The ability to see clearly gives people a certain power over their world - even if they have profound and multiple learning difficulties and very limited skills. They may smile at a favourite person. They may use their sight to show other people what they want by 'eye pointing' to something they cannot reach. When they see a spoonful of food they do not like coming towards them, they may decide to close their mouth firmly.
Sight plays an important role in communication.
It helps us acquire an understanding of our environment, and the people around us. Severely learning disabled adults with little or no sight need carefully planned help to learn to communicate. They may feel 'out of control' all their lives, confused and afraid, perhaps responding by becoming passive and withdrawn. Alternatively they may develop challenging behaviour. It is based on the assumption that all people, regardless of severity of disability, communicate and that staff and carers need to learn to 'listen' and respond to what that people are telling them.