About vision impairment

The term vision impairment is used to cover a range of conditions and a range of levels of vision, and includes all blind and partially sighted people. There is often a wide variation in the degree of disability experienced by students with vision impairment and, therefore, the amount of support they require. Where a student does not have access to the same visual experiences and cues as their peers, their learning opportunities can be reduced.

Course outline

The course on Supporting Students with Visual Impairments is designed to equip educators, and those working with children and young people who have visual impairments, with essential knowledge, understanding, and skills to foster an inclusive educational environment. Recognizing the challenges that visual impairments pose to learning across all key areas is crucial for all educators to ensure equitable educational opportunities and outcomes.

Course Overview:

• A description of the anatomy of the eye and the process of vision and how vision functions.
• A comprehensive overview of the common types of visual impairments, enhancing awareness and understanding of the diverse needs of students with visual challenges.
• Insights into vision assessment methods, providing tools to identify the level of vision and specific needs of students.
• Examination of the unique challenges faced by children and young people with visual impairments, focusing on the direct implications these challenges have on their learning and academic performance.
• Guidance on assessing and adapting the learning environment to mitigate barriers and enhance accessibility for students with visual impairments.
• Strategies for making curriculum content and written materials more accessible, ensuring that all students have equal access to learning resources.
• An introduction to the general principles of best practices when working with students who have visual impairments, emphasizing approaches that promote inclusivity and engagement.
• Detailed discussion on specific interventions tailored to the needs of students with visual impairments at different stages of their education, supporting targeted support and intervention.

This course aims to advance inclusive practices by empowering educators with the skills and knowledge to effectively support students with visual impairments, thereby facilitating a more accessible and accommodating learning environment for all students.

This course is divided into sections.

• Understanding
  You will learn about the eye and the process of vision, the incidence of vision impairment and the areas of development it may affect.
• Assessment for Learning
  Learn about a variety of tests and assessments for vision and the environment. Understand the difficulties students with visions impairment can encounter and the implications for learning. Create three student focused SMART goals to start putting your learning into practice in the classroom.
• Interventions
  Explore a range of adjustments to meet the needs of students with vision impairment. Learn practical strategies to ensure equality of access for these students, and specific interventions required at different phases.
• Case Studies
  View real video examples that illustrate the needs of the individual, the interventions implemented and their resulting progress.

Who is the course for?

Our Vision Impairment course is perfect for those who work in schools and specialist settings, such as teachers, learning and support teachers, teaching assistants and school leaders. The target age range is compulsory education, although the course may also benefit education professionals in pre-school and kindergarten settings.

Why join the course?

Participants’ pre and post-course evaluations demonstrate significantly increased confidence in identifying, assessing and supporting students with vision impairment.

This course looks at the impact vision impairment can have on a student’s access to key learning areas, and shows how you can make your classroom and practice more inclusive for these students. You will learn how to further understand their needs and develop a range of strategies to improve learning outcomes.

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What you will learn

On successful completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• describe the process of vision and how the eye works
• outline the more common forms of vision impairment
• explain how vision is assessed
• describe the difficulties encountered by children and young people with vision impairment and the implications for learning
• assess the environment to make it inclusive for students with vision impairment
• employ strategies to improve the access of children and young people to the curriculum and written information
• discuss the principles underlying good practice when working with pupils with a vision impairment
• use specific interventions required by pupils at different stages

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