When I first became pregnant, I would daydream about what motherhood would be like and how I might parent. I said I wouldn’t sit my child in front of the television for entertainment. But now, I wish more than ever that my daughter could see and enjoy a cartoon. She is still in Phase 1 on The CVI Range by Dr. Christine Roman which means she cannot yet view 2D images. That said, I know she will progress and I want to be ready when she does.
I’ve curated this fantastic list of cartoons and movies that other parents of kids with Cortical Visual Impairment have recommended. If you’re interested in apps, please visit my page about Apps for Kids with CVI.
Pokoyo
This animated cartoon is a favorite! Available on YouTube, Netflix and Amazon.
Charlie’s Colorforms City
The main character and objects really POP and the background is often solid black! Available on Netflix.
Charlie and the Numbers
Simple and clutter-free. Available on YouTube.
Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
One parent suggested her son could easily follow the bright green Grinch. Available on Amazon.
The Hive
Great use of primary colors. Watch it on YouTube. For bee lovers, The Bee Movie is available on Netflix.
Cars
If your kiddo loves the color red, this one might be worth a shot. Available on Amazon.
Peppa Pig
This little piglet is cute as a button and the animations are relatively clutter-free. Some parents have suggested playing it at a slower speed, if the controls are available. Available on YouTube, Netflix and Amazon.
Baby Babble
Created by speech therapists, this cartoon exposes babies and toddlers to age specific words and sounds. Available on Amazon.
Hey Bear
On YouTube, you can find Hey Bear Sensory Rainbow, Hey Bear Sensory Funky Veggies and more similar cartoons. The background is solid black and the colors are vibrant.
Elmo
If your child has become familiar with the Elmo toy and Elmo drawings, the Elmo sing-along on YouTube may spark his or her interest!
I hope you found this list helpful! If there are any in particular that your child with CVI enjoys, please be sure to comment below.
Cindy has a deep interest in Cortical Visual Impairment (CVI) and is currently studying Early Childhood Education. She focuses most of her time on her energetic daughter: playing, cuddling and helping to make her world visually accessible. Cindy holds a degree in Marketing and has worked in the not-for-profit sector for many years.