Vision plays an important role in understanding the relationships between people and objects and is central to concept development and learning from an early age. Vision helps a child learn about the world around them and determine how they might move through it and interact with it. Vision is also a significant motivator to initiate communication, engage with others, and get involved in different experiences across all stages of development.

Children with vision impairment miss out on many incidental visual learning opportunities that sighted peers access in daily life. Children with vision impairment may also encounter barriers to accessing information in structured education environments. Challenges frequently arise that impact development of communication and mealtime skills as well as adequate access to learning. Consequently, speech pathology input is often required.

An individualised and holistic team approach is needed to support each child’s progress across domains and developmental stages. A speech pathologist is part of this team that ensures each child receives the support they need for equitable access to participation in their community, education, and future employment.

Specific to communication, low vision can impact development of receptive and expressive language (e.g., prepositions, pronouns, vocabulary, concepts); understanding of the physical world (e.g., location, direction); social skills (e.g., joint attention, body language, turn taking, conversation); literacy; and play. Often, speech pathology support is also required to assist with development of eating, drinking and mealtime skills.

The unique and important role of speech pathologists in the context of children and young people with blindness and low vision will be exemplified through a case discussion of a client with low vision. In particular, the skills and life stages where input has been provided will be described and illustrative examples provided.

1. Vision plays a important role in a child's early development.
2.Vision impairment can impact development of communication and mealtime skills.
3. Working with children with vision impairment is a unique domain within speech pathology service provision and therefore requires a highly specialised approach during the early developmental years.