Learning

Learning – FAQs

Summary: Frequently asked questions about the education and teaching of blind and partially sighted children and adults.

• Teachers
• Parents
• Students

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Where can I get funding for equipment?

There is statutory funding for equipment available for those people with sight problems in compulsory education, higher education and employment. For others who are in further education or at home, there is some limited funding available through charities and grants. For more information on funding contact the Education and Employment Information Service on 020 7388 1266.

Teachers

I am going to be teaching a child who suffers from serious sight loss in my class next year, should I change my teaching methods?

RNIB pre-16 Education staff can advise about teaching children with sight problems. Our training courses cover many aspects of adapting particular subject areas to successfully include children with sight problems.

How do I go about training as a qualified learning support assistant (LSA) for children with sight problems?

For LSAs working in schools, RNIB's Pre-16 Education Service offer courses. It would also be worthwhile contacting your LEA's Visual Impairment Support Service for information and advice. The RNIB guide “Working with Visually Impaired Children” lists all the courses open to people wishing to work in this field, available from the Information Officer at your nearest Education and Employment Regional Centre.

Parents

My daughter has just been registered blind, what support is available to me?

Information staff and pre-16 Education Officers at your local RNIB Education and Employment Centre can advise about RNIB services and local support organisations. Advice about Special Educational Needs provision is also available.

My child needs to use a computer at school, what can I do?

It is important for any child in compulsory education requiring equipment to have an assessment, to ensure that they have the appropriate technology to access learning materials and the curriculum. To find out about the process of obtaining an assessment and for further information and contact details, please contact the Technology Information Service on 0870 013 9555.

Students

My college/university say they can't help me because I have a sight problem - what can I do?

Contact the officer responsible for students with disabilities in the establishment itself, as well as the careers adviser (if you have not already done so). Also, ask the college/university for a copy of their Disability Statement. If all of the above has already been done and you are still having problems, RNIB's Post-16 Education Officer should be contacted for support. The role of the RNIB Education Service is to help the education provider to improve their services for learners with sight problems by helping to raise staff awareness of the key issues around the barriers to learning, and making the learning environment accessible

What help will be available to me when I start my course?

It is most important that you make contact with college/university staff as early as possible, preferably before the start of the course. In terms of the level of support from staff/lecturers in classes – contact the head of the relevant academic department in the first instance. It is also recommended that you contact the student support services manager and/or someone who has responsibility for students with disabilities in the institution concerned. It is also worth getting hold of a copy of their Disability Statement (available from the education provider's student services department) as well as having a look at the college/university prospectus.

I am doing a project on the technology that people with sight problems use. Can you help?

Our What is Access Technology? page describes some of the types of technology that are available. Our technology guides will give you more information about specific products. If you want to try some of the software for yourself, most suppliers have a free demo available to download on their website. We also produce a book called “Accessing Technology” which is a valuable resource guide for people interested in technology for people who are blind and partially sighted. It is available from RNIB Customer Services on telephone number 0845 702 3153.

Content author: webeditor@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 22/07/2008 16:48