Visual Impairment Support in Northumberland Approximately 2 in 1000 children are registered either Severely Sight Impaired (Blind)or Partially Sighted in the UK. The Northumberland Visual Impairment Team supports the educational needs of children and young people from birth to 25 years who have a significant visual impairment. Advice, information and assessments can be provided to home and school. Support is also available to children in playgroups and nursery placements. With parental permission information is received from and shared with other relevant professionals and services. The nature and frequency of visits varies according to the circumstances and needs of each child and visits are often carried out with other involved professionals. In addition we provide written advice to schools on a range of eye conditions including colour blindness (CVD). We operate an open referral system. Children may be referred by educational and health services as well as directly from schools, parents and other support services. Where to start: If your child is pre-school age and has a visual impairment these people may be able to offer help to you: Sensory Support Service NHS Health Visitor Eye Clinic Liaison Officers, Ophthalmologist Disabled Children’s Team Portage Service Childcare provider or Nursery Charitable organisations Contact: Sensory Support Service, Riverside Centre Armstrong way, Ashington NE63 0YD T:01670624854 Your Health Visitor will be attached to your GP Practice and will offer you support and guidance, referring you to specialist services as required. Newcastle Eye Centre The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Royal Victoria Infirmary Queen Victoria Road Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP tel: 0191 282 0221 Kirstine Gagie, Disabled Children Team, County Hall, Morpeth, NE61 2EF Tel. 01670 516131 Mrs Carol MacDonald, Portage Lead, Portage Service, County Hall, Morpeth, NE61 6NF If your attends childcare or a nursery there will be a member of staff who knows how to get in touch with the local authority to ask for advice or help. They can get in touch with one of our specialist staff in the SSS or early Years Team Useful Vision Henshaws RNIB Children UK Action for Blind People Royal Blind Society
SSS (VI) are still the primary source of support in school. The support is funded by the local authority via the school’s budget, dependent on need. Any equipment you have had on long term loan from the Service will be yours for the duration of your course The college will have a lead SENDCO who will help, and inform you about what they have on offer. There will also be information on the college website. Some colleges will ‘buy in’ the support of SSS (VI) via a Service Level Agreement to meet your needs. Equipment may have to be bought by the college/training provider Kirstine Gagie, Disabled Children Team, County Hall, Morpeth, NE61 2EF Tel. 01670 516131 Can offer help with Mobility and Living Skills Christina Jessop Sanderson Arcade Morpeth Northumberland NE61 1NS Tel. 01670 293150 Useful Vision Henshaws RNIB Children UK Action for Blind People Royal Blind Society If you are still in learning or training and have an Education Health and Care Plan you may still receive help from the local authority – please contact the careers guidance team. If you are unemployed, in employment, at university or in school/college without an EHC plan these are your contacts: At College or University Help with Independent living Eye Clinic Liaison Officers BID NCBA At your place of work There will be a lead person to help learners with SEND, and there may be specialist provision for students with If you need help to become more independent you can seek advice from Social Care contact Newcastle Eye Centre, RVI Can offer help with Mobility and Living Skills for adults living in Northumberland: Christina Jessop Sanderson Arcade Morpeth A range of services provided for adults in Northumberland: Reiver House, Staithes Lane, Morpeth, Northumberland Reasonable adjustments to buildings should be made the Disability Discrimination Act. The adjustments and equipment may be
visual impairment. Each College/University will provide information about what they can offer. Northumberland NE61 1NS Tel. 01670 293150 info@bid.org.uk NE61 1TD. funded by the ‘Access to work’ scheme.