Special skills for special cases

Visual impairment changes the way children obtain information about the world around them and limits opportunities to learn via the visual elements in the school curriculum and elsewhere. This means that, in addition to regular classroom studies, blind or visually impaired children need to embrace specialized skills, said Han Yao, who works for an NGO called Yi Xin that promotes disabled people's rights, teaching children with visual impairments.

"The special skills they must learn include the proficient use of technology and computers, reading and writing in Braille, reading large print, and the use of optical devices. They must also undergo training in the optimum use of their available vision, how to explore career preferences, and how to participate in work experience programs using non-visual methods," she said.

"They should also be trained to use specific orientation and mobility techniques to learn about social interaction and independent living skills," she added.