This small ball may seem very simple but it is a particularly versatile bit of play kit for children with a vision impairment.

Why use the light-up ball with your visually impaired child?

Not only do the light-up properties of the ball make it easier to be seen by children who are vision impaired, it also has tactile and vestibular elements which make it a multi-purpose item. It is great for developing both fine motor and gross motor skills and is a welcome addition to a dark den play area or sensory room.

Start playing!

Visual tracking

The lights make the ball a great item for visual tracking. With your child in tummy time or sitting up if they are older, place or hold the ball in front of them to give them a chance to focus on the ball. You can then slowly move the ball from left to right, up and down etc. so that they can try to track it. If they can’t, don’t be upset, you are trying to get to know your child’s vision and all vision impairments are different.

Ball play

The changing colours are enticing for young children, the fact that it can be bounced or rolled can encourage independent movement and can be used as part of catching and throwing games, especially for little hands.

Tactile fun

The tactile elements of the ball are soft, durable and squeezable. It can make for a fantastic massage and stimulation aid, as it can be rolled all over the body.

Sensory tactile bags

This would be a perfect item to include in a sensory feeling bag. You can find out more about them on the tactile discrimination section of the website. You can include a variety of textured balls and ask your child to try and match them with the one that feels similar.

Movement

Once your child starts to become more mobile, rolling and bouncing this exciting, flashing ball away from them could be all the motivation they need to get moving independently. Whether to chase the flashing, colour changing lights or to handle its tactile surface, this could be just the item to grab their interest.

Where next?

Keep exploring…