The Low Vision Toolkit was developed by the Children's Low Vision Advocate for Wales and was piloted with young people and children and Wales. It is designed to teach children with low vision about their sight and what they can do to make the most of it.
The bilingual teaching resourse, funded by the Welsh Assembly Government in partnership with RNIB Cymru, is attracting world-wide attention. It consists of seven modules which can be used on their own or together to form a complete training programme.
Pupils do not need any prior knowledge to benefit and will learn about the importance of lighting, colour and contrast, how to use low vision aids as well as teaching pupils about eye conditions and where they can get support.
The teaching pack will be given free to all specialist teachers working with visually impaired children across Wales. Training sessions will be held to ensure the pack is used to its full potential to help children use their sight effectively.
Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, who launched the Toolkit at Penyrheol Comprehensive School, Gorseinon, Swansea said
"The new materials are an important step forward in helping young people and children who have low vision in Wales.
It encourages children to learn about their vision and explain the effects of it to others. They will be shown that there are many sources of support, advice and information including local societies in their area and national organisations and wesites.
Aimed at pupils from Key Stage1 through to 4, the toolkit is adaptable and can be delivered to small groups or on a one to one basis amd modified to suit the needs and abilities of the individual pupils"
Sarah Rochira, Director of RNIB Cymru said:
"The low vision toolkit will be a great help to young people with sight problems, who often find using low vision aids a bit of a challenge. It will help them to develop skills that will give them greater confidence in the classroom, as well as give them an opportunity to link in with other support services and learn more about their own sight condition - all of which are virtually important."
Professor Jill Keefe OAM PhD, from the Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne and WHO collaborating Centre for the Prevention of Blindness said:
"I am very excited about the launch of the Low Vision Toolkit. It is the first comprehensive and systematic programme of its kind designed to train children and young people to make effective use of their vision. The content is suitable for use in any country - I look forward to its adaptation for use in all cultures and environments. Congratulations to all involved! I will most certainly be recommending the Kit."
The Low Vision Toolkit is available to buy in both English and Welsh from
RNIB's online shop.
Nathan Davies, Children's Low Vision Advocate for Wales can be contacted at
nathan.davies@rnib.org.uk