Meet the Habilitaion Specialist!

In this interview, we meet Rosie Green, a Habilitation Worker from RSBC, to learn more about the role of habilitation and the support available for children and families. Rosie explains how habilitation workers work alongside families to help children develop independence, confidence, and a wide range of everyday skills.

Habilitation is about much more than cane skills, it includes a variety of approaches and interventions that support children’s mobility, learning, participation, and independence in everyday life. Join us as we explore what habilitation looks like in practice and how it can make a difference for children and their families

Can you describe your role as a habilitation worker and the main types of support you provide to children with visual impairments?
My role is to help children with visual impairments develop the skills they need to become as independent and confident as possible. This includes supporting mobility, daily living skills, communication, access to learning, and social development.

How do you help blind and partially sighted children develop independence in their daily lives?
I teach practical skills through hands-on practice and repetition, encouraging children to solve problems and build confidence. Support is tailored to their age, abilities, and individual goals. These sessions can be offered online or in person.

What strategies do you use to teach mobility and orientation skills to children with different levels of visual impairment?
I use a step-by-step approach, introducing skills in familiar environments before progressing to more challenging situations. Techniques are adapted to each child’s vision, confidence, and developmental stage. We have also began to incorporate accessible technology into sessions, for example meta rayban glasses and apps like SeeingAI.

How do you adapt your approach to meet the individual needs, ages, and abilities of the children you work with?
Every child is different, so I assess their strengths, interests, and goals before planning support. I adapt activities and teaching methods to ensure they are engaging, achievable, and meaningful.

How do you work with families, schools, and other professionals to support a child’s development and wellbeing?
I work closely with families, education staff, and other professionals to provide consistent support and share strategies that help the child succeed across different environments. Good communication and collaboration are key. I ensure that families and other professionals feel confident to replicate the same skills that the young person is taught.

What impact have you seen habilitation services have on a child’s confidence, social skills, and educational experiences?
I’ve seen children become more confident, independent, and willing to take on new challenges. Developing these skills often improves their participation in school, friendships, and everyday life.

What advice would you give to teachers and communities to create more inclusive environments for blind and partially sighted children?
Take the time to understand each child’s individual needs and make simple adjustments to improve accessibility. Encouraging independence, inclusion, and high expectations can make a huge difference to a child’s confidence and opportunities. I would also recommend reaching out to any VI professionals for extra support and advice.

Habilitation support – Royal Society for Blind Children