Accessible Literacy for Children with VI and SEND Course

Designed for educational professionals, the course explores how literacy can be made meaningful, accessible and engaging through carefully planned learning experiences that build communication, language and early literacy skills.

Participants are introduced to a wide range of practical activities, resources and teaching strategies that support children in accessing stories, developing literacy-related skills and participating fully in learning opportunities. The course focuses on embedding literacy throughout the curriculum, ensuring that learning is relevant, motivating and connected to children’s everyday experiences.

Why Accessible Literacy Matters

Literacy is about far more than reading and writing. It is the foundation of communication, learning, social interaction and independence.

Children with Vision Impairment and SEND may require adapted approaches to access literacy experiences effectively. By creating accessible, multi-sensory opportunities, practitioners can help children develop the skills needed to engage with stories, language, books and meaningful learning experiences.

Accessible literacy approaches can help children to:

• Develop communication and language skills
• Build understanding of concepts and vocabulary
• Improve engagement and participation
• Strengthen early reading readiness skills
• Develop confidence and independence
• Access learning through meaningful, real-life experiences

Structure and Delivery

The course provides a highly practical understanding of how to create accessible literacy opportunities for children with Vision Impairment and SEND.

Training can be delivered as bespoke face-to-face or online training tailored to your organisation’s requirements, learners and professional development priorities.

Participants explore literacy activities that can be adapted for:

• Early Years settings
• Mainstream schools
• Specialist provisions
• Resource bases
• SEND settings
• Home and family learning environments

Throughout the course, practical demonstrations, low-cost resources and real-life examples are used to show how literacy can be embedded naturally throughout the school day.

Creative Themes that Bring Literacy to Life

To demonstrate how literacy can be embedded into everyday learning, examples are drawn from engaging and motivating themes including:

• The Supermarket
• The Post Office
• A Day at the Beach
• Star Wars
• Frozen
• Adventures on a Boat

Participants discover how familiar themes can be used to create exciting literacy opportunities that promote communication, engagement, exploration and learning.

Supporting Key Literacy Skills

The course explores practical ways to develop the skills that form the foundation of literacy learning.

Concept and Language Development

Participants learn how to support:

• Vocabulary development
• Understanding of concepts
• Listening and communication skills
• Expressive language
• Language linked to real-life experiences

Tactile Learning Skills

Participants explore activities that develop:

• Tactile discrimination
• Object exploration
• Sensory learning
• Tactile awareness
• Early literacy access skills

Fine Motor Skills

Participants investigate strategies that support:

• Hand strength and control
• Manipulation skills
• Hand-eye coordination
• Early mark-making skills
• Participation in literacy activities

Book and Story Skills

Participants learn practical approaches that encourage:

• Story engagement
• Book handling skills
• Predictable story experiences
• Shared reading opportunities
• Active participation in storytelling

Functional Vision and Literacy

Embedding Literacy Throughout the Curriculum

A key focus of the course is helping practitioners move beyond isolated literacy activities and embed literacy naturally throughout the learning environment.

Participants explore how literacy opportunities can be incorporated into:

• Play-based learning
• Daily routines
• Communication activities
• Social interaction

This approach helps create meaningful connections between literacy and everyday life.

Who Is This Course For?

This course is suitable for:

• Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairment (QTVIs)
• Qualified Teachers of Multi-Sensory Impairment (QTMSIs)
• Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• SENDCOs
• Early Years Practitioners
• Therapists
• Specialist Support Staff
• Local Authority Services
• Professionals supporting children with Vision Impairment and SEND

The practical approaches shared throughout the course can be implemented immediately across mainstream, specialist and inclusive educational settings.

Learning Objectives

Develop Understanding of Accessible Literacy

Participants will gain an understanding of how Vision Impairment and SEND can impact literacy development and access to learning.

Participants will be able to:

• Recognise barriers to literacy participation.
• Identify strengths and learning opportunities.
• Understand the importance of accessible literacy experiences.
• Create meaningful learning opportunities that promote engagement.

Apply Multi-Sensory Literacy Strategies

Participants will explore practical approaches that support literacy development through multi-sensory learning.

Participants will be able to:

• Use creative themes to support literacy.
• Develop concept and language skills.
• Promote tactile learning opportunities.
• Encourage active participation in stories and books.

Embed Literacy Across the Curriculum

Participants will learn how to create literacy-rich learning environments.

Participants will be able to:

• Plan accessible literacy activities.
• Integrate literacy opportunities throughout the curriculum.
• Adapt resources to meet individual needs.

Resources Included

Practitioners who complete the course will receive a comprehensive downloadable resource pack to support continued implementation of the ideas, activities and strategies explored throughout the training.

What the Professionals Say About Our Training

“An inspiring and highly practical course packed with creative ideas that can be easily adapted for the children we support.”
Teaching Assistant

“The resources, activities and examples have transformed how we approach literacy across our setting.”
Teacher of Vision Impairment

Why Choose Positive Eye

• Specialist expertise in vision impairment and SEND.

• Practical strategies that can be used straight away.

• Resource-rich training with real classroom applications.

• Engaging, interactive sessions tailored to your setting.

• Focus on a multisensory approach

• Trusted by schools, support services and local authorities

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Accessible Literacy Training Course for?

The course is designed for teachers, teaching assistants, SENDCOs, QTVIs, QTMSIs, therapists and professionals supporting children with Vision Impairment and SEND.

What literacy skills are covered?

The course explores concept and language development, tactile learning, fine motor skills, book and story skills, communication development and functional vision.

Can the training be tailored to our setting?

Yes. Positive Eye’s bespoke training can be adapted for mainstream schools, special schools, early years settings and local authority services.

Is the course suitable for children with complex needs?

Yes. The approaches shared throughout the course can be adapted to meet a wide range of learning needs and abilities.

Do participants receive practical resources and ideas?

Yes. The course is highly practical and includes a wide range of low-cost activities, resource ideas and strategies that can be implemented immediately.

• Accessible Early Numeracy for Children with VI and SEND
• Positive Looking Visual Skills 
• Teaching Braille to Children with Vision Impairments
• Social Skills for Children with VI and SEND

To Discuss Your Training Requirements

Please email gwyn@positiveeye.co.uk to discuss your specific training requirements. The course can be tailored to meet the needs of your organisation, team or educational setting.