{"id":31563,"date":"2025-03-13T12:46:47","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T12:46:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/?page_id=31563"},"modified":"2026-01-21T15:04:40","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T15:04:40","slug":"visual-impairment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/ordinarily-available-inclusive-provision\/targeted\/sensory-and-physical-needs\/visual-impairment\/","title":{"rendered":"Visual impairment"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"content-heading-quote clearfix \" id=\"block_acf-block-6970eb02e2e16\"><div class=\"hq-outer\"><h2><span class=\"hq-heading\">What is visual impairment?<\/span><span class=\"hq-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"a\" viewBox=\"0 0 100 100\"><defs><style>.b{fill:none;stroke:#242a5f;stroke-linecap:round;stroke-miterlimit:10;stroke-width:4px;}.c{fill:#242a5f;}<\/style><\/defs><path class=\"b\" d=\"M74.43,1.95s2.1,26.63-23.86,43.38c-27.08,17.47-22.16,52.75-22.16,52.75\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M54.65,83.31s16.82-24.99,37.97,0c0,0-18.26,24.27-37.97,0Z\"><\/path><line class=\"b\" x1=\"51.41\" y1=\"65.29\" x2=\"57.51\" y2=\"71.38\"><\/line><line class=\"b\" x1=\"95.45\" y1=\"65.29\" x2=\"89.35\" y2=\"71.38\"><\/line><line class=\"b\" x1=\"73.77\" y1=\"56.66\" x2=\"73.51\" y2=\"65.29\"><\/line><circle class=\"c\" cx=\"73.64\" cy=\"79.05\" r=\"6.85\"><\/circle><path class=\"b\" d=\"M7.33,19.16s24.51-7.11,19.46,15.53c0,0-1.98,7.04-6.73,8.97-3.64,1.48-1.29,7.84-1.29,7.84,0,0,1.44,6.42-3.33,7.7s-8.29-1.97-7.75-6.71\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M30.15,13.75s9.89,1.2,6.52,13.22\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M36.19,7.5s15.09,4.75,7.25,23.18\"><\/path><path class=\"b\" d=\"M7.18,33.81s3.78-.44,4.28,2.52c.61,3.61-.31,4.44-3.69,5.46\"><\/path><\/svg> <\/span><\/h2><div class=\"hq-intro\"><p>Visual impairment is the term used to describe sight loss that cannot be corrected using glasses or contact lenses.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-6970eb02e2e4c\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" id=\"Layer_1\" viewBox=\"0 0 60 60\"><defs><style>.cls-1{fill:#222959;stroke-width:0}<\/style><\/defs><g id=\"Group_7793\"><path id=\"Path_2\" fill=\"#f0d85d\" stroke-width=\"0\" d=\"M17.57 2.73h24.27l16.17 16.5v23.01L41.84 60H18.41L1.48 42.24V19.23l16.09-16.5Z\"><\/path><g id=\"question-octagon\"><g id=\"Group_7792\"><path id=\"Path_6596\" d=\"M17.02.55c.35-.35.83-.55 1.32-.55h23.3c.5 0 .97.2 1.32.55l16.48 16.48c.35.35.55.83.55 1.32v23.3c0 .5-.2.97-.55 1.32L42.96 59.45c-.35.35-.83.55-1.32.55h-23.3c-.5 0-.97-.2-1.32-.55L.55 42.97A1.88 1.88 0 0 1 0 41.65v-23.3c0-.5.2-.97.55-1.32L17.02.55Zm2.1 3.2L3.75 19.12v21.75l15.38 15.38h21.75l15.38-15.38V19.12L40.88 3.74H19.13Z\" class=\"cls-1\"><\/path><path id=\"Path_6597\" d=\"M19.57 21.78c-.01.24.08.48.26.65.18.17.41.27.66.26h3.14c.52-.01.95-.41 1.01-.93.34-2.43 2.05-4.21 5.1-4.21 2.61 0 5 1.27 5 4.33 0 2.36-1.42 3.44-3.67 5.09-2.56 1.81-4.58 3.93-4.44 7.37v.8c.03.51.45.92.96.91h3.08c.52 0 .94-.41.95-.93v-.39c0-2.66 1.04-3.44 3.84-5.51 2.32-1.72 4.73-3.62 4.73-7.63 0-5.6-4.85-8.31-10.16-8.31-4.82 0-10.09 2.19-10.45 8.48Zm5.92 21.38c.05 1.96 1.68 3.5 3.64 3.45.07 0 .14 0 .2-.01 2.32 0 3.91-1.46 3.91-3.44s-1.6-3.49-3.91-3.49a3.534 3.534 0 0 0-3.82 3.23c0 .09-.01.17-.01.26Z\" class=\"cls-1\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg> <\/div><h3><strong>Identification<\/strong> &#8211; what you may see in the child or young person<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><ul>\n<li>Not responding to non-verbal instructions for example, facial expressions.<\/li>\n<li>Not accessing information on the board.<\/li>\n<li>Loses their place when reading, skips lines or has difficulty to find text on a page.<\/li>\n<li>Making errors whilst copying.<\/li>\n<li>Tilting their head to one side or up and down.<\/li>\n<li>Poor or unusual sitting posture when reading and\/or writing.<\/li>\n<li>Struggles when using stairs or steps (depth perception).<\/li>\n<li>Bumps into things or knocks things over.<\/li>\n<li>Passive when working in small groups.<\/li>\n<li>Passive participant in class discussion.<\/li>\n<li>Struggles to communicate what is important.<\/li>\n<li>Struggles to communicate what support they need.<\/li>\n<li>Shows fatigue after visual tasks.<\/li>\n<li>Demonstrate repeated blinking.<\/li>\n<li>Squint, holding down or closing one eye.<\/li>\n<li>Complain of headaches or feeling nauseous.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-6970eb02e2eaa\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 65 60\"><g data-name=\"Group 1\"><path fill=\"#f0d85d\" d=\"M3 4h59v56H3z\" data-name=\"Rectangle 1619\"><\/path><path fill=\"#222959\" d=\"M4.434.004A4.59 4.59 0 0 0 0 4.736v50.528a4.59 4.59 0 0 0 4.434 4.74h56.132A4.59 4.59 0 0 0 65 55.264V4.736A4.59 4.59 0 0 0 60.566.004Zm1.476 6.31h53.18v47.372h-7.382v-3.155H38.41v3.155H5.91V6.314ZM32.5 18.947a4.748 4.748 0 1 0 4.432 4.738 4.592 4.592 0 0 0-4.432-4.738Zm-11.816 5.53a3.506 3.506 0 0 0 0 7 3.506 3.506 0 0 0 0-7Zm23.633 0a3.281 3.281 0 0 0-2.957 1.745 3.764 3.764 0 0 0 0 3.61 3.281 3.281 0 0 0 2.957 1.745 3.567 3.567 0 0 0 0-7.1ZM32.5 31.578a13.579 13.579 0 0 0-8.526 2.912 10.54 10.54 0 0 0-3.291-.544c-3.559 0-7.391 2.012-7.391 4.513v2.594h38.416v-2.594c0-2.5-3.832-4.513-7.391-4.513a10.548 10.548 0 0 0-3.291.544 13.579 13.579 0 0 0-8.526-2.912Z\" data-name=\"Path 6598\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg> <\/div><h3><strong>Planned<\/strong> provision in school<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><ul>\n<li><strong>Tactile maps, diagrams and pictures<\/strong> and support in developing skills to use these: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rnibbookshare.org\/resources\/accessible-images\" rel=\"noopener\">Images Central &#8211; RNIB Bookshare<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Specific equipmen<\/strong>t, for example screensharing, magnifier.<\/li>\n<li>iPad for viewing interactive whiteboards.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Reading slope<\/strong> to bring the text closer<strong>.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Modified resources<\/strong> as recommended by the Advisory Teacher Visual Impairment.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regular short breaks.<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Accessible resources<\/strong> in an appropriate font size, have clear print with reduced clutter. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/send-it\/presenting-information\/\">Presenting information<\/a> guidance.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Adapted seating position<\/strong> &#8211; check desk height and chair height to support good posture when reading and writing. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/physical-difficulties\/positioning\/\">Positioning guidance<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Explicitly teach inclusive games<\/strong> for unstructured times. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/visual-impairment\/importance-of-physical-activity-and-exercise\/playground-games\/\">Inclusive playground games<\/a> ideas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Purposefully planned class support<\/strong> by additional adult. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/visual-impairment\/the-role-of-advisory-teacher-of-learners-with-vision-impairment-atvi\/guidance-for-support-staff\/\">Guidance for support staff<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pupil voice<\/strong> &#8211; provide children and young people support and opportunity to contribute to their reviews and planning meetings.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Teach and practise self-advocacy skills<\/strong> for example the confidence to speak up if they can\u2019t see the board or activity, highlighting positive role models, opportunities to engage in the VI community.<\/li>\n<li><strong>For older pupils, advice and guidance from a careers advisor<\/strong>, aware of the needs of children and young people who have a visual impairment, about preparation for adulthood and options available at post-16, work experience and independent living.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"content-boxes clearfix\" id=\"block_acf-block-6970eb02e35d1\"><ul class=\"grid-x grid-margin-x small-up-1 medium-up-1 large-up-1\"><li class=\"cell box-contents\"><div class=\"box-contents-inner has-svg\"><div class=\"box-icon\"><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\"?> <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 76.617 60\"><g data-name=\"Group 1\"><path fill=\"#f0d85d\" d=\"M1.371 3h73v52h-73z\" data-name=\"Rectangle 1638\"><\/path><g fill=\"#222959\"><path d=\"M46.517 13.632h19.154v5.473H46.517Z\" data-name=\"Path 6599\"><\/path><path d=\"M46.517 27.264h19.154v5.473H46.517Z\" data-name=\"Path 6600\"><\/path><path d=\"M46.517 40.896h19.154v5.473H46.517Z\" data-name=\"Path 6601\"><\/path><path d=\"M10.945 13.632h19.154v5.473H10.945Z\" data-name=\"Path 6602\"><\/path><path d=\"M10.945 27.264h19.154v5.473H10.945Z\" data-name=\"Path 6603\"><\/path><path d=\"M10.945 40.896h19.154v5.473H10.945Z\" data-name=\"Path 6604\"><\/path><path d=\"M71.144 0H5.473A5.469 5.469 0 0 0 0 5.455v49.09A5.469 5.469 0 0 0 5.473 60h65.671a5.469 5.469 0 0 0 5.473-5.455V5.455A5.469 5.469 0 0 0 71.144 0ZM5.473 5.455h30.1v49.09h-30.1Zm35.572 49.09V5.455h30.1v49.09Z\" data-name=\"Path 6625\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/svg> <\/div><h3><strong>Resources<\/strong> for schools<\/h3><div class=\"box-content list-col-1\"><p><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Support services<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/request-for-access-to-send-support-guidance\/\">Request support from Devon&#8217;s Sensory or Physical Needs Team<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/send-local-offer\/preparing-for-adult-life-ages-14-25-years\/referral-to-the-tasc-team\/\">The Transitions Adult Social Care Service (TACS)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you have concerns about a child\u2019s vision advise parent carers to book an appointment at the GP or opticians.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><!-- \/wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} --><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Further reading and information<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Resources and information from Devon&#8217;s Sensory or Physical Needs Team (Visual Impairment)<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/visual-impairment\/eye-conditions\/\">Common eye conditions\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/visual-impairment\/top-tips-for-vi-inclusion-in-the-classroom\/\">Top tips for VI inclusion in the classroom\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/visual-impairment\/teaching-strategies-by-subject\/\">Teaching strategies by curriculum subjects\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/visual-impairment\/access-to-exams-and-tests\/\">Access to exams and tests\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/visual-impairment\/technology\/\">Technology \u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/visual-impairment\/accessible-books\/\">Accessible books<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/visual-impairment\/anxieties-and-phobias\/\">Anxiety and phobias\u00a0<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/resources-to-support-mental-health\/\">Resources to support mental health<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/education-and-families\/send-local-offer\/preparing-for-adult-life-ages-14-25-years\/preparing-for-adulthood-transitions-guide\/\">Devon&#8217;s preparing for adulthood transitions guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/media.rnib.org.uk\/documents\/APDF-SV230702_Tough_Talks-v01.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">Tough talks \u2013 Talking to children about vision impairment<\/a> | RNIB<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/media.rnib.org.uk\/documents\/tactile_images_and_maps_2015_brochure_low_res.pdf\" rel=\"noopener\">Tactile Images and Maps<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rnib.org.uk\/living-with-sight-loss\/supporting-others\/diagnosis-and-emotional-wellbeing\/emotional-support-children-young-people-with-vi\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Emotional support for children and young people with vision impairment<\/a> | RNIB<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.guidedogs.org.uk\/inspiring-stories\/children-and-young-people-inspiring-stories\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Children and Young People Inspiring Stories<\/a> | Guide Dogs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Resources to share with parents<\/strong><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/send-local-offer\/understanding-send\/sensory-and-or-physical-needs\/vision-impairment-signposting\/\">Vision impairments signposting guide<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/children-families-education\/send-local-offer\/understanding-send\/sensory-and-or-physical-needs\/supporting-children-with-vision-and-sensory-impairment\/\">Re\/Habilitation Officer for Visually Impaired Children Service (ROVICS)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/support-schools-settings\/send\/areas-of-need\/sensory-and-or-physical\/visual-impairment\/parents\/\">SEND vision impairment advice and guidance for parents<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":981,"featured_media":0,"parent":31561,"menu_order":1,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-31563","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-05-11 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