Basics of Supporting a Child with Vision Impairment

Supporting a child or young person with vision impairment can feel overwhelming, particularly for practitioners who are new to vision impairment education.

The Basics of Supporting a Child with Vision Impairment Course provides a practical introduction to understanding how vision impairment affects learning, development and access to the curriculum.

Designed for teachers, teaching assistants, SENCOs, ALN staff and other education professionals, this course explores the barriers children and young people with vision impairment may experience and provides practical strategies to promote inclusion, participation and independence within everyday educational settings.

Participants leave with greater confidence, practical ideas and a clearer understanding of how to support learners with vision impairment effectively.

What Practitioners Say About the Course

“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 valuable 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
• How vision impairment affects development and learning
• Functional vision and curriculum access
• Common barriers experienced by children and young people with vision impairment

Supporting Access to Learning

• Practical classroom strategies
• Supporting participation and engagement
• Adapting teaching approaches
• Creating accessible learning opportunities

Promoting Independence

• Encouraging confidence and self-advocacy
• Supporting mobility and independence
• Creating inclusive learning environments
• Understanding the role of reasonable adjustments

Practical Strategies You Can Use Immediately

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

• Environmental adaptations
• Access to worksheets and learning materials
• Classroom organisation ideas
• Practical inclusion strategies
• Adaptations for visual tasks
• Everyday approaches that promote independence

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

Structure and Delivery

The course is delivered through a series of online resource-rich sessions designed to develop participants’ understanding of vision impairment and provide practical classroom strategies.

Throughout the training participants will explore:

• The impact of vision impairment on learning and development
• Barriers to curriculum access
• Inclusive educational approaches
• Practical classroom adaptations
• Strategies that promote independence and participation

The course combines contemporary evidence-informed practice with practical examples that can be applied immediately in educational settings.

Learning Objectives

1. Develop an Understanding of Vision Impairment and Its Impact on Learning

Success Criteria

• Understand how vision impairment affects learning and development.
• Identify common barriers experienced by children and young people with vision impairment.
• Recognise the importance of accessible learning opportunities.

2. Develop Practical Skills to Support Curriculum Access

Success Criteria

• Identify strategies that improve access to learning.
• Adapt learning environments to enable access to the curriculum
• Adapt learning activities appropriately.
• Support participation within everyday classroom experiences.

3. Promote Independence and Inclusion

Success Criteria

• Recognise approaches that support independence.
• Create more inclusive learning environments.
• Develop confidence in supporting children and young people with vision impairment.

Handouts and Resources

Participants receive a comprehensive downloadable folder containing practical guidance, resource sheets and ideas that can be used beyond the course.

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

Recordings of Sessions

Sessions are recorded and made available for one week following each session for registered participants.

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

Sessions

Time:

9.00 – 10.30am UK

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, practical and easy to implement immediately.”

Improved Understanding

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

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 anyone supporting children and young people with vision impairment.

Do I need previous experience of vision impairment?

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

Is the course suitable for mainstream schools?

Yes. The course is particularly valuable for staff working in mainstream educational settings.

Will I receive resources?

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

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.