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Jacob's story

RIDBC Teleschool brings support to rural families

Three-year-old Jacob was diagnosed with severe vision impairment the day after he was born. His mum Vanessa understands how isolating and challenging it can be for regional families.

“While it was devastating to begin with, we just made the decision that we were going to do everything we could to make him as independent as possible. The Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC) has been the most helpful and consistent support and now I have the confidence to know that we are preparing Jacob for school in the best possible way.

“We started at RIDBC about three months after Jacob was born. Within weeks of our initial phone call, we were flown down to Sydney from Queensland. We were able to stay on the grounds and given loads of information and assessments.”

With Jacob’s older sister Holly, who is five, and a baby on the way, Vanessa now doesn’t have to travel as many hours each week to receive treatment for Jacob. The RIDBC Teleschool service is delivered directly into their home via videoconferencing each week, and is individually structured especially for Jacob and his level of vision impairment.

“ He’s more aware of people and is interacting with them a lot better than he has been in the past. With the help of RIDBC, I can see Jacob grow into a confident and independent little boy. ”

“I am able to show the teachers what he is doing and get information and guidance about the next step. It is hard to express just how valuable it is to know that support is only a phone call away.”

Vanessa has just started to introduce Jacob to braille and is learning herself. She brailles his books and has braille labels around the home to begin this important process in preparing him for independence.

In the last couple of months, Jacob has started talking more and his gross mobility is getting much better. He particularly loves climbing.

“He’s more aware of people and is interacting with them a lot better than he has been in the past,” said Vanessa. “With the help of RIDBC, I can see Jacob grow into a confident and independent little boy.”

Want to support programs at the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children?

You can help support programs like the RIDBC Teleschool by making a donation.

Like to know more?

If you would like to know more about the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, its services, students or ways that you can help, visit the RIDBC website.

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