Visually impaired service

Overview

A specialist support service for children and young people who have a vision impairment.

The service is made up of:

This service is provided by South Tyneside Council.

Necessary support is put in place after needs are assessed.

This includes:

one-to-one teaching and support at home, preschool and school (based on the needs of each child or young person)
support to families
advice and training for professionals working with children and young people with vision impairment
information to understand vision impairment
equal access to education, participation and inclusion for children and young people with vision impairment
teaching children and young people skills, strategies and understanding to achieve their full potential, academically and socially (see the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment)
preparing children and young people with vision impairment for adulthood
support from a Habilitation Specialist to develop mobility and independent livings skills (based on the needs of each child or young person)
monitoring progress

Children and young people aged 0 to 25 with a vision impairment.

National Sensory Impairment Partnership (NatSIP) eligibility criteria is also used.

There is an online referral form for parents, school or other professionals.

You can also contact the lead Qualified Teacher of the Vision Impaired (QTVI) by email or phone.

Once a referral has been made, the lead QTVI will make contact.

Consent will be needed from a parent before any further involvement.