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Training for professionals supporting learners with vision impairment

Images of carers attentively sitting round a table learning core skills at one of RNIB's lunch and learn raining sessions.

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 now embedded in standard ways of working in 90 per cent of VI services across the UK and proving effective at supporting the work of VI education professionals

To find out more about the CFVI and how it can support you in your role, take a look at our CFVI page.

You can find teaching resources across the 11 CFVI areas on the CFVI Resource Hub, as part of RNIB Bookshare.

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Online training from RNIB

Our training programme for the 2026-2027 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.

RNIB online events are still being delivered free of charge.

New: option to make a block booking

You asked us to make the booking process easier, so our online form now has a ‘book all’ option. By selecting this option from the drop-down menu, you will receive an invitation to all events in the 2026-2027 programme, including those to follow in the Spring and Summer terms.

(Bookings for individual events can still be made in the same way, by completing a separate form for each one you wish to attend.)

Complete our booking form

Functional vision assessment for learners with complex needs

Tuesday 15 September, 4 – 5.30 pm

Colleagues from Seashell and Sense will share and explore practical strategies and approaches for carrying out functional vision assessments with children and young people with vision impairment and additional needs, including MSI. Expect some practical take-aways and things to put on your “kit-bag” shopping list.

Exam update - SATs and 11+

Tuesday 29 September, 9.30 – 11.30 am

Find out what’s new and refresh your knowledge of access arrangements for SATs and 11+ assessments.

Exam update – 14+ assessments

Wednesday 21 October, 10 am – 12.30 pm

Find out what’s new and refresh your knowledge of access arrangements for GCSE and GCE assessments.

VI Tech Connect – iPads with peripherals

Tuesday 10 November, 4 – 4:45 pm

RNIB’s Technology Team joins us for a discussion on technology in the classroom.

No presentation, just a space for informal discussion and sharing what works with fellow practitioners.

Duxbury Masterclass

Wednesday 25 November, 4 – 5 pm

James Bowden and Matthew Horspool share practical tips for getting Duxbury and Index embossers working together.

Braille network

Tuesday 8 December, 4 – 5.30 pm

Come along and find out what’s new in the wonderful world of braille for teachers and learners.

Complete our booking form

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Other professional training opportunities

Prepare for Success

Audience: Professionals modifying resources in school or college for Modified Large Print (MLP) users or braillists (GCSE/GCE level).

Editions:

  • MLP Edition: Focuses on creating modified materials for MLP users.
  • Braille Edition: Focuses on producing materials for braillists. (Requires prior completion of MLP edition.)

Features:

  • Developed by RNIB and VIEW.
  • Includes real modification examples, best practice guidance, and exercises to build skills to produce everyday resources that replicate formats used in formal assessments.
  • 12-month access to course materials.
  • CPD certificate upon completion.

Pre-requisite:

  • Applicants should be proficient in producing everyday resources in modified formats.

Fees:

  • £60 (VIEW members), £125 (non-members) per edition.

Register: Email [email protected] or register via the VIEW website

Understanding Vision Impairment in Children and Young People

Audience: Professionals and parents wishing to build skills and confidence to support the education of children with vision impairment.

Format:

  • Online, approx. 50 hours, self-paced.
  • Start anytime.
  • Support from an experienced QTVI tutor.

Apply: Via the VIEW website

Vision Impairment and Complex Needs

Audience: Anyone supporting children with vision impairment and additional needs (education, care, health).
Format:

· Online, approx. 50 hours, self-paced.

· Flexible start date.

· Support from an experienced QTVI tutor.

Apply: Via the VIEW website

Effective Teaching of Literacy Through Braille

Format:

· Online, self-study.

· Support from experienced QTVI tutors.

Developed by: RNIB through NatSIP partnership funding with the Department for Education.

Register or find out more: Contact VIEW at [email protected] or apply via the VIEW website

Partners in Learning – Advanced Certificate

Audience: Education support staff working with learners aged 0–25 with vision impairment.
Format:

· In-depth online course developed by RNIB and Open University.

· Options to study over one year or two.

· Tutor support from experienced QTVIs.

· Delivered by VIEW.

· Encourages reflection, collaboration, and practical application of study to your work situation.

Apply: via the VIEW website

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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.

Find more information and subscribe

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