Visual impairment and education
Visual impairment - whether partial sight, severe sight impairment, or blindness - affects how your child accesses learning materials, moves around school, participates in activities, and interacts with peers. An EHCP can provide: a Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI), habilitation training, large print or braille materials, assistive technology, and a modified environment. These aren't optional extras - they're essential for your child's education.
The habilitation specialist
Habilitation is the process of learning skills for daily living and independent movement. A habilitation specialist can teach your child mobility skills, orientation, and daily living skills. This provision should be specified in the EHCP and delivered regularly. Many local authorities try to limit habilitation to short blocks - push for ongoing provision that matches your child's needs.
Assistive technology
Technology can be transformative for visually impaired children: screen magnification software, screen readers, braille displays, tactile graphics, audio description, and modified IT equipment. The EHCP should specify what technology is needed, who will maintain it, and how staff will be trained to use it. Technology needs often change as the child grows - ensure annual reviews address this.
Specialist or mainstream?
Some visually impaired children thrive in mainstream school with the right support. Others benefit from specialist provision where staff have deep expertise in visual impairment. The right choice depends on your child - their level of vision, other needs, personality, and preferences. An EHCP supports either option and can fund the provision needed in both settings.
Exam access arrangements
Visually impaired children are entitled to access arrangements in exams - extra time, modified papers, a reader, a scribe, use of assistive technology. These should be planned well in advance and documented in the EHCP. Don't wait until Year 10 to think about this - access arrangements should be in place from the earliest assessments.