The session was delivered by Mrs Williams, Teacher of Activities for Daily Living, alongside Mr Norman, who both shared their lived experience of being blind parents and raising babies and children. Their insight gave students a meaningful and realistic understanding of parenting from a vision‑impaired perspective.

The workshop began with an overview of the journey from pregnancy through to early parenthood, covering topics such as pregnancy tests, pain relief during labour, skin-to-skin contact and how to safely hold a baby.

Students then had the chance to take part in practical activities using Baby Nancy, NCW’s resident training doll. Baby Nancy is weighted and highly realistic, allowing students to experience what it feels like to hold and care for a baby. While many students had previously held a baby through younger siblings, for some this was their first opportunity to hold a ‘baby’ in a supported, hands-on learning environment.

Students learned key skills including how to hold and wind a baby, how to support the neck and why a baby’s head requires such careful handling.

The workshop also sparked a range of thoughtful and insightful questions, including discussions around safely pushing or pulling a pram while using a long cane or walking with a guide dog, and the importance of advocating for your own needs as a vision‑impaired parent. Students also explored questions around genetics and family planning, including the choices involved in becoming a parent and how the possibility of passing on an eye condition may influence those decisions and feelings.

There were also plenty of hands-on activities, giving students the chance to try tasks such as pushing a pram, changing a nappy and dressing a baby in a vest or babygrow.

The workshop provided a safe and supportive space for students to ask questions, build confidence and develop practical life skills, all while gaining valuable insight into parenting as a visually impaired adult.