Basics of supporting a child with vision impairment

If you are new to working with children and young people with vision impairment, understanding how vision affects learning, development and access to the curriculum can feel overwhelming.

The Basics of Supporting a Child with Vision Impairment Course is designed to provide educators with a practical introduction to vision impairment and its impact within educational settings.

Ideal for teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs and school staff, this online course explores the barriers children with vision impairment may experience and provides practical strategies to promote inclusion, independence and meaningful curriculum access.

Participants leave with greater confidence, practical approaches and a clearer understanding of how to support children and young people with vision impairment in everyday classroom situations.

What Practitioners Say About the Course

“Thank you. I now feel much more confident supporting a child with vision impairment in my classroom.”

Who Is This Course For?

This course is ideal for:

• Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• SENCOs
• ALN Staff
• Learning Support Assistants
• Early Years Practitioners
• School Leaders
• Professionals supporting children and young people with vision impairment

The course is particularly useful for practitioners supporting a child with vision impairment for the first time.

What You Will Learn

During the course participants will explore:

Understanding Vision Impairment

• Different types of vision impairment
• Common barriers to learning
• How vision impairment affects development
• Understanding functional vision

Supporting Access to Learning

• Curriculum access strategies
• Classroom adaptations
• Environmental considerations
• Supporting participation and engagement

Developing Inclusive Practice

• Creating accessible learning opportunities
• Promoting independence
• Encouraging confidence and self-advocacy
• Working collaboratively with specialist services

Practical Strategies You Can Use Immediately

Participants will leave with practical approaches that can be implemented immediately, including:

• Adaptations for printed materials
• Support for reading and writing activities
• Access to images and visual information
• Classroom organisation ideas
• Inclusive teaching approaches
• Environmental adaptations

All strategies are designed to be practical, achievable and effective within everyday educational settings.

Structure and Delivery

The course is delivered through three online resource-rich sessions.

Each session is designed to develop participants’ understanding of vision impairment and provide practical strategies that can be implemented immediately within school settings.

The course examines:

• The impact of vision impairment on learning and development
• Educational barriers experienced by children and young people with vision impairment
• Strategies to improve curriculum access
• Approaches to creating inclusive learning environments
• Practical methods for supporting independence

Throughout the course, participants are introduced to practical examples, low-cost adaptations and contemporary evidence-informed approaches.

Learning Objectives

1. Understand the Impact of Vision Impairment on Development and Learning

Success Criteria

• Understand how vision impairment affects learning and development.
• Identify barriers children with vision impairment may experience.
• Recognise the relationship between vision and curriculum access.

2. Develop Knowledge of Inclusive Approaches and Educational Support

Success Criteria

• Identify effective strategies to support learning.
• Understand reasonable adjustments within educational settings.
• Promote participation and engagement

3. Implement Practical Strategies to Support Access and Independence

Success Criteria

• Adapt learning materials appropriately.
• Adapt classroom learning environments to enable access to curriculum activities
• Support greater independence and confidence.

Handouts and Resources

Participants receive a comprehensive downloadable folder containing practical guidance, resource sheets and strategies that can be used long after the course has finished.

The materials are designed to support day-to-day classroom practice and provide ongoing professional development.

Recordings of Sessions

Sessions are recorded and made available for one week following each session to the registered participant.

Recordings are provided as an additional benefit and are not included within the course fee. Participants are encouraged to attend all live sessions wherever possible.

Sessions

Time:

2.00 – 3.30pm UK   |  9.00 – 10.30am ET  | 8.00 – 9.30am CT

Session 1: 20.9.2027

Understanding vision impairment and its impact on learning and development.

Session 2: 27.9.2027

Supporting curriculum access, participation and inclusion.

Session 3: 4.10.2027

Practical strategies and approaches that promote independence and confidence.

Require training before these dates?

Explore the course on an Introduction to working with children with VI on our bespoke course training page.

Cost: £120.00

To pay by invoice, email gwyn@positiveeye.co.uk or purchase directly through the shop.

What Practitioners Say About the Course

Increased Confidence

“I now feel much more confident supporting a child with vision impairment in my classroom.”

Practical and Easy to Apply

“The strategies were realistic and easy to implement straight away.”

Improved Understanding

“The course helped me understand the barriers children with vision impairment encounter and what I can do to help.”

Related Positive Eye Training and Resources

You may also be interested in:

• Positive Looking Visual Skills Course
• Step Back to Independence Course and Programme
• Braille and Tactile Learner Course
• Learner’s Voice resource

Why Choose Positive Eye?

Positive Eye has supported schools, local authorities and specialist services for many years through high-quality training, consultancy and practical resources.

Our training combines:

• Contemporary evidence-informed practice
• Real-life classroom experience
• Practical and achievable strategies
• A strong focus on independence
• Specialist expertise in vision impairment education

We are committed to helping practitioners create meaningful learning opportunities that enable children and young people with vision impairment to thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend this course?

The course is designed for teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs, ALN staff and professionals supporting children and young people with vision impairment.

Do I need previous experience?

No. The course is specifically designed for practitioners who are new to supporting children with vision impairment.

Is the course suitable for mainstream schools?

Yes. The course is particularly valuable for mainstream school staff supporting a child with vision impairment for the first time.

Will I receive resources?

Yes. Participants receive a downloadable resource pack containing practical guidance and strategies.

Can I access a recording?

Yes. Recordings are available for one week following each session.

Ready to Build Your Confidence?

Gain practical strategies, evidence-informed approaches and greater confidence in supporting children and young people with vision impairment.

Book your place on the Basics of Supporting a Child with Vision Impairment Course today.