Visual impairment
The Advisory Teacher for Vision provides support for pupils with a visual
impairment (VI) whose diversity of conditions ranges from minimal to severe
vision loss. She works with children from 0 to 18 years of age, including both
those born with a visual impairment and those who develop one later. Support
is offered to parents, carers, keyworkers, teaching staff and students. Visits
are made to early years settings, primary and secondary schools to assess
children’s functional vision and to help staff understand how this may affect
children’s learning. Support is offered both to enable schools and nurseries
to include children effectively and to enable children to reach their full
potential. Information and advice is provided in order to promote inclusion
and overcome barriers to learning.
The advisory teacher will:
- Visit the setting
- Assess functional vision through discussions and observations
- Bring activities and assessments
- Liaise with the eye clinic and explain the implications of eye conditions and their management
- Provide advice about visual stimulation activities and appropriate play activities
- Provide advice about teaching strategies and modification of materials
- Provide advice to develop an effective environment
- Provide information about support groups and where to borrow or purchase specialist resources and equipment, including Low Vision Aids
- Contribute towards IEP targets and curriculum support
- Monitor progress with follow-up visits
- Support children at transition stages
- Provide training for teaching staff
- Attend meetings with other professionals