While it may sometimes be difficult for VI services to produce direct evidence of the impact of their service provision in terms of outcomes for children, it is possible to provide evidence from research of the needs of blind and partially sighted children that arise from the developmental effects of visual impairment. Where there is clear evidence of such need, it follows that there is a requirement for specialist intervention to address that need.
RNIB research briefing on the needs of children and young people with visual impairment.
The RNIB briefing presents evidence from the research literature of the developmental effects of visual impairment on babies, children and young people.
International review of the literature of evidence of best practice models and outcomes in the education of blind and visually impaired children
This report of a review carried out by researchers at University of Birmingham and St Patrick's College, Dublin provides a detailed evidence base of the effects of childhood visual impairment and gives recommendations for ensuring effective educational support and teaching practice.
Read this report on our Key external research in education pages.
A review of the literature into effective practice in teaching literacy through Braille
This report of a review for RNIB, carried out by researchers at the University of Birmingham brings together research evidence on effective practice in teaching literacy through braille in mainstream settings. The findings are presented to be of practical use for teachers in their approaches to the teaching of literacy through braille to young children.
Read this report on our Education Research pages.