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Overview of Needs

Visual Impairment can affect

  • Educational progress
  • Speed of working and access to information
  • Communication skills
  • Mobility, orientation and environmental awareness
  • Social interaction
  • Self-esteem

What you might notice

  • Unusual appearance of eyes
  • Frequent headaches
  • Holds books very close or at an unusual angle
  • Fails to respond to non-verbal instructions
  • Loses place when reading / skips lines / difficulty finding text on a page
  • Has difficulty finding dropped items
  • Closes or covers one eye
  • Shows hesitancy when walking
  • Lacks confidence in group activities
  • Short attention span when reading or writing
  • Poor posture / head tilt / head movements
  • Squints to see board / difficulty copying from board
  • Bumping into things / people

Strategies

Please check the VI profile for each student for specific recommendations by the QTVI (Qualified Teacher for Visual Impairment) and/or Habilitation Specialist.

  • Lighting – good, even lighting whilst avoiding glare turn off overhead lights to access interactive boards
  • Environment / Storage – clear labelling minimise changes to environment
  • Displays – text at reading height good background / foreground contrast
  • Position – avoid standing in front of window ensure student can see you / other teaching and learning resources
  • Language – say child’s name to gain attention provide clear verbal instructions, avoiding vague language such as “over there”
  • Whiteboards – clean regularly ensure pens are clear and high contrast
  • Understanding the task – consider pre-teaching and/or verbal overview- provide additional time / revision
  • Printed materials – modify printed resources / electronic copy according to individual preferences as advised by a QTVI- provide own copy of any resources (avoid sharing where possible)
  • Marking / making comments – use black pen and write in large print- numerous comments should be provided as numbered footnotes
  • Students may need additional time and/or frequent rest breaks to reduce the impact of visual fatigue.

Resources Interventions and Activities

Targeted Interventions for Visual Impairment

1. Early Intervention and Support

  • Specialist Early Intervention Services: Provide early assessments, tailored education plans, and emotional support for children with visual impairments.
  • Sensory Integration Therapy: Uses multisensory techniques (e.g., touch, sound) to enhance cognitive, motor, and social development.

2. Teaching and Learning Interventions

  • Modified Curriculum and Materials: Use of Braille, large print, and audio materials (e.g., books on tape, audiobooks) to support reading and learning.
  • Adapted Technology: Implementation of screen readers, speech-to-text programs, voice command devices, and magnification software to assist with daily activities.
  • One-to-One Teaching: Providing personalised, direct instruction that may include specialist teachers, Braille tutors, or qualified special educational needs (SEN) teachers.

3. Use of Assistive Technology

  • Screen Reader Software: Programs like JAWS (Job Access With Speech), NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access), and VoiceOver for Apple devices that allow individuals to interact with computers and mobile devices using speech output.
  • Braille Displays: Electronic Braille displays that convert text on a computer screen to Braille.
  • Magnification Tools: Devices like handheld magnifiers or digital magnifiers to enlarge text or objects.
  • Voice-Controlled Devices: Voice-activated assistants such as Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant to help with daily tasks and information retrieval.

4. Social and Emotional Support

  • Peer Support Groups: Facilitating social integration through group activities, offering opportunities for peer mentoring and social connections.
  • Counselling and Psychological Support: Services focusing on the emotional well-being of individuals with visual impairment.

5. Mobility and Orientation Support

  • Mobility Training: Working with orientation and mobility specialists to develop skills for independent movement, such as using a white cane or learning how to navigate environments.
  • Guide Dogs for the Blind: Training dogs to assist in navigating environments.

UK Resources for Visual Impairment

1. Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB)

  • Overview: RNIB provides information, advice, and support to people with sight loss. They offer a wide range of resources for individuals and their families, as well as training and educational support.
  • Resources:
    • Braille books and large print publications
    • Assistive technology services such as screen readers and magnification software
    • Practical advice for daily living and mobility
  • Website: www.rnib.org.uk

2. Guide Dogs

  • Overview: Guide Dogs UK provides services to help people with visual impairment achieve greater independence. They offer guide dog training, mobility services, and advice on living with sight loss.
  • Resources: Guide dog training, mobility and orientation training, emotional support services, and peer support groups.
  • Website: www.guidedogs.org.uk

3. Thomas Pocklington Trust

  • Overview: The Thomas Pocklington Trust supports people living with sight loss by providing services, advice, and research. They also focus on employment and education for people with visual impairments.
  • Resources: Workshops, online training, and advocacy programs. They also provide grants for people with sight loss to access assistive technology and support.
  • Website: www.pocklington-trust.org.uk

4. Blind Children UK (Now part of Action for Blind People)

  • Overview: Offers support for children and young people with visual impairments, providing opportunities to develop independent living skills, access educational resources, and enjoy recreational activities.
  • Resources: Educational resources, technology, and fundraising opportunities to support young people.
  • Website: www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk

5. The Macular Society

  • Overview: This organisation offers advice, support, and information to people with macular degeneration and other vision conditions that affect central vision.
  • Resources: Regular support groups, advice on low vision aids, and tips for coping with vision loss in everyday life.
  • Website: www.macularsociety.org

6. The Vision Foundation

  • Overview: A charity that provides grants, support, and services to help individuals with visual impairment access the services they need, including education and mobility support.
  • Resources: Access to financial grants, support programs for people with visual impairment, and community projects.
  • Website: www.visionfoundation.org.uk

7. British Blind Sport

  • Overview: Provides resources for people with visual impairments to participate in sport and physical activities. The organization promotes inclusion in sports for people with visual impairments.
  • Resources: Sporting events, recreational activities, and advice on accessible sports for blind and visually impaired people.
  • Website: www.britishblindsport.org.uk

8. Sense – The National Deafblind and Rubella Association

  • Overview: Provides support for people with dual sensory loss (both hearing and sight loss), including early intervention and education services.
  • Resources: Specialist training, counselling, and assistive technology for individuals with both visual and hearing impairments.
  • Website: www.sense.org.uk

Assistive Technology Tools in the UK

  1. Seeing AI: A free app by Microsoft that turns images into speech, helping blind users identify objects, read text, and navigate their surroundings.
  2. ZoomText: A popular screen magnification software designed for people with visual impairments, providing enhanced contrast and text enlargement.
  3. SuperNova: Offers screen magnification, screen reading, and Braille support for Windows users.
  4. JAWS (Job Access With Speech): A popular screen reader used for individuals who are blind or have low vision.