Music and the Arts for Vision Impairment
For both parents and teachers of children with a visual impairment, it will be worth asking about VI access at museums and theatres through large print, audio description or apps for phone or tablet. Many venues now have downloadable information such as audio guides, apps, large print PDFs etc so it is worth checking this out in advance.
The following are some educational and access links to the main museums in London but many smaller museums will also offer accessibility options for visually impaired children.
Most theatres now have many accessibility options for people with a visual impairment.
Many theatres organise;
- Touch Tours; usually annual or bi-annual events at the larger shows, will need to ask about these dates at time of booking through the access line.
- Audio described shows; specific dates where the show is audio described live through headphones.
- 2 for 1 on tickets per visually impaired person or a carer gets in free, these must be booked through their accessibility lines.
Access London Theatre updated lists of audio described and touch tours.
National Theatre - Accessibility
A small number of theatres may require pre registration and proof of visual impairment to avail of their access rates of 2 for 1 and other special arrangements.
Music can be a rewarding and enhancing aspect of the life of a person with a visual impairment. The following are some charitable trusts who can offer support.
The Amber Trust - Supporting blind and visually impaired children to fulfil their musical aspirations. Support for music lessons can be applied for at several times throughout the year.
Visit the Leisure pages for more information about activities and opportunities in Southwark for children and young people with SEND.