Training for professionals supporting learners 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.

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 the 24/25 academic year are open for bookings now.

RNIB online events are still being delivered free of charge.

Braille network (1) – part of Braille 200

Tuesday 14 Jan 2025, 4 pm – 5.30 pm

200 years since its invention, we’re celebrating all things braille.

In this CPD session, we’ll build on our previous session on the science code, get tips for setting up an embosser and share ideas for supporting music activities with Lego Braille Bricks.

Supporting children with VI and complex needs (2)

Monday 3 Feb 2025, 4 pm – 5.30 pm

The second of three sessions for this academic year delivered in partnership with experts from Sense. We’ll be focusing on tactile communication, including on-body signing.

Making practical lessons inclusive

Wednesday 5 March 2025, 4 pm – 5.30 pm

With a focus on Design and Technology, we’ll be joined by experts who will share ideas for facilitating inclusion. We think D&T teachers will find this session useful so please invite your mainstream colleagues to join us.

Producing accessible resources

Thursday 27 March 2025, 4 pm – 5.30 pm

We’ll be revisiting Styles in Microsoft Word to look at using templates, getting expert advice on producing accessible graphs and charts, and looking at making PowerPoints more accessible.

Wellbeing

Wednesday 7 May 2025, 4 pm – 5.30 pm

Focusing on best practice for supporting the wellbeing of children and young people with vision impairment.

Supporting children with VI and complex needs (3)

Monday 12 May 2025, 4 pm – 5.30 pm

The last of three sessions for this academic year delivered in partnership with experts from Sense. The focus will be on the teenage years and beyond, and building emotional resilience.

Braille network (2) – supporting the development of braille literacy – part of Braille 200

Tuesday 10 June 2025, 4 pm – 5.30 pm

To tie in with the Braille 200 celebrations of this thriving medium, we’ll be focusing on working with young learners to empower them and enhance their access to education and life through teaching braille.

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:

1. Modified Large Print (MLP) edition: to develop skills in creating modified classroom materials for MLP users studying for GCSE or GCE assessments.
2. 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.

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.

• 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].

Apply online through the VIEW website.

• 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.

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