Who Are We?

 

Who are we?

The Vision Impairment (VI) Service supports the needs of children with vision impairments in Tameside.

The team provides practical advice and strategies to families, schools and other settings about all aspects of reduced functional vision and its impact on children’s educational, social and emotional development.

We visit children in mainstream and special schools. Younger children are visited in nursery, pre-school and at home.

What is visual impairment?

Visual impairment or low vision is a reduction in vision that cannot be corrected with standard glasses or contact lenses and reduces a person's ability to function at certain or all tasks.

 

Qualified Teacher of Children with Vision Impairment (QTVI)

Karen Barton Teacher in Charge (QTVI) and Rehabilitation Officer
Julie Aspinall (QTVI)
Lynsey Broadway (QTVI)
Gary Evans (SSA)
Stacy Proctor (SSA)
Rebecca Gibson (SSA)
Gillian Milne (Admin Manager)
 
The QTVI establishes how a child uses their vision in everyday situations (functional vision
assessment). With very young children or those with complex needs, this can be an ongoing
process as visual skills can change and develop. Children will be seen by the QTVI regularly
(depending on their needs), with a focus on the child’s access to the school curriculum.
 
A Rehabilitation Officer can functionally assess and teach skills to maximise a child’s independence this is through mobility training. Mobility training is of vital importance to many children and young people with a visual impairment, as it can help develop the skills required to move about safely and independently in the environment. It can promote confidence while travelling alone, crossing roads or using public transport.
 
Specialist support assistant.(SSA)
To support the QTVI’s in implementing individual support programmes. This can include the teaching of braille, IT skills and specialist equipment to promote inclusion and independence. Direct work is carried out to develop visual skills, pre-braille skills, social skills, mobility and concept development, depending on need. Resources are adapted and transcribed to support inclusive curriculum access and support schools in ensuring students can achieve to the best of their abilities.

Admin Manager:
To support the Lead Teacher and Visual Impairment Team with all administration duties including modifying curriculum work for visually impaired students.