skills."Click here for more information on how Vision Australia supports children who are blind or have low vision.