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Chapter 13: Becoming Part of the Community

How community members can help

Community members can learn that a child who cannot see well is just as active as other children. But she also needs special help getting to know people and finding her way about. People may feel uncomfortable with your child until you explain how to act.

To help community members interact with your child

Encourage them to speak to your child whenever they see her. Ask them to introduce themselves and to call your child by name, so she knows they are talking to her. Explain that they should speak directly to her, rather than asking other people about her.

Encourage people to help your child find what she is looking for. Community members can learn to give directions (see pages 111 to 113) that will help her find things on her own.

Encourage people to answer your child's questions and to explain things to her. As members of the community get to know your child, they will begin to realize that she can do more than they would ever have thought possible!

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Note: Any organisation or person wishing to copy, reproduce or adapt any or all part of the book for the promotion of community eye care and for public welfare without commercial benefit is encouraged to do so, subject to the written permission obtained and acknowledged in the printed copy.

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Eyeway intends building a community where people can share and learn from each other. If you would like to share your experiences about Parenting with others, please send us your write-up at inspiration@eyeway.org. We shall include it as part of our website.

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