Anke Verstappen

Encouraging blind babies to touch, feel and move

Department: Man and Mobility
Website: www.ankeverstappen.com

Aai-en

Compared to sighted children, children who are born blind fall behind in their development in the course of their first few years. The difference can amount to as much as 2.5 years. It is therefore very important that their development is encouraged in as many ways as possible. Anke Verstappen has developed a special playing mat with a range of features to stimulate their senses. Aai-en, a pun on the Dutch words for ‘stroking’ and ‘plus’, is aimed at blind children aged 0-3. It offers playful ways of encouraging children’s orientation, mobility and touch.