Training for professionals supporting learners with vision impairment
RNIB and VIEW offer a range of opportunities for professionals to meet, learn about and discuss the support of learners with vision impairment.
Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment
The Curriculum Framework for children and young people with Vision Impairment (CFVI) is being received very positively across the education sector and is already proving effective at supporting the work of VI education professionals.
To find out how the CFVI can support you, take a look at the recordings, resources and information that has been produced since the launch in March 2022: www.rnib.org.uk/cfvi.
RNIB’s 2023-24 CPD programme includes four CFVI events: don’t miss these opportunities to learn the latest about the project and share what’s working with your fellow VI education professionals around the UK.
Online training from RNIB
Our training programme for the 2023-2024 academic year is as varied as ever – there’s something for everyone and everyone is welcome whatever your role in working with a child or young person with vision impairment.
Events up to the end of the 2023-24 academic year are open for bookings now.
RNIB online events are still being delivered free of charge.
Modification – Making the most of Microsoft
Thursday 22 Feb 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm
An introduction to widely available software to produce accessible resources, including using Styles in Word.
Supporting children with VI and complex needs (2)
Monday 4 March 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm
The second of three sessions delivered in partnership with Sense, focusing on supporting children with VI and additional needs.
Sport special – Path to Paris
Tuesday 19 March 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm
We’re all excited about the Paris Olympics so we’ve teamed up with ParaGB and TeamGB to share with you some simple, fun ideas for supporting our children and young people with vision impairment to get active and involved in sport. This event really is special as we’ll be hearing from an international athlete about their journey to medal success.
This event will be of interest to a wider audience so please feel free to invite mainstream educators, families and others who support children with VI to come along.
Important note: this event is being run for ParaGB/TeamGB and RNIB by Everfi so will be taking place on Zoom.
Low vision
Tuesday 23 April 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm
Dr. Charlotte Codina, Senior University Teacher in Orthoptics, will be joining us to explain more about the work of low vision specialists and how they provide a vital component of the support for children and young people with VI.
Braille network (2)
Thursday 02 May 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm
We’ll be looking at preparing resources in Microsoft Word for Duxbury as well as exploring resources and activities for those beginning their braille journey.
CFVI
Wednesday 15 May 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm
The final session of four webinars focusing on the CFVI.
Supporting children with VI and complex needs (3)
Monday 17 June 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm
‘Intensive interaction and the resonance board, developing partnership working’
The final session for the 2023/24 programme delivered in partnership with Sense, focusing on supporting children with VI and additional needs.
Other professional training opportunities
Prepare for Success - Online
Education professionals can now enroll for a new online training resource from RNIB and VIEW to develop knowledge and understanding of the fundamental principles of modification and production used by awarding bodies for GCSE and GCE examination materials.
Through studying genuine modifications, referring to best practice guidance, and completing practical exercises, the resource builds confidence for preparing in-house assessments that replicate the format of those used in formal testing.
Prepare for Success is an essential resource for anyone looking to improve outcomes for their students with VI.
You can sign up for this self-paced online course by emailing [email protected] to register. Please also direct any questions about the course to this email address.
The course costs £50 for VIEW members or £70 for non-members.
We expect participants to already be proficient in producing everyday large print materials.
Applications via email will be processed at the end of every month, after which you will be provided with your own personal log in. Access to the course will remain open for you for 12 months and upon successful completion you will be awarded a CPD certificate.
Understanding vision impairment in children and young people – online training
The course is designed to support the training needs of professionals and parents in order to improve the quality of learning opportunities available to children and young people with vision impairment. It is studied online over around 50 hours with the pace of learning being set by the student. There is no fixed start or finish date, so you can begin anytime. It is intended for people who wish to gain an overview of the issues involved in supporting the education of children with vision impairment, without studying in the depth required by Partners in Learning. You don’t need to have access to a child with vision impairment to complete the course – we can supply you with relevant video materials to support you.
For more information and to apply, visit the VIEW website.
Vision impairment and complex needs in children and young people – online training
This short course focuses specifically on children and young people who, as well as vision impairment, also have learning difficulties and other special needs or disabilities. The course has been written by experts in the field and created by an experienced instructional designer. It is studied online over around 50 hours with the pace of learning being set by the student. You can apply to begin and there is a flexible start date. Students are assigned a tutor who provides “light touch” support. The course is designed for students from any background – education, care or health. It is suitable for professionals and parents, in fact, anyone who is interested in facilitating development in children and young people who have vision impairment and complex needs.
For more information and to apply, visit the VIEW website.
Effective teaching of literacy through braille online training
The course is written and tutored by QTVIs who will increase knowledge, skills and confidence in teaching braille to children. It has been developed by RNIB through National Sensory Impairment Partnership contract funding with the Department for Education.
This course is for education professionals. You can find out more and register your interest to join the next course by contacting VIEW.
Apply online through the VIEW website.
Partners in Learning – Advanced Certificate for education support staff
Partners in Learning is an in-depth training course for teaching assistants and other education professionals working with learners with vision impairment from 0 to 25. The course was developed between RNIB and the Open University, and is delivered online by VIEW.
Contact VIEW to discuss start dates and course.
Learning braille
RNIB has a range of training opportunities and resources to support learning braille.
To register your interest, please email [email protected].
Networks for Professionals working with children and young people with VI
The VI Forum
The VI Forum is an e-mail discussion list for education professionals: Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairment (QTVIs), Habilitation specialists and other associated professionals working with children and young people with vision impairment to share good practice and seek solutions to the challenges of the profession.
Find more information and subscribe
The MSI-Deafblindness Forum
The MSI-Deafblindness Forum is an e-mail discussion list for QTMSIs and associated qualified professionals working in the field of MSI/deafblindness.
