Introduction to Supporting Children with Vision Impairment

Supporting Visually Impaired Learners in the Classroom

Course Overview

If you are new to supporting children with vision impairment, this practical and informative course provides the essential knowledge, understanding and strategies needed to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment. Designed for teachers, teaching assistants, SENDCos, school leaders and support staff, the course explores how vision impairment can affect learning, development and participation within the classroom.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of the barriers children may face and learn practical approaches to support curriculum access, independence and inclusion. This course focuses on building confidence and providing realistic, achievable strategies that can be implemented immediately within mainstream and specialist educational settings.

Understanding Vision Impairment and Learning

Children with vision impairment often encounter barriers that affect how they access information, interact with their environment and participate in learning activities.

This section explores:

• Different types of vision loss
• How vision impairment affects learning and development
• Barriers to participation and inclusion
• The importance of early identification and support
• The impact of vision impairment on independence and social development

Participants will gain a greater understanding of the educational implications of vision impairment and how these can influence a child’s experience in school.

Identifying Barriers to Curriculum Access

Understanding the challenges faced by learners with vision impairment is the first step towards creating an accessible and inclusive classroom.

The course examines common barriers including:

• Accessing printed materials
• Viewing classroom displays
• Interpreting visual information
• Participating in practical activities
• Navigating the school environment

Participants will learn how to identify barriers and implement appropriate adjustments that support meaningful access to learning.

Practical Strategies for Supporting Children with Vision Impairment

This practical section focuses on strategies that can be used immediately within the classroom.

Participants will explore approaches to:

• Enable access to the curriculum
• Support reading and accessing print materials
• Facilitate access to images and visual information
• Support writing and editing work
• Improve access to interactive whiteboards
• Adapt learning resources
• Create an accessible classroom environment

The emphasis is on practical solutions that promote independence while maintaining high expectations.

Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment

Successful inclusion involves more than making resources accessible.

This section explores ways to:

• Promote confidence and independence
• Encourage active participation
• Support social inclusion
• Foster positive relationships
• Develop an inclusive classroom culture
• Improve accessibility throughout the school day

Participants will gain practical ideas for ensuring children with vision impairment can fully engage in all aspects of school life.

Who Is This Course For?

This training is suitable for:

• Class Teachers
• Teaching Assistants
• School Leaders
• SENDCos
• Inclusion Teams
• Early Years Practitioners
• Specialist Teachers
• Learning Support Staff
• Any professional supporting a child with vision impairment for the first time

Structure and Delivery

The course adopts a practical and interactive approach, combining professional knowledge with opportunities for discussion, reflection and problem-solving.

Training can be delivered:

• Face-to-face as a one-day course
• Online as three resource-rich sessions

Content can be tailored to meet the specific needs of individual schools, services, local authorities and organisations.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the course participants will be able to:

• Understand how vision impairment can affect learning, development and participation.
• Identify common barriers experienced by children with vision impairment.
• Adapt learning environments to enable accesss
• Apply practical strategies that improve curriculum access and inclusion.
• Adapt learning materials to meet individual needs.
• Support confidence, independence and engagement in learning.
• Create more accessible and inclusive educational experiences.

Supporting Children with Vision Impairment

Supporting children with vision impairment requires an understanding of individual needs, accessible teaching approaches and inclusive practice. This course provides practical guidance that helps schools create learning environments where children with vision impairment can participate fully, develop independence and achieve their potential.

What the Professionals Say About Our Training

Why Choose Positive Eye?

Positive Eye training is developed and delivered by experienced specialists in vision impairment education.

Our courses focus on practical, achievable strategies that can be implemented immediately, helping professionals develop the confidence, knowledge and skills needed to support children with vision impairment effectively.

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

To Discuss Your Training Requirements

Please email gwyn@positiveeye.co.uk to discuss your specific requirements.

This course can be tailored to meet the needs of your school, service, local authority or organisation.