Visual impairment support service

Children and young people

• We help children and young people to understand their visual loss.
• We support their use of assistive technology and low-vision aids.
• We support reading via accessible books in large print or Braille.
• We support independent mobility skills.
• We provide opportunities to meet visually-impaired peers and other role models.
• We support the social and emotional wellbeing of visually-impaired children and young people.

Families and carers

• We support carers to understand their child’s visual loss and its implications.
• We model play activities and suggest accessible books and toys.
• We provide information on eye conditions, support groups and social events.
• We liaise with professionals from health, social care, education and the voluntary sectors.
• We support transitions into playgroups, early years settings, schools and colleges.
• We remain in close contact with parents and carers throughout their child’s education.
• We support families with statutory assessments.

Settings and schools

• We advise on the implications of visual impairment and suggest strategies to help.
• We support the use of assistive technology to ensure access to the curriculum.
• We teach specialist skills such as Braille and touch typing.
• We adapt visual curriculum materials into large print, Braille and Moon.
• We suggest adaptations to make the school environment accessible.
• We provide individual mobility lessons to develop independent travel skills.
• We contribute to education, health and care plans (EHCPs) and annual reviews.
• We support transitions into and between schools and key stages.
• We support the social and emotional wellbeing of visually-impaired pupils.