It is estimated that there are around 25,000 children and young people in Britain with a visual impairment of sufficient severity to meet the definition of special educational needs, and who therefore require specialist educational support. As many as 50 per cent may have additional disabilities, including those with very complex needs. Most are born with a visual impairment.
RNIB offers support to education professionals working with blind and partially sighted learners from birth to 25, including those with complex needs. We want to ensure children with sight loss get the best possible start in life and go on to achieve their full potential.
RNIB believes in approaches to policy and practice which are based on evidence from research. You can find information about our research and policy work in this section of our website.
We provide a comprehensive range of support and information, including:
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Support and aspiration: A new approach to special educational needs and disability: Progress and next steps
The Government published its response to the SEN and Disability Green Paper on 15 May 2012. The document sets out the progress made and the next steps in taking forward the Green Paper reforms.
Julie Jennings, RNIB's Children, Young People and Families Manager, said: "We welcome the recognition that special educational needs (SEN) provision is an area in need of significant reform and the potential this reform has in giving families greater control over the support they receive. However we still have a number of concerns about the proposals..." For RNIB's initial response visit our Education Consultation pages.