Almost all children who live with blindness or vision impairment also have additional SEND needs. For those who are visually impaired, light reflectance values (LRVs) are extremely important. This is according to national decorating contractor Bagnalls, who work with colour specialist partner AkzoNobel (Dulux branded paints) to develop suitable colours for children with learning and other disabilities.
This is a companion article to “Creating an inclusive SEND-friendly space through the use of colour”.
LRVs are the measure used to quantify how light or bright a colour is, important in the context of 96 percent of those registered blind in the UK are able to detect some level of light. Contrast plays an important role in ensuring accessibility within a space. Always consider tonal contrast and make sure the saturation of two contrasting colours is significant, as those with low vision may find it difficult to differentiate between two similar tones.
Complementary colour combinations are also difficult for those with vision impairment to differentiate, such as red and green or orange and blue. These combinations can be jarring and overwhelming for many. Try sticking to a single colour palette, either red or green, instead of combining the two.
By being aware of the light within space and understanding the role contrast plays in wayfinding, a person can ensure their space is accessible to everyone.
Using brighter, primary colours in a selective way can enable further accessibility, especially when it comes to play and imagination. Bagnalls recently completed some important painting within a playground that makes it easier for visually impaired students to identify landmarks and potential hazards.
Invest in colourful furniture
Overly bright primary colours can be intimidating and overwhelming for many children with special educational needs and disability (SEND) needs. By adding pops of engaging colour via furniture instead, you can create a space that is accessible for everybody.
A spokesperson for Bagnall, Dawn Scott recommends a “neutral colour scheme to create a calming atmosphere that the addition of colourful furniture can enhance.” The beauty of having colourful furniture is that you can move it around to play with light and engagement within the space.
By keeping your walls, ceiling and floor neutral, you can ensure your space is multi-functional. Investing in colourful furniture and toys for your child that you can remove from the space, you can furnish the same room to prioritise concentration, sleep and play.
By day, allow your child to scatter their primary-coloured toys around their room. Try adding a colourful chair or toy box to aid their creativity. If necessary, these items can be easily removed, leaving a calming, neutral space.
At night, ready the room for calm and sleep by adding a number of cosy throws and plush toys in deeper, jewel tones, such as emerald green and sapphire blue. These deeper shades will signal to your child that it’s time to feel calm and sleepy, in contrast to the stimulating bright colours of earlier in the day.
In a classroom setting, Scott advises you can swap the chairs and tables to cater to different groups of children, dependent on age, SEND requirements and concentration levels. By maintaining a neutral base, one space can offer both a soothing and playful atmosphere with a few simple furniture changes.
