Support service for visual impairment
We work with children and young people, and their families, offering information and support where visual difficulties may impede learning and/or development.Criteria for involvement
The acceptance of a referral to the Support Service for Children with Visual Impairment is based on the following criteria:
- Children/young people with visual difficulties that range from minor impairments to total blindness. A child whose vision is corrected to normal by wearing glasses is not visually impaired.
- All referrals must be in the age range 0 − 16 years of age, or up to 19 if the young person attends a school post 16 provision.
Most of the children supported by the service do not have a Statement, but those with the greatest need may undergo assessment.
What we do
The Support Service will assess children and young people with a visual impairment.
It will then offer advice on teaching strategies and the management of the needs of the pupil and their access to the curriculum. This will involve advice on the use of certain equipment and materials as well as direct teaching of specific skills such as typing, the use of magnifiers, Braille and mobility.
The service will also monitor, on behalf of the Local Education Authority, the needs and progress of, and provision for the pupil.
Staff will provide training about a range of issues concerning the education of children and young people with a visual impairment and give advice as to any assessment, teaching assistant provision and equipment necessary.
The service regards itself as part of the team surrounding each child/young person it supports and values the involvement and expertise of parents, carers and colleagues from other agencies. It actively contributes towards Individual Education Plans, Action Planning meetings and Statutory Reviews.
Referrals
A referral may be made by any person involved with the child/young person providing they have obtained parental permission.
It is helpful if as much information about the difficulties the child is encountering with his or her sight is included. If possible please check with the school nurse before making a referral, as they will be able to check previous school eye test examination results and arrange a simple vision assessment if required.
Contact details
Philip Sutcliffe
Head of Service
Support Service for Visual Impairment
County Support Services Centre
Brookside Road
Breadsall
Derby
DE21 5LF
Tel: 01332 835374
email: philip.sutcliffe@derbyshire.gov.uk
Please note that this telephone number is term time only. During school holiday periods please contact the SSVI office in Chesterfield:
Support Service for Visual Impairment
Chesterfield Area Education Office
St Helena Centre
Sheffield Road
Chesterfield
S41 7LU
Tel: 01246 204851
Related documents
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