We want you and your child to share the fun and joy of communicating effectively with each other. To achieve that, they need a strong foundation for learning and communication. If your child is blind or has low vision, NextSense provides early intervention services to support the important steps that will guide you and your child on the path to achieving their potential.
Your child is unique, so we work with you to design a tailored program that meets their needs, developing the communication, language and social skills that will support your child and family at every stage.
Learning in everyday life
Hope in sight for people with vision impairment
World Sight Day 2020 (Thursday 8 October) is an opportunity to celebrate RIDBC clients and staff who are blind or have low vision.
We want early intervention to be meaningful, functional and fun. We know that children learn best when they are having fun and when early intervention goals are integrated into daily routines and community activities.
Our program is designed to empower you and your family to support your child's learning and development every day, at home and in the community.
Through play, daily routines and meaningful experiences, we work with you to support your child’s development in preparation for school. This may involve focusing on braille literacy, low vision aid training, assistive technology and therapies. Supported by the latest evidence, our programs help you access the right early intervention support for your child, from when their low vision or blindness is identified onwards.
An expert team in your corner
With NextSense, you don't just get one expert, you get a team of professionals who are focused on helping your child to reach their goals.
Led by an expert consultant, known as your key worker, your team of professionals work together to deliver your family's individual care plan.
Your key worker is there to support you, providing intervention and individualised service planning, coordinating your child’s services and supports and making sure they have access to a range of experiences and opportunities.
Designed specifically for your child and your family, your individual plan may include:
- medical specialists
- preschool and childcare
- respite workers
- playgroup
- parent information sessions
- orthoptists
- Teachers of the Deaf
- speech pathologists
- specialist teachers
- occupational therapists
- physiotherapists
- psychologists
- audiologists
- assistive technology consultants
- early childhood teachers
Need to know more? Get in touch with our friendly Client Care team.
Learn more-
About vision loss
When it comes to vision loss, we’re experts. Here, we've provided some general information about vision loss.
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Vision Assessments
We provide specialist and functional vision assessments to determine the level of your child's vision, vision development, and work with you to develop strategies for your child.
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Accessibility and Inclusion
We help individuals, community groups, businesses and organisations that need to access printed materials in their choice of alternative format.
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Allied Health and therapy
We offer integrated allied health services, or therapy, for children and adults with hearing or vision loss.
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School Services
As well as specialist NextSense schools, we also support children with vision loss in their mainstream schools.
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Preschools and Kindergarten
NextSense Preschools and Kindergarten offer a supportive environment for children with hearing or vision loss.
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Connected Services
We support children who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or have low vision—wherever you are in Australia.
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Service guides and handbooks
Access downloadable guides for all NextSense services, as well as a guide to NextSense Institute, our centre for research and education.
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NextSense and the NDIS
As a registered NDIS provider, we’re here to help you access services and resources that you, your child or family need.
