The Visual Impairment (VI) Service

• A condition that cannot be corrected by glasses or contact lenses and which may have an impact on the child's development and/or learning.

What is a visual impairment?

• Ensure that the views, wishes, perspectives and experiences of the children and young people are fully reflected in their provision.
• Advise and give information to parents/carers and staff in education settings e.g. visual conditions, classroom management, risk assessments, environmental audits, modification of resources, access arrangements for examinations, transition phases.
• Work in partnership with families offering support and information regarding visual difficulties.
• Specialist Teaching (including Braille and access technology) and support for children with a visual impairment.
• Ongoing assessment of functional vision.
• Support and advice on the use of specialist equipment and training in the use of low vision devices such as magnifiers and electronic video magnifiers.
•  Prepare and provide enlarged/modified learning materials, Braille/Moon/tactile materials, auditory resources.
• Deliver training about raising awareness of visual impairment in a variety of settings such as nurseries/pre-schools, schools and further education. 
• Promote independence by providing training in mobility skills and daily living skill programmes.
• Teach touch typing skills.
• Collaborative work with families, professionals and other agencies such as health and social care.
• Attend and contribute to statutory assessment, annual reviews, individual education plans.

Visual impairment service- A guide to visual impairment and support we offer.

Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI) 

• Babies, children and students 0-25 years (Post 16 if in further education) with a diagnosed visual impairment, their families and carers who live in the Dudley Borough or attend Dudley schools.

• Support is offered at home, Nursery or Early Years Setting, Playgroup, School or College 6th Form.
• Level of support is allocated according to the National Sensory Inclusion Partnership (NatSIP) visiting criteria.

• We have an open referral system. Referrals can be made by parents/carers, school staff, nursery/early years settings, medical professionals such as Consultant Ophthalmologists and Health Visitors.

Referral form.

• On receipt of a signed referral form you will be contacted by a Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired within one week. A functional assessment should then take place within 4 weeks during term time only.

Visual Impairment Service Identifying children with a sight problem and supporting them in Pre-school or nursery.

Visual Impairment Service Accessibility for visually impaired pupils

Visual Impairment Service Habilitation (mobility and independence) training for children with a visual impairment

Visual Impairment Service Sighted guide - how to safely guide a child with a visual impairment

Visual Impairment Support Guidance relating to children wearing an eyepatch

• Sessions held monthly (usually last Friday in every month).
• 09.45am – 11:45pm at the Children and Families Centre, Forge Road, Stourbridge, DY8 1XF.

Information sheet for Parents/carers- Visual impairment baby and toddler groups.

 Visual Impairment Education Workforce (VIEW)

View is a registered charity, and we exist to help you support the education,  development and opportunities of children with vision impairment.

National Sensory Impairment Partnership (NATSIP)

NatSIP, the National Sensory Impairment Partnership is a partnership of organisations working together to improve outcomes for children and young people with sensory impairment.

https://www.rnib.org.uk/professionals/health-social-care-education-professionals/education-professionals/curriculum-framework-for-children-and-young-people-with-vision-impairment/

The Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI) has been developed to support children and young people with vision impairment access an appropriate and equitable education.

• The Visual Impairment Service provides advice, information and specialist equipment for students with a visual impairment and staff in further education (FE).
• The Visual Impairment Service consists of Qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired, Habilitation Specialist (mobility and independence training), Specialist ICT and Specialist Resources Technician.

For further information please contact:

Judy Lewis  judy.lewis@dudley.gov.uk

Telephone number: 01384 818003