Learning

Assessment and development of functional vision: children with complex needs

Summary: One-day course presented by Catherine Southwell, focusing on supporting children with poor sight and complex needs in schools.

• Course description
• Learning objectives
• Course presenter
• Who should attend?
• Dates and locations
• Time
• Cost
• Booking details and further information
• Related information

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Course description

A high proportion of children with complex learning disabilities also have visual disorders, Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) being the most common among this population. If these children are to learn effectively, it is essential that school staff understand their very specific sensory needs.

Through this one-day course, participants will learn to observe and assess children’s functional vision, including how to identify visual perception difficulties. We will discuss ways to improve the classroom environment, and activities that can promote learning and inclusion.

Learning objectives

Attending this course will enable you to

1. consider the causes of multiple disability and visual impairment (MDVI)

2. gain awareness of the implications of disability on the development of vision, and the role of vision in learning and development

3. develop an understanding of the characteristics of cerebral visual impairment and visual perception disorders

4. contribute to the assessment of children’s functional vision

5. learn about activities and materials to stimulate vision, improve recognition and develop communication, improving access to the school curriculum.

Course presenter

Catherine Southwell, Advisory Teacher for children with visual impairment and complex needs.

Catherine is also author of Assessing functional vision – children with complex needs.

Who should attend?

Teachers, support assistants and parents/carers of children with multiple disabilities and visual impairment.

Dates and locations

Thursday 13 November 2008 – Birmingham
Organising centre: RNIB West Midlands
Telephone 0121 665 4200
Fax 0121 665 4201
Email RNIBWestMidlands@rnib.org.uk

Thursday 12 March 2009 – Chorley, Cheshire
Organising centre: RNIB North West
Telephone 0151 298 3222
Fax 0151 298 3250
Email RNIBNorthWest@rnib.org.uk

Time

10.00am – 4.00pm

Cost

• Professionals: £130
• Parents and carers: £60

Booking details and further information

For further information, please contact the organising centre.

See our course administration and booking details.

Download our booking form (MS Word, 30KB) or obtain a form directly from the RNIB centre organising the course.

Related information

Catherine Southwell is also a keynote speaker and workshop presenter at our forthcoming conference: All Aboard: How teaching assistants can promote the learning and participation of blind and partially sighted children on 5 February 2009 in Leeds.

• Children’s Services short course index
• Children’s Services regional courses
• RNIB regional centres
• Complex needs
• Books for professionals

Content author: DSTraining@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13