About VITAL
VITAL (Visual Impairment Touches All Learning) is a network of professionals working with children with complex needs and visual impairment. VITAL is facilitated by RNIB but is mainly comprised of teaching and associated professionals working in schools, services, early years and health settings.
VITAL was started in 1989 in response to concerns regarding the introduction of a National Curriculum.
VITAL's main areas of work are now as follows:
Structure of VITAL
VITAL has become a network of regional focus groups, that all are linked and represented on a national steering group.
Regional Focus Groups
Focus groups are now operating around the country, providing an opportunity for visiting teachers of the visually impaired, school teaching staff and assistants, early years workers and other professionals to meet together for professional development and networking.
Groups usually meet once a term, to hear presentations and discuss topics relating to complex needs.
If you would like to find out about or join a group near you, you can download an expression of interest form (Word) and we will contact you with details of your nearest group. Alternatively you can contact sarah.holton@rnib.org.uk or telephone 0113 239 9419 for more information.
We currently have groups in the following areas:
-
West Midlands
-
London and South East: North of the River Thames
-
London and South East: South of the River Thames
-
South West England
-
North Wales
-
South Wales
In other areas of the country, such as the, East Midlands and Yorkshire, we are aware of similar professional groups serving those areas.
An established group in the North West is in discussion about becoming a VITAL focus group.
Steering Group
The national VITAL steering group is comprised of members of the original VITAL committee, and representatives from each of the regional focus groups.
The steering group meets termly to update on regional group activities and to plan central VITAL projects such as a conference and new publications.
Publications
Approaches to working with children with multiple disabilities and a visual impairment
Eye contact supplements
The following titles have been written by affiliates of the VITAL group and were initially released as supplements to Eye Contact magazine (now re-developed as Insight). Some are available individually from our online shop.
-
First choice - choice and the development of communication
-
An eating and drinking strategy
-
Using tactile symbols: a review of current issues
-
Literacy - a foot in the door?
-
Multi-sensory environments: lessons in practice
-
An environmental audit
-
Developing communication
VITAL Convention 2009
Monday 21st September, Leicester - £90.
'Challenges, champions and children' - developing expertise in complex needs and visual impairment.
Keynote speakers include Dr Mike McLinden (VICTAR, University of Birmingham) and Clive Fowler (West of England School, Exeter). Talks and workshops will cover topics around progression, personalised learning, sensory play, music therapy, intensive interaction and low-tech ICT.
This event will bring together material, themes and people from the network of VITAL regional focus groups but is also open to anyone with a professional interest in children with complex needs and visual impairment.
To register interest, and to receive further information and a booking form, please email children@rnib.org.uk