Research carried out by RNIB's Children, Young People and Families team shows that between spring 2010 and spring 2011, 22 QTVI posts have been lost in England and Wales.
Findings suggest that staff posts continue to be lost, equipment and training budgets have been reduced, and provision for some groups of pupils with visual impairment appears to be at risk. For instance, a number of services appear to have relied on the Schools Access Initiative to fund the purchase of high lost equipment for blind and partially sighted pupils, and now that this has come to an end they have been left without an alternative source of funding.
Evidence from the surveys was used to support the RNIB response to the SEN Green Paper and RNIB continues to work with other SEN and disability organisations to raise concerns about these issues with national and local government.
• Full research report
• Please send details of cuts to your local VI services to cutswatch@rnib.org.uk