6.34 Some children and young people require special educational provision because they have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of the educational facilities generally provided. These difficulties can be age related and may fluctuate over time. Many children and young people with vision impairment (VI), hearing impairment (HI) or a multi-sensory impairment (MSI) will require specialist support and/or equipment to access their learning, or habilitation support. Children and young people with an MSI have a combination of vision and hearing difficulties. Information on how to provide services for deafblind children and young people is available through the Social Care for Deafblind Children and Adults guidance published by the Department of Health (see the References section under Chapter 6 for a link).
Visual Impairment (VI)
The team for children with a Visual Impairment (VI) is part of the Advisory Teaching Service. The team consists of
- Qualified Teachers of Visual Impairment
- Specialist Habilitation Officer via an SLA agreement
- Touch Typing Tutor
- Specialist Resource Technician
6.34 Some children and young people require special educational provision because they have a disability which prevents or hinders them from making use of the educational facilities generally provided. These difficulties can be age related and may fluctuate over time. Many children and young people with vision impairment (VI), hearing impairment (HI) or a multi-sensory impairment (MSI) will require specialist support and/or equipment to access their learning, or habilitation support. Children and young people with an MSI have a combination of vision and hearing difficulties. Information on how to provide services for deafblind children and young people is available through the Social Care for Deafblind Children and Adults guidance published by the Department of Health (see the References section under Chapter 6 for a link).
What we do:
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We provide specialist support for children and young people with visual impairment from the point of diagnosis through to leaving school or further education (ages 0–25). Our aim is to help them develop confidence, independence, and a positive sense of identity. We also aim to help their families and those working with the child/young person to understand how to manage the impact of their visual needs.
Our Support Includes:
- Early Years Support (0–5 years):
Working closely with families to understand the diagnosis and develop essential skills such as vision, mobility, and independence. - Empowering Children and Young People:
Supporting them to: - Understand their visual impairment
- Develop communication skills, including Braille
- Build specialist ICT skills
- Enhance social, mobility, and independence skills
- Improve listening and visual skills
- Collaborative Approach:
We work with families, early years and school staff, Qualified Habilitation Specialist, Touch Typing Tutor, Specialist VI Technician, and medical professionals to provide tailored advice and support.
- Sensory Groups:
A monthly group for babies and children aged 0–4 with a diagnosed sensory impairment (HI/VI/MSI) and their families. Led by a Teacher of the Deaf, the group offers: - Opportunities for families to connect and share experiences
- Guest speakers on sensory impairment topics
- Music and signed story sessions
- Activities to develop listening, communication, and social skills
- Educational and Developmental Advice:
Guidance on how visual impairment impacts learning and development. - Support Across Gloucestershire’s SEND Graduated Pathway:
Helping CYP, families, and settings at every stage. - Child-Centered Provision:
Ensuring the views and experiences of children and young people are central to their support. - Specialist Equipment:
Providing, monitoring, and evaluating tools such as magnifiers, Braille and Moon resources, enlarged print materials, and specialist ICT hardware/software.
· Training:
From tailored training for individual needs to whole-school and area-based courses, we support continuing professional development in visual impairment. - Early Years Support (0–5 years):
Referral
Referrals to our team mainly come from Health Services at the time of diagnosis. However, early years settings and educational settings can make a referral using the ATS request for involvement form (ats_request_for_involvement_form_jan_23_1_.docx)
Advice Line
Settings and families can contact our team during the week for anonymous advice by calling 01452 426955.
Our Vision
We have high aspirations for all children and young people with vision loss. We believe vision loss should never prevent them from thriving, reaching their full potential, and enjoying learning.
Contact
Telephone: 01452426955