Training for professionals supporting 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.

We’re pleased to be offering you 4 CFVI-focused events this year. Don’t miss out; keep checking the listings below for updates.

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 Easter are open for bookings now. Keep checking back here to see what’s on in the rest of 2024.

RNIB online events are still being delivered free of charge.

Braille network (1)

Thursday 9 November 2023, 4pm – 5.30pm

In the first of two braille sessions, we will cover the basics of the Music and Science braille codes for anyone new to the specialist codes or wanting a refresher.

Getting started with the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment: Sharing good practice and experiences

Wednesday 22 November 2023, 4pm – 5.30pm

Join us for a session that focuses on practical implementation of the CFVI, with case studies and an opportunity to discuss in small groups experiences of using the CFVI to date.

Important note: this session will take place via Zoom

Technology – iPads in VI education

Tuesday 28 November 2023, 4pm – 5.30pm

An introduction to the accessibility features and useful apps for iPads and an opportunity to share your top tips with others.

Supporting learners with albinism

Wednesday 6 December 2023, 4pm – 5.30pm

Cerebral Vision Impairment

Tuesday 16th January 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm

Experts from the Scottish Sensory Centre join us to shine a light on CVI and share resources to support the work of education professionals in this area.

Science practicals – promoting participation

Wed 24th January 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm

Subject specialist QTVIs will share their expertise in making science practicals accessible and take an in-depth look at activities involving the periodic table.

Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment

Wednesday 7th February 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm

The third in our series of webinars focusing on the CFVI.

Modification – Making the most of Microsoft

Thursday 22nd Feb 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm

An introduction to using widely available software to produce accessible resources, including using Styles in Word.

Supporting children with VI and complex needs (2)

Monday 4th March 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm

‘Using play to support functional vision assessments and hearing assessments’

The second of three sessions delivered in partnership with Sense, focusing on supporting children with VI and additional needs.

Sport special

Tuesday 19th March 2024, 4pm – 5.30pm

We’re all excited about the Paris Olympics so we’ll be looking at how we can support our children and young people with vision impairment to get active and involved in sport.

Check back for details of events in the summer term covering topics including:

• More on braille
• More on complex needs
• Low vision
• The last in this series of CFVI sessions

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].

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