Perspectives of Visually Impaired Students An Overview Sharron Sturgess University Disability Officer Sharron Sturgess University Disability Officer

DANS What is a visual impairment? According to the RNIB A person can register as severely sight impaired (blind) if they can only read the top letter of the optician’s eye chart from three metres or less. A person can register as sight impaired (partially sighted) if they can only read the top letter of the chart from six metres or less.

DANS The RNIB goes on to say: “There are around two million people in the UK with a sight problem, i.e. that while wearing glasses they are still unable to recognise someone across the road or have difficulty reading newsprint. Among these two million people, over 370,000 are registered as blind or partially sighted. There are another 20% who are eligible for registration but have not done so.”

DANS Common causes of sight problems Some people will be affected by a sight problem from birth. Others may inherit an eye condition. Some people may lose their sight as the result of an accident. Illness can lead to conditions such as diabetic retinopathy.

DANS Cont… Some ethnic groups are at a higher risk of acquiring certain eye conditions. Socio-economic factors, Trachoma, responsible for 15% of the world’s blindness, is caused by poor hygiene and inadequate sanitation. Age-related eye conditions, 95% of people with sight problems in the UK are 65 or over.

DANS What do VI people see? According to the RNIB Being blind does not always mean that a person is living in total darkness. 49% of blind people and 80% of partially sighted people can recognise a friend at arm’s length. Around one-fifth of people who are registered blind have some light perception vision or lower. The rest will have some useful sight.

DANS Furthermore… Different eye conditions affect sight in different ways for example: Glaucoma can result in tunnel vision, where all side vision is lost and only central vision remains. Diabetic retinopathy can cause blurred and patchy vision. Macular degeneration can lead to a loss of central vision whilst side vision remains.

DANS Who are our VI students? UCAS code 2 declarations may include; Registered Blind Registered Partially Sighted Colour blind Irlens syndrome Those who have correctable sight conditions such as short sightedness

DANS Cont… But VI students also include; Those who lose their sight during their studies Those whose sight continues to deteriorate beyond a point at which they can study without support Those who don’t declare because they don’t know support is available, for example international students

DANS What are their support needs? Need to consider: Previous educational background Previous level of support The course of study DSA Non educational needs Being a student

DANS Previous educational background Visually impaired school children Pre 1990s Segregated Education in a Special school 1990s Integrated unit attached to a mainstream school Today Inclusion in a mainstream setting

DANS Previous support Resources Use of human support Exam Concessions Use of Technology

DANS Course of study AssessmentPracticals Teaching methodology Use of visual resources Placement

DANS DSA – Where are they in the process? Evidence Application Assessment of Needs LEA Approval Equipment/ Support in place

DANS Non-academic needs Accommodation Mobility and Orientation Practical issues Financial needs Mental health issues Social integration Transport issues

DANS A student first Common problems all students face regardless of impairment or additional need Money Academic success Home sickness Relationships Health, physical, mental and sexual Being accepted Making friends Accommodation Workload Taking responsibility for yourself A student first Common problems all students face regardless of impairment or additional need: