RNC Enquiry Line: +44 (0)1432 376621 or email: 
Content
Certificate in Higher Education: Working with People with a Visual Impairment
What’s the Programme about?
The ‘Working with People with a Visual Impairment’ programme has been specifically developed by experienced professionals to enhance your knowledge and awareness of issues associated with the needs of people who are blind or partially sighted.
Content
The modules provide a broad spectrum of knowledge on issues related to visual impairment in people of all ages, including those with additional disabilities.
You will be introduced to:
- Nature and causes of visual impairment
- Anatomy and physiology
- Conditions of the eye
- Promoting independence through orientation and mobility
- Promoting independence through daily living skills
- Supporting people with multiple disabilities and visual impairment
- Improving inclusion and access to the written word through ICT and alternative formats such as braille, large print and audio
- Assistive technology that can be used in the classroom, training environment, workplace and home
An exciting and challenging aspect of the programme is the independent study element, where you can research a specific issue surrounding sight loss that is of particular interest to you and your current or future career.
This programme will develop your analytical and reflective skills in terms of understanding the needs of people with sight loss, including those with additional disabilities. It will help you with classroom and support management by understanding the implications of working with children and adults with multiple disabilities and visual impairment.
Who would benefit?
This programme is for anyone who currently works, or who may, in the future, work with people who are visually impaired. This includes:
- Teachers
- Support Staff
- Parents
- Learning Support Assistants
- Social Workers
- Care Assistants
- Adults returning to education
- Those who have an interest in visual impairment but do not presently work in a related environment.
The Programme provides a great stepping stone for anyone considering a future career in the field of visual impairment support.
Delivery
The Programme is delivered by some of the UK’s and Ireland’s most experienced practitioners in the field of teaching and supporting people who are blind or partially sighted; i.e. lecturers from the Royal National College for the Blind, the UK’s leading college for further education and training for people with sight loss and from St Josephs Centre for the Visually Impaired, Dublin. All tutors have a wealth of knowledge and hands on practical experience working with people who are visually impaired.
Qualifications
At the end of this programme you will have achieved a NFQ Level 4 professionally recognised qualification, validated by the University of Worcester. This is worth 120 credits, equivalent to the first year of a university degree.
Duration
The programme will take 18 months to two years to complete on a part time basis, depending on the individual intensity of study. The flexibility of part time study means it can run alongside your other commitments: work, other study, family etc.
Entry requirements
To do this programme you will need relevant qualifications equivalent to an NFQ, level 3. Alternatively the programme is available if you have relevant professional experience with people who are visually impaired or have a disability.
Location
The programme is run on a flexible basis from The Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford. Towards the end of the programme you will be given the option to travel to St Josephs Centre for the Visually Impaired in Dublin for one of the modules.
To register for this programme or for further information on start dates contact:
The Royal National College for the Blind Enquiry Line on 01432 376621
Validation
The programme is accredited by the University of Worcester. Delivered by The Royal National College for the Blind, Hereford, in partnership with St Josephs Centre for the Visually Impaired, Dublin
