VIAT

This comprehensive half day course offers an understanding of visual impairment and the psychological and functional effects of sight loss. It is vital to visually impaired people and us that our visual awareness training is provided by front line staff working daily with blind and partially sighted people and someone who themselves is visually impaired.

This training will enhance the CV of anyone working in health, social care, services, hospitality or teaching.

The course is both interesting and informative, with 96% of respondents rating it as either “Very Good” or “Excellent”. The course is important in helping to foster diversity and equality for people who are disabled.

Visual Awareness Training

An Introduction to Visual Impairment: Visual Equality Half-Day Training Course

PARTICIPANTS: a maximum of 20 trainees can attend each session

DURATION: 3 Hours – approximately, with a 15-minute break

Two trainers, one visually impaired, will provide trainees with an understanding of visual impairment and the psychological and functional effects of sight loss.

Each trainee will receive a certificate of attendance.

Aims / outcomes of the course

By the end of the course the trainees will be able to:-

• Understand and explain the different mobility options available to blind and partially sighted people.
• Understand how visually impaired people use other senses to compensate for loss of vision.
• Appreciate the different formats required, e.g., Braille, audio tape, CD, large print, etc., as well as understand information requirements for businesses and service providers under the Disability Discrimination Act (now incorporated within the Equalities Act).
• Understand some of the differences between being born blind and losing sight in later life.
• Appreciate health and safety issues in relation to an individual’s sight.
• Understand the difference between blind (severely sight impaired) and partial sight (sight impaired), including the registration process.
• Through simulation, be able to communicate with visually impaired people using non-verbal communication techniques.
• Through simulation, be able to guide a visually impaired person safely and effectively.
• Understand the importance of colour contrast.
• Through simulation, understand different types of visual impairments and their effects.

All of the above will be covered in each session, however every course, if required, is tailored to meet the needs of trainees and their organisations.

Who Should Attend?

• Anyone who is delivering a front-line service.
• Anyone who has responsibility for the delivery of front-line services.