Daily Life

Visual awareness and learning disability course

Summary: One-day course aimed at professionals providing an introduction to sight loss issues for people with a learning disability.

Description

Visual Awareness and Learning Disability training provides an introduction to sight loss issues for people with a learning disability.

The training focuses on raising awareness of the inequality in access to eye health care; the prevalence of eye conditions related to specific learning disabilities; and strategies to employ in the development of person-centred support and care plans.

The training will be delivered as a one day course.

Learning Objectives

Participants will develop knowledge and skills in the following areas:

1. Prevalence and effects of sight problems in people with a learning disability.

2. Sight testing for people with a learning disability.

3. The link between the effects of sight problems and behaviours that challenge.

4. Environmental considerations – contrast, lighting, layout, tactile, aroma and sound.

5. Sighted guiding and mobility issues.

6. Strategies for inclusive practice.

7. Effective communication strategies.

8. Resources and equipment.

Presenters

  • Linda Mitchell, NPDT Manager
  • Iain Kennedy, NPDT Trainer and Consultant
  • Bill Anderson, Rehabilitation Officer - Visual Impairment

Who should attend?

Anyone who supports, or plans services for, people with a learning disability.

In order that appropriate and person-centred care planning can take place there must be an understanding of the nature and implications of sight problems and sight loss. There must also be a recognition of the prevalence of under detection in the general learning disability population.

What people have said about Visual Impairment and Learning Disability

“Before I came on this training I thought I had a good understanding of the issues involved. I was working with two service users with sight loss. After the training I realised our support strategies are inappropriate, and I now suspect there are at least another 3 or 4 people that may be experiencing sight problems.”

M. Murdoch, Senior Support Worker, East Dunbartonshire Council Learning Disability Team.

Dates, times and location

We run training sessions throughout the year at various locations. Please contact us to find a training course near you.

We can offer training courses at a time and venue that is suitable to you. To discuss your training requirements further please contact us to discuss your needs.

Booking details

To book a place, please complete our online booking form.

If you have any queries, please email learningdisabilty@rnib.org.uk or telephone 0141 772 5588.

Address:
RNIB Visual Impairment and Learning Disability Services
National Practice & Development Team
Springfield Road
Glasgow
G64 1PN

Related information

Content author: learningdisability@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13

Print

More info

In your area

Quiz

Which of the following groups has a higher-than-average risk of sight loss?





Your stories

John's story, RNIB VILD service user - John has Down’s syndrome and had not had his eyes tested for over 10 years. His sister noticed his eye was not closing as frequently and his psychiatrist suggested an RNIB vision assessment. A key worker met with John to assess his vision and then arranged an optometry appointment at his local practice. The consultant identified that John had a dense cataract and the early stages of cataract in the other eye. The key worker acted as advocate for John and supported him through the process of diagnosis and treatment. John's full story.