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 more about the CFVI and how it can support you in your role, take a look at www.rnib.org.uk/cfvi.
You can find teaching resources across the 11 CFVI areas on the CFVI Resource Hub, as part of RNIB Bookshare.
Online training from RNIB
Our training programme for the 2024-2025 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 December 2024 are open for bookings now.
RNIB online events are still being delivered free of charge.
Exam update – SATs and 11+
Tues 8th Oct 2024, 9.30 am – 11.15 am
Find out what’s new and refresh your knowledge of access arrangements for SATs and 11+ assessments.
Exam update – 14+ assessments
Tues 15th Oct 2024, 9.30 am – 12.15 pm
Find out what’s new and refresh your knowledge of access arrangements for GCSE and GCE assessments.
Supporting children with VI and complex needs (1)
Thursday 7th Nov 2024, 4 pm – 5.30 pm
Working with babies
Back by popular demand: the first of three sessions for this academic year delivered in partnership with experts from Sense.
Supporting children and young people with retinitis pigmentosa
Wednesday 13th November 2024, 4 pm – 5.30 pm
Technology
Tuesday 3rd December 2024, 4 pm – 5.30 pm
iPads in the mainstream classroom for low vision learners: using in-built accessibility features and specialist apps to access resources and board content and more.
Other professional training opportunities
Prepare for Success (Modified Large Print edition and Braille edition)
Prepare for Success is for you if your role involves modifying and/or producing resources in school or college for Modified Large Print users or braillists studying for GCSEs or GCE assessments.
There are two distinct editions of Prepare for Success:
- Modified Large Print (MLP) edition: to develop skills in creating modified classroom materials for MLP users studying for GCSE or GCE assessments.
- Braille edition: to develop skills in producing modified classroom materials for braillists studying for these exams.
Both editions of the course are developed by RNIB and VIEW and help you study real modifications, follow best practice guidance, and complete exercises to develop skills in creating in-house assessments that replicate formal testing formats.
Both editions of the course require applicants to be proficient in producing everyday large print materials and for the Braille edition to have completed the Prepare for Success - MLP course.
Course fees:
- Each edition of the course is £60 (VIEW members), £125 (non-members)
- You can sign up for both editions at once
Registration: Email [email protected] to register or ask questions
You get:
- 12-month access to course materials
- CPD certificate awarded upon successful completion
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 QTVIs and on an individual basis to TAs/LSAs with the relevant prior experience. You can find out more and register your interest to join the next course by contacting VIEW at [email protected].
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.
- Partners in Learning seeks to challenge you to consider your current practice, share and develop this with others in the field, and apply your new understanding to your working situation. You are asked to actively use your learning in a variety of practical ways and to implement your developing knowledge of best practice with colleagues and learners in your own setting.
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.
