1. The Future of Rehab Working Group Jenny Pearce Chairman of Future of Rehab Working Group

2. The Future of Rehab Group aims to ensure that: Every person who experiences sight loss can benefit from the provision of early access to a nationally agreed pathway promoting independence, choice & control over their lifestyle

3. 4 main workstreams identified:  Research  Service Design  Service Quality  Influencing

4. Workstream 1: Research – to measure effectiveness of visual impairment rehabilitation  Thomas Pocklington Trust working in partnership with Social Policy Research Unit (SPRU)  Stage 1 – map what happens now, with cost / benefit analysis (18 months)  From results, determine whether effectiveness can be evaluated  Stage 2 – full scale evaluation if feasible

5. Workstream 1– Progress to date Stage 1  Steering Group set up and has met  Workshops planned for professionals and clients – one of each in both London & Yorkshire  Part of research will include audit of services in England - SPRU will be writing to ADASS to seek research permission for this

6. Workstream 2: Service Design – Sight Loss Pathway  Best practice model for all UK  Rehab clearly identified as an early intervention to address presenting needs  Community Care Assessment only if some eligible needs still outstanding  Ideal process map for Seeing it My Way  Highlights the need for specialist qualified professional interventions

7. Workstream 2– Progress to date  UK Adult Sight Loss Pathway has gone to print – will be available electronically and in accessible formats from mid March  Will be launched in all 4 countries  Session on ‘Seeing it My Way’ at Vision UK 2013 June conference will include the Pathway

8. Workstream 3: Service Quality  Seeking to attain professional registration for Rehabilitation Officers  Seeking to establish professional support system for workforce  Supporting qualification routes

9. Workstream 3– Progress to date  Registration – different scenarios in the 4 countries  England: Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) asked to hold register; seeking Lord Low’s support  Professional network set up by Vision2020 UK – 157 members to date  Facebook page set up and very popular  Qualification routes – some courses running in 2013; job description being developed in Wales, when ratified could be applied UK-wide as basis for training

10. Workstream 4: Influencing  Raising awareness and campaigning for services to be commissioned which support the delivery of ‘Seeing it My Way’ outcomes

11. Workstream 4 – progress to date  Working with Care & Support Alliance to influence Social Care Bill  Aiming to ensure that rehab clearly identified as early intervention  Supports offered to local campaigns  JSNA data tool now available in England – will be highlighted at UK Vision Strategy Networking meeting to encourage its use in localities to influence local strategy

12. Summary of main achievements to date:  All 4 countries well represented in working group  Feasibility study for research commenced  UK Adult Sight Loss Pathway mapped  Coordinated push for professional registration  Professional support structures set up  Training providers networked  Care and Support Bill influenced  Local campaigns supported

13. Any Questions? To contact the group email Lisa.Hughes@rnib.org.uk