Objective: To understand the importance of social skills for children who are visually impaired

• Blind children are frequently faced with two responses from peers and adults, reflecting low expectation: belief that they are incapable of anything normal; and the attribution of amazing abilities. The first leads to underestimates of abilities, condescension, disparagement, and avoidance; the second leads to a false sense of well-being and creates a mystique that suggests magical qualities. Both are counterproductive to a child’s self-esteem.
• Workshops for peers and classroom teachers that respond to questions and demonstrate how blind children learn are helpful in raising expectations without creating “super heroes.”
• The development of social skills begins in infancy and preschool, but is at risk because visual observation and imitation is limited. Social skills can, however, be modelled and taught by parents and teachers.
• A child’s body awareness begins in infancy by playing simple body parts games and pat-a-cake. Knowing the body is the beginning of knowing oneself. Siblings and other family members should not be afraid to engage in rough-and-tumble with the blind child because it helps the child learn about herself.
• Do not be afraid of blindness. Give the child opportunities to interact with others in social situations in the home and outside, such as greeting, shaking hands, playing, waiting in line, grocery shopping, and visiting the market. Responsibilities such as feeding the pet, helping with cleaning and mealtime chores, and putting toys away, help to build self-esteem and feelings of self-worth. At school blind children should participate in the same chores as their sighted peers and be subject to the same rules of discipline.
• Be aware of cultural beliefs that inhibit parental expectations of independent activity for fear of accidents. Work closely with the child’s teachers, family, peers, and associates to communicate the child’s competence and potential.
• One of the leading factors contributing to social acceptance is personal appearance and self-care, so concentrate on grooming, cleanliness, manners, and dressing appropriately. Teach children about social niceties such as avoiding scratching, self-touching, and posture.
• Learning to read can widen the gap between blind children and their peers, so be as liberal as possible. Develop decision-making skills and encourage self-advocacy as the child matures.