Guide Dogs Children's Services

Our experts can help you to live actively, independently and well with sight loss. Whether you’re asking for yourself, a member of your family, or your child, speak to someone from our friendly team today for more information.

Family support

Our team is here to give advice and emotional support from the moment your child is diagnosed with a vision impairment. Our experts can share their experience to build your whole family’s knowledge and confidence and provide tools that are right for your child’s specific needs.

Education support

Our specialist team can offer independent and tailored advice to help your child receive the educational support they are entitled to. From supporting you when you are choosing the right nursery, school or college, to working with teachers and special education staff or advising on assistive technologies.

Technology grants and sensory toys

For children with sight loss, technology and sensory play is vital. Our expert team can provide personalised advice to help you choose the right technology or sensory toys for your child’s age and stage. We can offer grants to help buy the specialist technology or sensory equipment your child needs. We also have a range of sensory packages with toys carefully selected by our experts for different age ranges.

My Life Skills

We’re here to help your child learn invaluable practical skills for life. From supporting physical development and learning in the early years, to navigating streets safely, preparing food, handling money, using technology and managing their appearance they grow older.

My Time to Play

My Time to Play helps children aged 0-4 with a vision impairment develop through play and provides parents with the opportunity to network, share experiences and pick up skills and knowledge to support their child’s development with confidence.

CustomEyes Books

CustomEyes Books are for everyone aged 0-25 with a vision impairment, or dyslexia. Whatever reading format your child needs, we’ll tailor their books to meet their individual requirements; font type and size, line spacing, paper colour and more. What’s more, if the book they want isn’t already on our catalogue of over 4,200 titles, we’ll do our best to add it. All books are available at the recommended retail price, regardless of format.

Family Events

Guide Dogs family events are a great day out where your family can relax and have fun together – and meet other families with similar stories. They allow children with a vision impairment to build confidence and make lifelong friends.

Buddy Dogs

Our buddy dogs bring a new friend into the lives of children with sight loss. By helping to develop their self-confidence, improve relationships and build a greater sense of trust, these dogs can have a hugely positive effect on your child’s wellbeing – and your family, too. Call us on 0800 781 1444 to sign up for a Discovery Session.