As part of the Sensory and Communication Support Service (SenCom), the Vision Impairment Service (VIS) supports children and young people from Torfaen, Caerphilly, Newport, Monmouthshire and Blaenau Gwent who have a vision impairment (VI), multiple disabilities and vision impairment (MDVI), or multi-sensory impairment (MSI).
We aim to ensure that children, young people and their parents/carers are offered choice and receive the support they need to achieve successful inclusion within their local communities, nurseries, mainstream and special school settings. Expertise, advice and specialist resources are available to educational settings to enable full and inclusive access to learning.
VIS provides a range of services tailored to individual needs, including direct support, specialist training, assessment, consultation and habilitation. Support is delivered by qualified teachers of vision impairment (QTVI) and multi-sensory impairment (QTMSI), ensuring that the outcomes of the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment(opens in new tab) (CFVI) are met. Following an assessment of vision or multi-sensory functioning, short or long-term intervention may be provided, alongside advice, guidance and training for schools and families.
Pre-school intervention programmes are available for children under three years of age and may be delivered in group settings or within the family home. The Multi-Sensory Impairment Service also provides monitoring, advice and guidance for children and young people with dual sensory impairment (combined hearing and vision loss), supporting the development of communication and sensory skills.
Independent living, mobility and orientation skills are taught by specialist habilitation staff, who provide training, direct support and intervention based on assessment outcomes and ongoing reviews. Collaborative working is central to our approach, ensuring that all needs are identified and met effectively.
VIS works closely in partnership with children and young people, parents/carers, schools, education and careers services, and health professionals through a person-centred assessment and consultation process to support positive outcomes for every child and young person.
How is a referral made?
VIS welcomes enquiries and referrals from anyone involved with a child or young person who may have a vision or multi-sensory impairment, or where there are concerns about possible vision or multi-sensory difficulties.