Education research

Participation of disabled children in inclusive education is now well established in policy and practice. Evidence shows that the quality of provision is patchy, that learning materials are not consistently made available in alternative formats and that a drift towards generic services is depriving blind and partially sighted children and young people of specialist support.

Research in this area includes the accessibility of exams, education attainment and provision of educational services by local authorities.

Teaching STEM subjects to blind and partially sighted learners

Technical subjects such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) have often been said to be difficult for blind or partially sighted students. This literature review aims to highlight some of the specific challenges faced in these subjects, and signposts resources available to improve the accessibility of STEM subjects. Published 2013.

Sight impaired at age seven: secondary analysis of the Millennium Cohort Survey

Research report on Sight impaired at age seven: secondary analysis of the Millennium Cohort Survey.

RNIB survey of VI services in England and Wales 2012: Report for Wales

RNIB survey of VI services in England and Wales 2012: Report for Wales. You can also find the background, key findings and research briefing here.

RNIB survey of VI services in England and Wales 2012: report for England

This page contains the RNIB survey of VI services in England and Wales 2012: report for England, as well as background.

Psychometric tests for blind and partially sighted people.

Psychometric or standardised tests are assessments that measure knowledge, abilities, attitudes and personality traits. They are used in education and recruitment and can consist of written, online or oral tests. Blind and partially sighted individuals are potentially disadvantaged by the use of these tests.

Changes to VI service staffing and provision, England and Wales Survey 2

In September 2010 RNIB Children, Young People and Families team undertook a questionnaire survey of local authority (LA) advisory services for children and young people with visual impairment (VI) in England and Wales.

Post 14 transitions support - a survey of the transition experience

This is the second report from a 5-year research study that is being carried out for RNIB by researchers from VICTAR (Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research at the University of Birmingham. The study is following two cohorts of blind and partially sighted young people in the UK from the ages of 14 and 16 through further and higher education and training and into employment.

A review of the literature into effective practice in teaching literacy through braille

In September 2010 the RNIB Evidence and Service Impact Team presented a research brief entitled; A review of the literature into effective practice in teaching literacy through braille.A team from the Visual Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research (VICTAR) at the University of Birmingham carried out the work.

Alternative exam presentation for pupils with low vision

RNIB commissioned research on examination access by blind and partially sighted learners. The research was designed in 2008 in response to the Research Brief prepared by RNIB Corporate Research Team: "Passing the test: how accessible are public examination systems for blind and partially sighted pupils in the UK

Changes to VI service staffing and provision

RNIB survey on changes to VI service staffing and provision for blind and partially sighted children and young people in England and Wales, to ascertain whether the potential threat to VI services was isolated to a few services in a minority of LAs or was more widespread. September 2010.

Related research from other categories

Feasibility of developing a diagnostic touch test to determine braille reading potential

This paper considers existing research evidence looking at the relationship between age, disease and tactile sensitivity. The purpose of this work was to investigate the feasibility of developing a touch test which could determine whether someone has sufficient sensitivity in their fingers to pursue braille reading.

Exploring tactile graphics

Literature review around the importance of teaching systematic exploration strategies to users of tactile graphics, to help them to gain more information from the graphics. Published 2008.

Accessible format transcription in the UK: State of the nation

The purpose of this project was to better understand the transcription industry in the UK. The project aimed to bring accessible format transcribers together, so all can benefit from sharing successes and good practice. Published 2011.

Steps to independence

A report into the mobility and independence needs of children with a visual impairment, Published 2002.

Last updated: 26 February 2013

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