A brief guide to support for blind / partially sighted students...

Typical difficulties at University might include:-

• Making notes in lecture and using visual materials in a lecture
• Researching/reading
• Moving around a campus, accessing University facilities and resources

Typical Reasonable Adjustments might include:-

• Provision of course materials in alternative formats
• Notes in advance of lectures
• Modifications to examination arrangements e.g. additional time in examinations

Support/resources available via Access SUMMIT might include:-

• Assessment of Needs undertaken by assessor experienced in visual impairment - in conjunction with the RNIB if appropriate
• Regular contact with RNIB Worker on-site every week;
• Support package including:-
  • Digital recorder to record spoken information for reference at a later date, or for transcription into another medium;
  • Computer with magnification / screen reading software;
  • Laptop with camera to focus on visual materials being used in lectures;
  • Scanner to assist with reading/researching;
  • Mobility assistance/ Readers / Library assistant;
  • Note takers in lectures, and an amanuensis (scribe) during examinations and assessment;
  • Training to make sure you make best use of the equipment you have;
  • Ongoing Assistive Technology Support to make sure your equipment continues to give you the support you need throughout your course.

Getting the support you need:-

• Support packages are individually tailored and so the first step in making sure you get what you need will be to contact an adviser at your University's Disability Support Service; see the contact details for the Greater Manchester Universities Disability Support Services here.

Funding the support you need:-

• Most UK students will qualify for funding via The Disabled Students Allowances - see our brief guide to funding and www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/EducationAndTraining/HigherEducation/DG_10034898 for more information about the Disabled Students Allowances.

N.B.:

Large print is defined as print that is 14 point or above in size and is one of the simplest ways of increasing accessibility for students with a visual impairment. Research carried out by the Royal National Institute for the Blind shows that 36% of blind and 75% of partially sighted people are able to read clear large print comfortably. When print is not suitable, other formats can be used such as Braille and Moon (a similar tactile system to Braille). The actual number of competent Braille users is small, but it is a useful medium and can also be used by deaf-blind people.

Braille is produced using specialist computer software and an embosser (printer). Optical scanners can be used to photograph print and reproduce in the required medium, for example Braille, large print, voice synthesis. CCTV cameras can also be used to enlarge printed text which may be useful in situations where using a computer is not practicable.