Transforming the lives of blind children with BBC Children in Need

Supported by Children in Need, Living Paintings is able to transform the lives of blind and partially sighted children all around the UK.

For those blind and partially sighted children who receive Living Paintings’ service:

• 98% of blind and partially sighted children have improved confidence thanks to Living Paintings

For those blind and partially sighted children who receive Living Paintings’ service:

• 98% have attained an increased interest in learning

•  95% benefited from an improved confidence in reading

•  96% were more confident in joining in class activities and discussions

•  97% have benefitted from an increase in shared experiences with sighted friends, family and peers

•  95% have experienced a positive change in their confidence in socialising and making friends

•  95% have benefitted from a positive change in their confidence in taking part in physical activities such as getting involved in playing games

These comments highlight the impact of Living Paintings on their child’s/pupil’s well being, learning, friendships, interaction with sighted people, self-confidence and love of reading.

During lockdown our service became even more vital

“He is much happier as the books are based on his interests. This is very good for him, given the psychological impact of lockdown.” Parent of blind child

“Thank you so much for these books. I just ask for random choices and it’s such a nice surprise for my child (and me!) They have been amazing during lockdown.” Mum of blind child

“While trying to cope with lockdown, being swamped with online homework and trying to learn from home, we borrowed the Tudor Times pack and it helped provide a much more accessible learning format and he was able to keep up with learning and the homework and understand it better, than just reading.” Parent of blind child

“A huge thanks for providing such a wonderful ‘service’. You are always quick to respond to email requests and always send out books suited to age and visual needs. We love receiving our box of books especially during the current Covid -19 situation. We have so much fun sharing books in our household.” Parent of blind child

Making a dark world bright

“Living Paintings has made a very dark world bright for Grace. It is an invaluable service and anyone who has sight, including myself, cannot fully appreciate how important a stimulation of reading and understanding of the world Living Paintings provides. We all want to immerse ourselves in the fantastic, pretend to be the characters of books, experience the beauty of the world. This is a right as sighted people we take for granted and Living Paintings make these things a reality for visually impaired children.” Parent

“My son now attends recorder and gardening club after being inspired by ‘Mole’s Sunrise’. The books have created more of a visual description of what is being read. I find the packs very beneficial in motivating my son and his tactile exploration has aided his Braille development and touch typing skills.” Parent

“My son has a thirst for knowledge and books and the feely pictures are brilliant. We have used them on subjects he is already aware of and also where he has no real knowledge (solar system) and he gets a lot from them. Thanks for all you do.” Parent of 6 year old

A source of relaxation and enjoyment

“Living Paintings is a fantastic charity that has had a significant impact on Louis’ life. It was the books he borrowed from the library as a young boy that gave him a love of books and a vivid imagination. He is a keen and articulate writer and is doing really well in English at school, I’m sure due to the number of books he has borrowed over the years. It is a really worthwhile and useful charity to VI people of all ages and not only offers books and pictures but advice and resources on many other things.” Parent of 13 year old

“Your library provides a source of enjoyment, relaxation and learning for my child, and the books can be used independently.” Parent of 12 year old

“Thank you very much for your hard work and for making my child’s life easier and fun. Reading a book before wasn’t interesting for her – but with your books she loves to read now. Thank you very much.” Parent of 4 year old

Confidence boosting

“My pupil’s confidence has grown and they’re using their initiative which has been a problem in the past. Their love of books has improved and fluency too in reading grade 2 braille. Living Paintings is a great service, which is prompt, courteous and invaluable in supporting pupils with a visual impairment. A big thank you!” Teaching Assistant, child aged 10

“It is so nice to be able to share in story time with my daughter who is severely sight impaired.” Parent of child aged 2

“Living Paintings is brilliant and the books are lovely. My son has no vision at all and has a lot of other very complex needs. He likes to sit and listen to stories.” Parent of child aged 10

“They provide a new approach to reading as the descriptions and tactile pictures are excellent. Our student wouldn’t have been able to access certain subjects without Living Paintings.” Teaching Assistant

“You provide a super resource which gives the boys something to share with their peers. You give them something unique and which is linked to class projects.” Teacher