Summer meeting details available
We are pleased to announce the next round of regional VITAL meetings which will take place in the Summer term of 2013.
Changes to VITAL network
Some changes have taken place, in order to align VITAL with other RNIB networks and to enable us to continue to offer high quality of professional development opportunities. It has become increasingly difficult to source low or no-cost speakers from within the groups. We are extremely grateful to those people who have shared their expertise in the past. The network has now been running for 6 years and we have probably exhausted the expertise from within the groups and as such need to source external speakers. We also understand that the ability for professionals to attend external training and development events is limited by the climate of austerity. We hope to offer focused VITAL days which can clearly meet CPD requirements and enable professionals to develop knowledge on specific topics from the leaders in the field. It will now cost £40 to attend a VITAL meeting, lunch will be provided and booking and invoicing will take place through the RNIB Children and Young People and Families Team.
The next meetings are as follows:
London and South East
Exploring communication through touch and massage
Friday 17th May, 2013, London
West Midlands (joint meeting with MSI Network)
The curriculum for children with PMLD (profound and multiple learning difficulties)
Friday 7th June 2013, Leicester
The joint meeting of the South West and South Wales groups due to take place on Thursday 16th May in Bristol focusing on Supporting children with degenerative conditions has been postponed.
For further details of each meeting, including downloadable programme and booking form please visit the relevant group page.
VITAL Convention 2012: Making all the difference
The bi-annual VITAL Convention which brings together the regional groups took place in London on Monday 12th November 2012.
We addressed the challenges faced by children losing sight and hearing and also children with conditions that affect a broader range of skills and abilities. 120 delegates attended. A full report of the Convention (Word, 181KB) is available to download.
About VITAL
VITAL (Visual Impairment Touches All Learning) is a network of professionals working with children with complex needs and visual impairment. VITAL is facilitated by RNIB but is mainly comprised of teaching and associated professionals working in schools, services, early years and health settings.
VITAL was started in 1989 in response to concerns regarding the introduction of a National Curriculum.
VITAL's main areas of work are now as follows:
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the development and dissemination of good practice
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peer support and networking
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staff development and training
Structure of VITAL
VITAL has become a network of regional focus groups, that all are linked and represented on a national steering group.
Regional Focus Groups
Focus groups are now operating around the country, providing an opportunity for visiting teachers of the visually impaired, school teaching staff and assistants, early years workers and other professionals to meet together for professional development and networking.
Groups meet twice a year, to hear presentations and discuss topics relating to complex needs.
If you would like to find out about or join a group near you, contact vital@rnib.org.uk or telephone 0113 386 2815 for more information.
We currently have groups in the following areas:
The East Midlands is the geographical base for a lively national MSI (Multi-sensory impairment) network that meets regularly, further details are available from miranda.brookes@leicester.gov.uk
We are hoping that an initial meeting of a VITAL North West group will take place in 2012/3. If you would like to register your interest for this group please email vital@rnib.org.uk
Steering Group
The national VITAL steering group is comprised of members of the original VITAL committee, and representatives from each of the regional focus groups.
The steering group meets termly to update on regional group activities and to plan central VITAL projects such as a conference and new publications.
Online forum
Join our Complex Needs education discussion board for professionals working with children with complex needs and visual impairment. This forum is to support members of the VITAL network in solving problems, sharing ideas and experiences.