Who is a Teacher for Children with Visual Impairment? 

A Teacher for Children with Visual Impairment (QTVI) is a qualified teacher with an additional mandatory qualification in teaching learners with visual impairment. If a teacher is in the process of achieving this mandatory qualification, the teacher may be known as a TVI. Learners include babies, children and young people, including those with complex needs. A QTVI may also hold a qualification in braille. 

 

What does the QTVI/TVI do? 

1. Specialist assessments and interpretation of results:

• Interprets clinical information about an individual’s eye condition and explains the implications for educational and home environments 
• Carries out assessments to determine the visual needs and abilities of the learner
• Provides initial and ongoing assessment and produces written reports Consults regularly with the pupils’ key workers, teachers and parents
• Contributes to joint functional visual assessments with the Forth Valley VISSCC team (Visual Impairment Support Service for Children in the Community)
• Monitors the learning environment and advises on environmental improvements e.g. appropriate seating position, lighting conditions etc
• Ensures that schools apply for appropriate access arrangements for examinations
• Assesses and monitors educational outcomes
• Participates in multi-agency assessment to identify overall needs and progress of the learner with visual impairment
• Contributes to monitoring and review of progress (in accordance with statutory requirements).

2. Provision of advice, support and equipment:

• Discusses the implications of visual impairment with the VI learner, parents and families, teaching and non-teaching staff, and all involved agencies 
• Identifies and develops strategies to overcome barriers and promote independence
• Teaches braille reading and writing, where appropriate
• Determines the need for the provision of ICT, assistive technology and low vision aids
• Supports pupils in using assistive technology and low vision aids effectively
• Supports pupils in developing mobility skills and independent living skills in collaboration with a habilitation worker
• Advises and/or prepares adapted materials in the pupil’s preferred learning medium e.g. braille, large print, audio
• Shares information about other support available
• Provides information about educational provision including early years, schools, colleges and other educational settings
• Provides additional support during points of transition
• Delivers CPD to probationer teachers, mainstream colleagues and other professionals and agencies working with VI learners.

3. Direct teaching through: 

• Team teaching 
• 1:1 with the VI learner 
• Whole class and/or small group teaching 
• Generic support 

4. Partnership working - A QTVI plays an important part in the production of joint assessments and target setting. This involves co-operation and joint working with a range of professionals in: 

• Schools 
• Early years and educational settings 
• NHS eye care e.g. orthoptist, ophthalmologist, pediatrician 
• Social work e.g. rehabilitation workers 
• Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy 
• CAMHS 
• Educational psychologists 
• A range of educational support services 
• Third party sectors e.g. Guide Dogs, RNIB 

5. Working with learners and families: 

• Provides clear, impartial information 
• Enables the learner and their family to express their views 
• Facilitates family and learner access to professional and extended services 
• Provides relevant and appropriate support 

  6. Continuing Professional Development: 

• Develops and maintains skills and understanding of the curriculum and current good practice 
• Keeps up to date with technological developments 
• Keeps abreast with legislation and guidance relating to additional support for learning 
• Develops and maintains the specific competencies for QTVIs.