30th September 2022 • My Family Our Needs

This year’s National Eye Health Week (NEHW) took place from 19th to 25th September 2022, promoting the importance of good eye health and the need for regular eye tests for all. MFON spoke to Caireen Sutherland, Royal National Institute of Blind People’s (RNIB) Head of Education, and Craig Brown, RNIB’s Specialist Lead for Children, Young People and Families to find out how the charity is supporting young people.

MFON: Are you able to share any details about projects for young people and parents/carers?

RNIB: RNIB Shape and Share events bring children, young people and their families together for peer support, to share experiences, shape future services and take part in fun activities both in person across the UK and virtually via Microsoft Teams.

MFON: What support groups are on offer for young people who are visually impaired?

RNIB: RNIB Connect run Facebook groups for individuals aged 16+ to join and Look UK run a Student Mentoring Scheme for young people aged 11-29.

MFON: How can parents/carers work effectively with a school /college to best support their child?

RNIB: Your local authority (LA) should have at least one qualified teacher of children with vision impairment (QTVI). These specialists are teachers who have additional qualifications and experience working with children with vision impairments.

RNIB would always recommend a strong relationship between you and your child’s education setting, clear communication is positive and can support your child to thrive in education. If you or your child is not happy with the support arrangements at school or college, then we suggest you raise your concerns at an early stage with the class teacher, head teacher or QTVI. Ask to meet with the staff supporting your child to raise your concerns and try to discuss solutions or new approaches to a problem. Go prepared to the meeting – write a list of your concerns and any changes that you feel could make things better. Try to take account of the limits on time and money that the school and QTVI teaching service must work within. RNIB can give you support and advice if you are facing challenges regarding your child’s special educational needs. In addition, RNIB can provide further information regarding the newly launched Curriculum Framework for Children/Young people with vision impairment which outlines and defines the specialist skills a child with vision impairment may need to develop. 

MFON: Are you able to offer any advice on how young people with vision impairment can be better prepared for employment?

RNIB: Research evidence has identified a number of ways in which young people with vision impairment can be better prepared for employment. These include:

• Previous work experience.
• Well-developed skills for accessing information (including technology skills), mobility skills, self-advocacy skills and knowledge of appropriate resources.
• Knowledge of Access to Work and the range of support that it can fund.
• Receipt of appropriate careers advice.
• For further information see our Bridging the Gap resources.
• Thomas Pocklington Trust also support young people with an Employment Programme.