The Developmental Journal for babies and children with vision impairment (DJVI), developed by Great Ormond Street Hospital Developmental Vision team, is a structured early intervention programme. It systematically tracks development and vision progress from birth to age three (or equivalent developmental age) by:
- Helping parents and practitioners track and understand the child’s achievements, progress and development.
- Supporting goal setting and guidance to promote vision and general development.
- Supporting interdisciplinary and interagency work.
- Supporting communication between parents and professionals
- Identifying areas of difficulty early for increased support.
Parents, health professionals, Qualified Teachers of children with Vision Impairment (QTVIs) and Habilitation Specialists can use the DJVI together to track, shape, support and celebrate each child’s new skills and abilities as they grow.
Research carried out by Great Ormond Street Hospital’s Developmental Vision team /UCL (commissioned by RNIB, Fight for Sight and GOSH Children’s charity) provided evidence that children up to the age of 3, with severe vision impairment, make better progress in their development and behaviour when supported using the DJVI, than children receiving other forms of support. The DJVI also helps parents feel better assisted.
The DJVI may be delivered to families as part of the support provided by health and local authority vision impairment services (QTVIs and Habilitation Specialists), and they should have a professional licence and training to use it in their support of each child.
RNIB’s experience reflects the research findings, and promotes use of the DJVI as best practice in our policy statements: Policy Statement on Early Years Intervention and Support for Babies with Vision Impairment. If your child is not currently being supported with the DJVI, you can ask your paediatrician or QTVI about it, or contact us for further advice at: [email protected]
