This focus group incorporates professionals supporting children with complex needs and visual impairment from schools and services in South Wales. The group had its inaugural meeting in November 2008.
Forthcoming meeting
A joint meeting of VITAL South Wales and VITAL South West was due to take place in Bristol on Thursday 16th May 2013. NB This meeting has been cancelled.
The topic was Supporting children with degenerative conditions. We hope to run a similar event in future. If you would be interested in training on this topic please email vital@rnib.org.uk or telephone 0113 386 2815.
Previous meetings
Tuesday 26th June 2012
The group met at Ty Gwyn Special School, Vincent Road, Cardiff CF5 5AQ. Presentations covered the use of the MSI (Multi-Sensory Impairment) Curriculum, 'The Little Room' and Story Sacks and delegates had an opportunity to share and discuss the resources they use when assessing the children they work with. We also enjoyed a tour of the school which was recently rebuilt and has state-of-the-art new facilities.
1 December 2011
The group most recently met at Ysgol Crug Glas in Swansea, and received a a digest of approaches to assessment and teaching of children with Cortical Visual Impairment, a tour of the school and a presentation on the Special Schools Vision Screening Project that has been undertaken by RNIB Cymru and Cardiff University.
7 June 2011
On Tuesday 7 June the group met at Scope Craig-y-parc School in Cardiff. The programme for the day included a presentation from Lindsey Brewis (Scope) who presented on the web based assessment tool 'Celebrate Every Step' for children with Cerebral Palsy. The afternoon included an interactive session presented by Steve Griffiths (RNIB) on using the Ipad with children with a visual impairment including accessibility hints and tips. This was followed by an interactive sharing session on adapting your ipad for children with VI & Complex Needs. Members also had the opportunity to have a tour and view the facilities at SCOPE Craig Y Parc School.
3 December 2010
The most recent meeting was held at Ty Gwyn School, Penylan, Cardiff, South Glamorgan CF23 5JG. The focus of the day was VI in children with Down's Syndrome, presented by Dr Maggie Woodhouse, from Cardiff University. This was followed by an informative question and answer session. The afternoon included a practical session on age-appropriate resources for children and young people with complex needs. Group members were encouraged to bring along resources to share and discuss. The group were also given the opportunity to see the facilities at the brand new Ty Gwyn School.
18 June 2010
This meeting was held at
Trinity Fields School in Hengoed. The focus of the meeting was 'Implementing The Multi-Sensory Impairment Curriculum in generic settings' presented by Rosie McMinn, from
The Victoria School, in Birmingham). In the afternoon the group discussed the use of resonance boards. The day also included a tour of Trinity Fields School.
11 March 2010
The group met at Ysgol Maesycoed in Neath. They discussed the use of 'Routes for learning' with children with complex needs and VI, and also enjoyed a session on play and homemade resources.
13 November 2009
The group met at Gwent Visual Impairment Service Centre. The focus of the day was vision assessment of children with VI and complex needs. The speaker was Stevie Johnson, Orthoptist and RNIB Eye Clinic Impact Manager. The group shared a lively discussion about the clinical and functional tests that can be used to assess vision.
5 June 2009
The group met at Dan y Coed House in Swansea. The focus of the day was using intensive interaction with learners who have multi-sensory impairments. It was led by Liz Platt of Chailey Heritage School, East Sussex, who is studying this topic for her Masters Degree. Liz brought along video clips of the use of intensive interaction with the pupils at her school.
Contact information
For more information or to join this group, please contact Claire Milton or telephone 029 2044 9553.
RNIB Cymru