Doncaster Council

Finding out more

First and foremost, contact Doncaster Council’s Service for Children with a Visual Impairment (SCVI). If they already know the child, they will be able to provide information and offer advice. It is vital that any visually impaired child not known on their files be brought to their attention. A series of twilight In Service Training (INSET) sessions are offered by the service, which are designed for mainstream teachers and learning support assistants with a visually impaired child in their class.

Things you may need to know might include:

• Is the condition progressive?
• Is the vision monocular or binocular?
• Are there any field defects?
• Is there a colour vision problem?
• Should the child be wearing glasses?
• What print size is best?
• What lighting levels are best?
• Are there any restrictions on physical activities?
• Are there any mobility problems?
• Does the child need regular medication?            

A specialist teacher of the visually impaired can provide answers to questions like these.

Websites

Action for Blind People 
DeafBlind UK 
Guide Dogs for the Blind 
National Blind Children’s Society 
National Library for the Blind 
Royal National College for the Blind 
Royal National Institute for the Blind 
Sense 
Sight Savers 

Publications

Fitt, R.A. and Mason H. (1986) - "Sensory Handicaps in Children” - N.C.S.E.
Chapman, E.K. and Stone J. (1988) - "Visual Handicaps in the Classroom Casseils.
Hodgson, A. (1985) -  “How to Integrate the Visually Impaired” Vol.12 No.1 - BJSE  
Best, A, B. (1992) - “Teaching Children with Visual Impairments” - OU Press
Mason, H et al (1997) - “Visual Impairment – Access to Education for Children and Young People” - David Fulton Publishers