Sensory charity helped son to ‘blossom’
The mum of young boy with sight loss has praised a north-east sensory loss charity for making a “phenomenal difference” and helping him to “blossom”.
Bri Wignall said being able to meet other children with sight loss through a group run by North East Sensory Services (NESS) has helped her son Ruairidh make friends.
Her family first became involved with the charity last December after Ruairidh – who would hurt himself daily by accidentally running into and falling over things - was diagnosed with sight issues, including peripheral vision loss.
He may also have a cerebral visual impairment, meaning moving objects don’t translate from his brain to his eyes, which leads to objects ‘disappearing’ from his sight.
Ruairidh and his family became involved in NESS’s Young People’s Sensory Service (YPSS) in Moray, which offers tailored practical and emotional support to young people with sensory loss and their families.
The service also involves clubs, groups, and a school holiday activity programme and is aimed at increasing confidence, independence, social skills and ambition in children.
As well as receiving practical help such as providing large print books and advice on writing font size, Ruairidh, who is also autistic, has been ice skating and climbing with his YPSS group.
Bri said: “From the start, they made Ruairidh feel welcome. He turned to me and said, ‘Oh, they're like me. I have friends now.’ It was quite moving because he does his best to make friends, fit in and do well, but I think he always feels like he's different.
“He felt like they were his group, and he is very excited. “We saw the phenomenal difference it made for him to feel welcome and seen and understood. He knew that there were other people like him and saw older kids he could see as role models who had visual and hearing impairments, who were doing phenomenal things. That is when he just blossomed and he feels so much better now.”
NESS supports thousands of blind and deaf people, and those with visual and hearing loss, across Angus, Dundee, Moray, Aberdeen, and Aberdeenshire. Diana Daneels, YPSS co-ordinator, said: “It's been great to hear how much attending the group has helped Ruairidh. It's clear to see that he loves coming along and he's enjoyed climbing and ice skating.”