Visual Impairment (1 day)

Historically, responses to Disability have meant that individuals who live with a disability have been stigmatised and have experienced discrimination and harassment. Often they have received poor treatment from society in general. This has been compounded by poor and ill-informed support from services whose role it is to enable.

Stereotypes and assumptions have been the norm and awareness at all levels has been slow to change. For those who have a visual impairment, which can have a significant impact on their lives, the difficulties they face are, to a great extent, ‘invisible’. Through the campaigning of organisations such as RNIB, the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), now part of the Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR), considerable work has taken place over a number of years to alter societal attitudes and, as importantly, fundamental changes at a practical level.

In 1995, the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) added legal weight to the campaign to increase awareness and social inclusion. In 2005, the DDA was significantly revised in favour of effecting change at an organisational level. Nonetheless, organisations are made up of individuals and change needs to take place at all levels within all organisations and services.

This course aims to promote greater understanding of visual impairment and changes to attitudes and behaviour.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this course learners should understand:

• A working definition of ‘visual impairment’
• What is meant by ‘blindness’
• The possible experience of those with a ‘visual impairment’
• What is available in terms of communication skills and aids (NB. This course is not designed to provide these skills or aids).
• What will need to be considered in terms of aids, tools and supports in order to involve individuals with visual impairment in different situations (e.g., Braille, signing, note-taking, interpretation, website design, front row seating)
• Be conversant with the basic human and legal rights of individuals with visual impairment (a practical guide rather than an in-depth knowledge of legislation)
• Equality in relation to visual impairment
• Ways and means of encouraging and enabling individuals with a visual impairment to be involved at the inception and in the ongoing development of all services.
• The difficulties and emotions that such individuals may face on a daily basis.
• What solutions are available in terms of improving the lives and social interactions of individuals at all levels and in all areas (e.g., physical changes, media, internet).
• What is meant by harassment and discrimination.
• How to enable and support people with visual impairment to challenge discrimination and harassment.

Working methods:

• Large Group Work
• Smaller Group Work
• Pairs work
• Tutor Presentations using PowerPoint and Flip Chart
• Tutor Facilitation of Group Work
• Questionnaire
• Case Studies and examples
• Role Play
• Use of Handouts
• Warm Up and Energising Exercises