The family’s influence on the acquisition of functional abilities in children with visual impairments

Abstract

The family plays a fundamental role in the development of children with visual impairment and to occur their appropriate care interventions in this core are needed. This study aims to identify the infl uence of the family on the acquisition offunctional abilities of children with low vision. Cross-sectionalstudy, that used the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory for data collection. The questionnaire was administered to the caregiver and clinical judgment with two professionals involved in the care of children selected. The research subject was fi ve years old and diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. As results, obtained by the difference between the responses of professionals and family, showed that the environment encourages or inhibits
child actions. The infl uence of the child’s family was limiting in situations of self-care, mobility and social function. The overprotection can take the child to dependence and lack of autonomy, lack of interest in activities, interference in social and emotional development, and consequences to the stimulation and use of functional vision.