Re/Habilitation Officer for Visually Impaired Children (ROVIC) service
The service is part of the Devon County Council Disabled Children’s Service.
We are a county-wide service supporting children and young people (birth to 18years) who have vision, dual sensory (vision and hearing impairment) or Deafblind impairment living within the Devon Local Authority boundaries.
We understand the importance of teaching young people skills for life. Therefore, our child-centred practice also includes skills training for families, parents, carers and professionals.
Assessments and training programmes can take place in a variety of locations, this enables children and young people to learn and develop their social, life and independence skills within home, school and community settings.
We are qualified practitioners who undertake assessments and teach habilitation (learning new skills) and rehabilitation (re-establishing skills) to young people and their support networks to promote confidence, inclusion and independence.
Service Core Offer
1. Direct Support
Providing hands-on assistance to children and young people (ages 0–18) and their families / carers at home, as well as to support staff in early years, educational, and community settings. This support fosters childhood development and inclusion through habilitation practices.
2. Registration and Deafblind Record
Carrying out assessments and completing the registration process following the issue of a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) for individuals identified as Sight Impaired or Severely Sight Impaired. Also includes assessments for dual sensory and Deafblind impairments to determine eligibility for the Deafblind Record.
3. Visual Function Development
Offering tailored advice, information, and support to enhance visual function, promote social inclusion, and encourage independent participation.
4. Skills Development
Conducting assessments and delivering targeted information and individualised training to build independent life skills using practical, applied strategies.
5. Transition Support
Supporting children, young people, and their families /carer and support networks through key transition stages, including planning and preparing transition to post 18 support and services.
6. Environmental Audits
Conducting audits of educational settings to enhance accessibility, inclusion, participation, and safety for children and young people with sensory needs.
7. Specialist Awareness Training
Delivering training sessions for school staff on habilitation techniques, including orientation, mobility, and independent living skills, to support inclusive learning.
8. Sensory Impairment Awareness Training
Providing practical training to partner agencies on vision and dual sensory impairment to improve understanding and support.
Note: As a service, we are always happy to receive and respond to queries or concerns related to the presentation or presence of visual and/or dual sensory differences or difficulties.
The service works in partnership with health, education, social care and voluntary organisations to promote life choices and positive outcomes for those with sensory impairment/s.
The Four Cornerstones
The Four Cornerstones is a nationally recognised approach that helps build trust, respect and stronger relationships between families and services.
Devon is using this approach to help improve SEND services for all children, young people, and their families. The ROVIC service applies this approach within service delivery.
It focuses on four key ways of working better together:
- Welcome and Care
We make sure everyone feels safe, respected, and supported. - Value and Include
We listen to everyone’s voice and make sure they are part of the journey. - Communicate
We talk clearly, honestly, and listen carefully. - Work in Partnership
We work together with families and professionals to make the best decisions.
Devon’s SEND Local Offer: The Four Cornerstones