Online course “Vision impairment and complex needs in children and young people”

Illustration of a person studying at a laptop

“Vision impairment and complex needs in children and young people” is a short online course which focuses specifically on children and young people who, as well as vision impairment, also have learning difficulties and other special needs or disabilities.”

We are now taking applications with a flexible start date – you can apply at any time to begin.  Please email the application form below to courses@viewweb.org.uk to apply.

Cost: £255 non-members (£195 members)

The course has been written by experts in the field of vision impairment in children with additional and complex needs, and has been created by an experienced instructional designer. It is studied online over around 50 hours with the pace of learning being set by the student.

Students are assigned a tutor who provides “light touch” support. The course is designed for students from any background – education, care or health. It is suitable for professionals and parents, in fact, anyone who is interested in facilitating development in children and young people who have vision impairment and complex needs.

This new short course focuses specifically on children and young people who, as well as vision impairment, also have learning difficulties and other special needs or disabilities. It has been developed with funding provided by the Department for Education under grant agreement with NatSIP – the National Sensory Impairment Partnership.

Cost: £255 non-members (£195 members)

Course applications

We are now taking applications.  Please email the application form below to courses@viewweb.org.uk to apply.

Benefits of the course include:

  • Flexible start date
  • Students work at their own pace
  • Detailed on-line course material is set over two units
  • Activities are carefully structured around self-study, discussion forums and scenario based tasks
  • Provides opportunities to connect with others having an interest in this area
  • Students compile a portfolio which can be used for future reference
  • Leads to a VIEW/NatSIP certificate on completion

Course content

Unit One topics comprise:

  • Background & context
  • The visual system
  • Ocular visual impairment
  • Cerebral visual impairment
  • Visual acuity & registration
  • The correction of vision with glasses
  • The other senses

Unit Two topics comprise:

  • Practitioners & their roles
  • Providing a suitable environment
  • Sensory rooms and multi-sensory approach
  • Resources
  • Communication skills & systems
  • Behaviours that may challenge
  • Mobility & independence

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements for this course. Students should have basic computer literacy and be able to communicate effectively in written English.