STLS Sensory Service support for Vision Impairment:

In Early Years we:

• provide information about the child’s vision impairment diagnosis
• support the family, including the extended family, in the home
• work with parents to assess and monitor their child's development and help set appropriate learning goals through the use of multisensory or tactile approaches
• provide advice on modes of access to information e.g. Braille and large print
• advise on appropriate toys, sensory materials and books
• empower parents to gain confidence in making choices for their child
• offer contact with other families and local support network
• provide support visits, advice and training to preschool settings and schools
• support transitions into preschools settings and school

For School Age learners we:

• advise schools on the implication of a learner’s vision impairment
• provide training to school staff on vision impairment
• advise school staff on strategies to promote access to the curriculum/ information and to support social inclusion
• teach specialist areas relating to vision impairment such as the acquisition of visual concepts and the development of literacy through Braille or large print
• provide technical support to ensure the learner has access to information though Braille, large print, tactile and auditory resources
• advise on and support specialist equipment as appropriate to their stage of development
• work closely with schools and other agencies to support joint planning
• assess the learner’s functional vision and their progress in areas of the Specialist VI Curriculum
• contribute to a planned approach over time to promote independent learning
• maintaining close contact with families to ensure that expectations and approaches are consistent between home and school

Colleges of Further Education:

When a young person is ready to move on to College or University, we provide a report and advice to support planning and ensure a smooth transition.  Similar support to that provided in schools is available to be purchased by Colleges of Further Education.