How to get a visually impaired child to learn how to type?

As a parent of a visually impaired child, it can be challenging to find ways to help your child learn and grow. One area that may be particularly difficult is helping your child develop typing skills. Typing is an essential skill that can help your child communicate more effectively, access information independently, and complete tasks on their own. However, for a child with a visual impairment, learning to type may seem daunting or even impossible.

 

Fortunately, there are many benefits of typing for visually impaired children, and there are also many resources and tools available to help your child learn to type. In this blog, we will explore the benefits of typing for visually impaired children, how to teach your child to type, and some of the resources and tools that are available to help your child succeed.

 

Benefits of Typing for Visually Impaired Children

There are many benefits of typing for visually impaired children, including:

 

Independence:

Typing allows visually impaired children to communicate more effectively and access information independently. This can give them a sense of independence and empower them to take control of their learning and communication.

 

Confidence:

Learning to type can be a challenging task, but with practice and patience, your child can master this skill. As your child becomes more proficient at typing, they will likely experience a boost in self-esteem and confidence.

 

Improved communication:

Typing allows visually impaired children to communicate more quickly and efficiently, which can be especially helpful in a classroom or work setting. With the ability to type, your child can communicate their thoughts and ideas more clearly and effectively.

 

Access to information:

The internet is an incredible resource for visually impaired children, and learning to type can help your child access this information independently. From educational resources to social media, there is a wealth of information available online, and typing allows your child to explore and learn at their own pace.

 

How to Teach Your Child to Type

If you are interested in helping your child learn to type, there are a few steps you can take:

 

Start early:

It is never too early to start teaching your child to type. Even young children can benefit from learning typing skills, and starting early can help your child develop a strong foundation.

 

Use a keyboard with large keys:

For visually impaired children, it can be helpful to use a keyboard with large keys. This can make it easier for your child to find and press the correct keys.

 

Use typing software:

There are many typing software programs available that can help your child learn to type. Some programs are specifically designed for visually impaired children, and they may include features such as large keys and audio feedback to help your child learn. At Searsol we have our own typing program called Typewiz which some visual students have used successfully in learning how to type. A free seven day trial is available at http://typewiz.com/#plans 

 

Practice, practice, practice: Like any skill, typing takes practice to master. Encourage your child to practice typing regularly, and be patient as they learn.

 

Resources and Tools for Teaching Typing to Visually Impaired Children

There are many resources and tools available to help visually impaired children learn to type, including:

 

Typing software: Typewiz is an online typing program that helps a child to learn how to type in a fun and interactive way. Children can earn Avatars, badges and coins, also there are typing games included in the program. 

 

Keyboard with large keys: Using a keyboard with large keys can make it easier for your child to find and press the correct keys. There are many keyboards available that are specifically designed for visually impaired children, and some even include audio feedback.

 

Braille keyboard: If your child is learning braille, a braille keyboard can be an excellent tool for teaching typing skills. These keyboards have braille keys, which allow your child to type using braille characters

 

Typing Tuition Scheme 

 

Visually impaired pupils can receive typing lessons upon the recommendation of a visiting teacher for the visually impaired. The Department of Education in Ireland offers a maximum of 20 hours of typing tuition to schools to help improve the typing skills of a specific student. This program is run through the school and the teacher providing the tuition must be appropriately qualified. Upon completion of the tuition, the teacher should provide a report on the student’s progress to the visiting teacher.

 

Searsol can provide schools with a professional qualified teacher that can deliver one to one typing classes to a visually impaired student. If you are interested in this for a student in your school that has visual impairment, then contact Searsol either by phone 01-6303384 or email info at Searsol dot com.