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Our Youth Group Go Karting event - February2026

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Our Youth Group Go Karting event - February2026

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Well we certainly have some thrill seekers amongst us! Our young people loved the race track 🏁

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Inclusive cinema experience for those with visual impairment with the UK CEA (Cinema Association) Card

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Inclusive cinema experience for those with visual impairment with the UK CEA (Cinema Association) Card

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For children 5 years and older who are in receipt of DLA or have (Severe) Sight Impairment.

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The CEA Card is a national card scheme developed for UK cinemas that enables a disabled cinema guest to receive a complimentary ticket for someone to go with them when they visit a participating cinema.

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Self referral to HENSHAWS:  local charity supporting with further help, support and guidance if your child is visually impaired.

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Self referral to HENSHAWS:  local charity supporting with further help, support and guidance if your child is visually impaired.

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Find Henshaw’s children & young people referral form here. Get specialized help for families. Complete our simple referral form today

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2026 Events Calendar: Royal Society for Blind Children

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View and subscribe to events from RSBC Events on Luma.

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Our little Superheroes enjoyed their Festive winter party this week! See you all in 2026 xx

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Hearing and Vision Impairment/Deaf Education Christmas Party

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Enrol with Royal Society for Blind Children

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Enrol with Royal Society for Blind Children

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Sharing experiences and making connections with other families

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Choosing toys for my baby with a Vision Impairment

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February VI Cycling event in Manchester Velodrome

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February VI Cycling event in Manchester Velodrome

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There will be opportunities to have a go with different cycling equipment including track bikes and tandems and experience different cycling terrains including the velodrome itself.

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Free Cycling Taster Day at the National Cycling Centre in Manchester - VICTA

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Date: 28 February 2026 Location: Manchester Age: 12 to 29s Apply now

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Feb 2026 Family Sports Day for those with VI

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Feb 2026 Family Sports Day for those with VI

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Lancashire Lions’ experienced coaches will lead the whole family through sessions in blind cricket, goalball, blind baseball and Showdown!

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Lancashire Lions Sports Family Day - VICTA

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Date: 20 February 2026 Location: Manchester Age: Families Apply now

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Inclusive Youth Group visit to the Fire & Safety Training Centre

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Inclusive Youth Group visit to the Fire & Safety Training Centre

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Accessible Fire Safety trip for our students with VI and HI, Nov'25

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Fire Safety Training children's services

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Let us help you to help the students!

Send us your materials and we will modify them to meet their visual needs.

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7-16y olds football taster opportunity, January 2026

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7-16y olds football taster opportunity, January 2026

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Practical session aimed at 7-16 year olds, followed by the option to stay and watch some PS football matches and meet some of the England PS players.

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Free Junior Partially Sighted Football Taster Session - Manchester - VICTA

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Date: 10 January 2026 Location:Manchester Age: 7 to 16 years Apply now

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A taste of success...

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Year 3-Year 6: Pan-disability Football, Radcliffe

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Year 3-Year 6: Pan-disability Football, Radcliffe

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Monthly football in a safe and fun environment for year 3-year 6 children with additional needs.

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Supporting people across Greater Manchester by empowering healthier lives through football. Our youth-led programmes place physical and mental wellbeing at their core, whilst also creating healthy futures and healthy communities.

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CES: Bury, Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale

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CES: Bury, Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale

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Hello and a very warm welcome to Millwood School. I am delighted to introduce myself as the Headteacher

Millwood is place where everybody matters. We pride our self by going the extra mile and making a difference to the pupils and families in our school community and beyond. We are a school where entitlement, opportunity and challenge are championed.

We believe in making your children world class learners' developing in them a confidence and thirst for knowledge enabling them to realise their talents and create their own future.

We do this by:

Providing a broad, balanced, enriched and creative curriculum that is ambitious and designed to give learners', the knowledge and cultural capital they need to succeed in life.

Providing a curriculum that will continue to evolve and be responsive to 21st century learning needs including sustainability and global awareness as well as ensuring it equips each learner with the essential skills for future success in their next steps.

Providing a myriad of memorable learning experiences and opportunities that thrill, inspire and promote a lifelong love of learning for learners' thus ensuring that they fulfil their unique potential.

Preparing learners' for life in modern Britain by: equipping them to be responsible, respectful, active citizens who contribute positively to society; developing their understanding of fundamental British values; developing their understanding and appreciation of diversity; celebrating what we have in common and promoting respect for the different protected characteristics as defined in law.

Focusing on the continuous professional development for our staff to enhance the teaching of the curriculum and the appropriate use of assessment. The practice and subject knowledge of staff are built up and improve over time. We recognise that by investing in their ongoing professional development we are also investing in the development of each learner.

Providing a safe, happy, calm and well-ordered environment for all learners' and staff, focused on safeguarding and risk management.

Our strong vision supports a curriculum that aims to;

' Open up the world for our school, family and community. Driven by our values we will ensure a magical journey and memorable discoveries through our aspirational, engaging curriculum. We will inspire confidence and a love of learning in a happy, safe and nurturing environment with respect for all.'

Our Curriculum is designed to enable learners' to access the Early Years or National Curriculum, developing their skills and knowledge using strategies and interventions that help to reduce the impact of their barriers to learning. We deliver our curriculum in two year topic cycles and a host of curriculum enrichment days and weeks. Our curriculum is organised into three pathways. 1, for learners' who need pre subject specific learning. 2, for learners' who need semi formal subject specific learning. 3, for learners' who need formal subject specific learning. All of our children have learning plans linked to their Education Health and Care Plan.

Our curriculum extends beyond the academic. It provides for learners' broader development, enabling them to discover and develop their interests and talents and supports learners' to develop their character, including their resilience, confidence and independence, and help them know how to keep physically and mentally healthy. We have achieved the Association for PE Quality Mark with Distinction, Health Schools Award, School Mental Health Award- Silver and the SMSC Gold Award. These awards represent the very ethos of Millwood where your children are at the heart of everything we do.

Further information about our curriculum is available on our website.

We have high expectations for all learners' in school and set challenging targets for them. We also have high expectations for learners' behaviour and conduct and apply these expectations consistently and fairly. We are a school that practises unconditional positive regard for all.

We are a school that values and actively promotes working in partnership with parent and carers. We have been awarded the Leading Parent Partnership Award. Parents and carers engage in the annual parental questionnaire each summer. 100% of parents and carers who responded to the summer 2023 questionnaire agree that: Millwood is a welcoming and inclusive school that promotes your child's independence and life skills, and their physical and emotional wellbeing, we keep your child safe, your child is happy at school, we celebrate their successes and achievements, we encourage good attendance, your child makes good progress, we keep you regularly informed of their progress, and that you made the right decision in choosing Millwood. Additional comments include:

Parents and carers receive a weekly newsletter, which is available on the school website, and receive weekly WOW moments via Seesaw. We have a number of key events in the school calendar that we invite you into school to be a part of: our Christmas performances, prize day and 3 times a year parent and carers evenings to name a few.

We work in partnership with other professionals in education, health, and social care. We meet on a regular basis with our colleagues in the SEN team and host half termly Health and Therapy meetings in school to ensure collaboration beyond school, further developing effective relationships with colleagues in other public sectors to improve outcomes for our children and families. These meetings facilitate liaison across services ensuring that barriers to learning are removed in a timely manner. Safeguarding brings everyone's information together to build a bigger picture for the child to improve their lived experience.

Safeguarding and child protection are at the centre of everything we do at Millwood, and we work hard with families and colleagues from Health and Social Care to enable learners' to have the best outcomes. We employ a safeguarding and attendance lead and child and family support worker who respond to requests for Early Help Support directly from families or from other professionals. We have frequent meetings with colleagues in the Children with Disabilities Team and participate in multi-agency meetings for learners' who are the subject of a multi-agency plan or who are Looked After. Where we have any concerns about the safety or wellbeing of learners' we will consult with the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub follow their advice.

Beckie Savage, deputy headteacher, is the designated safeguarding lead. Shai Lampert is the safeguarding and attendance lead and Catherine Lomax is the child and family support worker.

We are a Rights Respecting School and have been awarded the Gold Award- from UNICEF. Children's rights are embedded in our vision, values and ethos

At the core of Millwood School is the right of all learners' to an outstanding education and supported access to all articles in the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the Child.

We are an inclusive school and have achieved the Inclusion Quality Mark Inclusive School Award with Centre of Excellence status.

We have a skilled and committed governing body who understand their role and carry this out effectively. They ensure that we have a clear vision and strategy and that resources are managed well. Our chair of governors is Debi Walker and our vice chair is Eve Ryan. Please have a look at the governing body page on our website for further information.

I hope you enjoy looking around the website and find it useful in gaining a clear insight into what we have to offer at Millwood School.

Please feel free to contact school if you have any queries or require any additional information.

With very best wishes

Headteacher

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Hello and a very warm welcome to Millwood School. I am delighted to introduce myself as the Headteacher Millwood is place where everybody matters. We pride our self by going the extra mile and making a difference to the pupils and families in our school community and beyond.

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Weekly VI/HI pre-school group by invite only

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Weekly VI/HI pre-school group by invite only

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Delivering specialist skills to our VI learners

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Delivering specialist skills to our VI learners

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Supporting our young people with visual impairments socially

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Supporting our young people with visual impairments socially

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The Vision friendly educational environment

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The Vision friendly educational environment

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The Vision friendly, inclusive curriculum

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The Vision friendly, inclusive curriculum

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Vision friendly subject specific access guidelines

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Vision friendly subject specific access guidelines

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Our Young People enjoying sport with City in the Community

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Our Young People enjoying sport with City in the Community

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Elms Banks Secondary Special School & College Hub

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Elms Banks Secondary Special School & College Hub

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Tue 11th June 2024

Football Tournament

For more details and pictures on the football tournament at The Etihad Stadium - please see the following page. ...

Wed 22nd May 2024

Goodies Uniform Deadline

Please see the following page for further information...

Mon 20th May 2024

Drop Down Day - April

On Tuesday 23 April, Elms Bank School students celebrated our Culture and Community day with a belated Eid celebration, see the following pa...

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Seashell Trust in Cheadle, offers great support and training to families and professionals

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This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

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An introduction to understanding your child's impairment

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Based on what parents would like to know, this section includes practical advice, ideas and contacts for parents and families of children with vision impairment.

Your child and vision impairment - first steps

We know it is a worrying time - there's no "normal" response to finding out your child has a sight condition - people respond in different ways. Here you will find important contacts and information to guide and support you with those  first steps.

Our information and advice for parents is also available in a downloadable booklet for those who prefer offline or hard copy material:

Starting Point

Starting Point is a leaflet for parents of babies and children who are newly diagnosed with an eye condition. It has been produced by a collaboration of support charities and introduces  Sight Advice FAQ  which you can use to ask questions about your child's diagnosis and the support and services available to you. Starting Point is given to families in eye clinics.

If you are a professional who would like to distribute the Starting Point leaflet to families you support please contact Guide Dogs at [email protected].uk  to order copies.

Encouraging independence

There are many ways you can  encourage independence, and help your child to move around more confidently, begin to look after their own needs and feel more confident at mealtimes. Your child may need to be taught skills that others do by imitation, and we tell you about the people who can help with this.

Learning and school

Children with vision impairment are entitled to support for their learning from birth onwards by a specialist teacher called a QTVI. If your child has complex needs, they will usually be supported in a special school in your local authority - find out more on  education and learning.

Financial support

Find out about  financial support, grants and allowances  for families of children with a vision impairment.

Into Adulthood

We have advice and guidance for young people as they make the transition from school into further or higher education, employment and adult support services. See our  Transitions section for more details.

We're here for you

If you have a question about living with sight loss we're here to offer support.

Call 0303 123 9999

"Alexa, call RNIB Helpline" on Alexa-enabled devices

Living with sight loss

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Information for parents of children with vision impairment

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Based on what parents would like to know, this section includes practical advice, ideas and contacts for parents and families of children with vision impairment. Your child and vision impairment - first steps We know it is a worrying time - there's no "normal" response to finding out your child has a sight condition - people respond in different ways.

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Some information to help you understand your child's vision

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What print or image size can my child see?

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Learn more about visual acuity and download examples of suitable print sizes and image sizes for children with different levels of vision.

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Should my child have a Certified Vision of Impairment (Sight Impaired/Severely Sight Impaired)?

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Should my child have a Certified Vision of Impairment (Sight Impaired/Severely Sight Impaired)?

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If you’re affected by sight loss, we’re here for you

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Simulation of varying degrees of visual acuities

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The aim of this tool is to demonstrate, to those with normal vision, the potential of vision loss and the degree of change a person with macular disease may experience.

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We are keen to hear from you!

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VI and HI/Deaf Education Service leaflet: meet the team

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VI and HI/Deaf Education Service leaflet: meet the team

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Role of the Service; Support for children, families and settings; Partnership working

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Ice Skating at Cathedral Gardens, Manchester

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Clinical diagnosis from Ophthalmologist required

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FREE Modification of your teaching materials by the Service

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FREE Modification of your teaching materials by the Service

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Speak to your QTVI about our Modified Large Print Service

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SENSE: supporting children and young people with Vision AND Hearing impairments

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Promoting students' specialist skills development through best practice and inclusion

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Promoting students' specialist skills development through best practice and inclusion

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Accessibility at your finger tips!

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DC District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell ruled on Friday, August 18th, 2023, that works created by AI are not eligible for copyright protections. The Judge ruled copyrights belong to people. If this decision goes unchallenged and becomes the precedent, content creators will have serious decisions to make.

A content creator could get an AI writer to craft their story, but they won't own the copyright on that story. If you ask an AI to analyze the world's data and come up with the absolute best story, that story will be in the Public Domain. Anyone who wants to use it, can use it.

Given the producer's love of copyright, that's going to be a tough decision to make.

The currently striking Writers Guild of America just received the biggest piece of ammunition for their cause.

Media producers will, of course, want cheap, good writers. But if producers use AI, they will find themselves competing in the marketplace without the protection of copyright on their stories. That's not to say that the media won't be profitable. There are plenty of countries where counterfeiting and piracy are daily occurrences-India, Nigeria, and China all have high levels of piracy, yet they also produce a lot of content.

Even if you eliminate counterfeiting and piracy, copyright doesn't grant profitability. Studios can be profitable with or without copyright protections, but they will have to do things differently. They may have to work in secret and employ rapid distribution models. They may need to invent a distribution model so innovative that it's simply better than anything else. Or they could lie.

Who's Going to Lie to Whom?

It may be obvious that your soundtrack was written by an AI, but dialogue is more difficult to prove. It's colored by actors, directors, cinematographers, and editors. If I were a writer, I might choose not to tell the studio exactly HOW that dialogue came to be. If studios want copyright on everything, they will need to verify that their writers did NOT use AI. How? No idea.

Or, studios could hire human writers and keep doing what they're doing. This may prove cost prohibitive.

Could this ruling be appealed or challenged in higher courts?
Yup! This was one ruling in one federal district court.
Studios may push to get alternate rulings in other courts. If this happens, and different courts have different rulings, this could become an issue for the Supreme Court to address.

The future is unclear, but I'm enthused about this ruling!

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incompetech - Music and also Graph Paper

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DC District Court Judge Beryl A. Howell ruled on Friday, August 18th, 2023, that works created by AI are not eligible for copyright protections. The Judge ruled copyrights belong to people. If this decision goes unchallenged and becomes the precedent, content creators will have serious decisions to make.

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Classroom stationery and daily living items

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The Partially Sighted Society offer a variety of products across a range of categories

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Real VNC to connect your student to your whiteboard on their device

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Real VNC to connect your student to your whiteboard on their device

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Talk to your QTVI about VNC to ensure student access

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Helping our young people to become independent adults

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What are modules?

The LifeSkills modules have been specifically designed to provide an opportunity for adult learners to increase their confidence and motivation - and gain new skills in relation to employability and financial capability.

The modules are short, relevant and flexible. You can choose the modules that suit the needs of your learners, and adjust them easily based on your time limitations, and the degree of support your learners require.

Topics include budgeting, debt management, CV and interview skills, work networks and dealing with setbacks.

You'll find detailed advice to making the most of each module in the educator delivery guide.

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The LifeSkills modules have been specifically designed to provide an opportunity for adult learners to increase their confidence and motivation - and gain new skills in relation to employability and financial capability. The modules are short, relevant and flexible.

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Personal Independent Payments (PIP) - Eligibility for 16+

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Personal Independence Payment ( PIP) can help with extra living costs if you have both:

You can get PIP even if you're working, have savings or are getting most other benefits.

You can also read about PIP in Welsh (Cymraeg).

How PIP works

There are 2 parts to PIP:

a daily living part - if you need help with everyday tasks

a mobility part - if you need help with getting around

Whether you get one or both parts and how much you get depends on how difficult you find everyday tasks and getting around.

Daily living part

You might get the daily living part of PIP if you need help with:

preparing food

eating and drinking

managing your medicines or treatments

washing and bathing

using the toilet

dressing and undressing

reading

managing your money

socialising and being around other people

talking, listening and understanding

Mobility part

You might get the mobility part of PIP if you need help with:

working out a route and following it

physically moving around

leaving your home

You do not have to have a physical disability to get the mobility part. You might also be eligible if you have difficulty getting around because of a cognitive or mental health condition, like anxiety.

How difficulty with tasks is assessed

The Department for Work and Pensions ( DWP) will assess how difficult you find daily living and mobility tasks. For each task they'll look at:

whether you can do it safely

how long it takes you

how often your condition affects this activity

whether you need help to do it, from a person or using extra equipment

Help with PIP

If you need help understanding or applying for PIP you can:

If you live in Scotland

You need to apply for Adult Disability Payment (ADP) instead of PIP.

If you currently get PIP, you'll be automatically moved to ADP by summer 2024.

When the move begins, you'll get letters from DWP and Social Security Scotland. Read more about the moving process.

If you move from Scotland to England or Wales

If you get ADP and move from Scotland to England or Wales, you must make a new claim for PIP instead.

Your ADP will stop 13 weeks after you move - apply for PIP as soon as possible after moving or your payments could be affected.

If you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by PIP for most adults. You'll keep getting DLA if:

you're under 16

you were born on or before 8 April 1948

If you were born after 8 April 1948, DWP will invite you to apply for PIP. You do not need to do anything until DWP writes to you about your DLA unless your circumstances change.

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Personal Independence Payment (PIP) replaces Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - how and when to claim, rates, eligibility.

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Contact your QTVI to arrange to come and join us!

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Speak to your QTVI about RNIB Bookshare and accessible books in print

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UK education collection | RNIB Bookshare, accessible books for print disabled learners.

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Need to add and remove learners and staff from your organisation account? New to change the Primary Contact? Here are some tips for updating your organisation account and sending in those book requests early! Welcome back!

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Speak to your QTVI about RNIB Bookshare and accessible books in print

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UK education collection | RNIB Bookshare, accessible books for print disabled learners.

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Need to add and remove learners and staff from your organisation account? New to change the Primary Contact? Here are some tips for updating your organisation account and sending in those book requests early! Welcome back!

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Supporting children in becoming young adults

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All our Training Courses are run all over the UK completely FREE of charge.

Blind in Business provide unique training courses , each adapted to give a unique training experience for all participants.

6,438 participants have so far benefited from our training courses and workshops.

Each course and its materials have been developed by blind and visually impaired people over the past 9 years.

We are happy to work with other organisations to disseminate our positive approach to more people.

Group Courses
We can come to your school and run a course. If you can get together a group of 10-15 students, then we can run a course with you.
We are happy to create a course, that may even combine elements of all 3 courses we offer.
Individuals & Small Groups
We also run one-to-one and small group sessions in London, every day of the week. You may want to bring a small group of students
to our office in London. We are happy to consider travel contributions.

BUILDING PROSPECTS

Careers Course

Career planning, mock interviews, disclosure - we cover a varetiy of subjects for school children aged 13 to 16. We give young blind students an understanding of the skills, tools and competencies
you need for any job. We focus on interview techniques and practice. Students are taken through the recruitment process so
that they understand how to cope with a variety of assessments and tests that employers put potential employees through and
they are shown how important it is to prepare for work at an early stage.
Contact Our Training Co-ordinator

Expectations Exceeded

Role models Course

A short workshop introducing parents, carers, teachers and young blind students to role models. These role models are blind and
visually impaired computer programmers, lawyers and IT consultants. People who are doing the types of jobs their son or daughter
may wish to pursue. We believe in widening opportunities for people - this workshop provides new ways of thinking about visual
impairment and gives parents and teachers ideas on how to help young blind people work towards their goals in a positive way.
Contact Our Training Co-ordinator

This could be a custom made course, that fits the needs of students you work with, we can develop training that suits your students
needs. Tell us what you want, and we can work around you.
Contact Our Training Co-ordinator

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Young Students & Parents - Blind in Business

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Blind in Business provide 3 unique and free training courses through schools in the UK. Adapted to give a unique experience for teenagers, parents and carers.

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Access Arrangements for students with VI

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Access Arrangements for students with VI

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Your QTVI will support with access arrangements ahead of exams

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Introduction to sighted guide

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The practical advice and information given here will help you feel confident about guiding people with sight loss.

Meeting, greeting and guiding

How do you introduce yourself to someone with sight loss? How do you support someone with sight loss in getting around within buildings and outside? Each person's experience is different and unique and there are no hard and fast rules on how to assist people with sight loss. If you see somebody who you think may need help, then ask. Let them tell you what kind of help they need. It may be that they need help crossing the road or finding the train station.

If your help is needed, keep these sighted guide techniques in mind:

Introduce yourself and talk directly to the person you are guiding.

If you are going to guide them, ask them how they like to be guided.

Tell them about kerbs and steps as you approach them and say whether they go up or down.

Mention any potential hazards that lie ahead and say where they are.

If you are guiding someone into a seat, place their hand on the back of the seat before they sit down, so they can orientate themselves.

Don't walk away without saying you are leaving.

Download one of our "How to Guide" booklets for more detailed information on how to help blind and partially sighted people:
How to guide people with sight loss (PDF) How to guide people with sight loss (Word)
Watch our guiding videos

Watch our videos of Giles and Dolly explaining how they like to be guided and give some helpful tips on sighted guide technique.
Guiding blind and partially sighted people - Giles video Giles shares his tips on guiding video transcript (Word) Guiding blind and partially sighted people - Dolly video Dolly shares her tips on guiding video transcript (Word)

Want to get involved?

Let us know how you would like to get involved to help challenge misconceptions about living with sight loss.

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Guiding a blind or partially sighted person

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The practical advice and information given here will help you feel confident about guiding people with sight loss. How do you introduce yourself to someone with sight loss? How do you support someone with sight loss in getting around within buildings and outside?

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Will my young person be able to drive?

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You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive if you need them to meet the 'standards of vision for driving'.

You must tell DVLA if you've got any problem with your eyesight that affects both of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one eye.

This doesn't include being short or long sighted or colour blind. You also don't need to say if you've had surgery to correct short sightedness and can meet the eyesight standards.

Check if you need to tell DVLA about your eyesight problem by searching the A to Z of medical conditions that could affect your driving.

You could be prosecuted if you drive without meeting the standards of vision for driving.

Standards of vision for driving

You must be able to read (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) a car number plate made after 1 September 2001 from 20 metres.

You must also meet the minimum eyesight standard for driving by having a visual acuity of at least decimal 0.5 (6/12) measured on the Snellen scale (with glasses or contact lenses, if necessary) using both eyes together or, if you have sight in one eye only, in that eye.

You must also have an adequate field of vision - your optician can tell you about this and do a test.

Lorry and bus drivers

You must have a visual acuity at least 0.8 (6/7.5) measured on the Snellen scale in your best eye and at least 0.1 (6/60) on the Snellen scale in the other eye.

You can reach this standard using glasses with a corrective power not more than (+) 8 dioptres, or with contact lenses. There's no specific limit for the corrective power of contact lenses.

You must have a horizontal visual field of at least 160 degrees, the extension should be at least 70 degrees left and right and 30 degrees up and down. No defects should be present within a radius of the central 30 degrees.

You must tell DVLA if you've got any problem with your eyesight that affects either eye.

You may still be able to renew your lorry or bus licence if you can't meet these standards but held your licence before 1 January 1997.

The practical driving test eyesight test

At the start of your practical driving test you have to correctly read a number plate on a parked vehicle.

If you can't, you'll fail your driving test and the test won't continue. DVLA will be told and your licence will be revoked.

When you reapply for your driving licence, DVLA will ask you to have an eyesight test with DVSA. This will be at a driving test centre. If you're successful, you'll still have to pass the DVSA standard eyesight test at your next practical driving test.

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You must wear glasses or contact lenses every time you drive if you need them to meet the 'standards of vision for driving'. You must tell DVLA if you've got any problem with your eyesight that affects both of your eyes, or the remaining eye if you only have one eye.

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Apple - Dolphin EasyReader

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Please note: EasyReader App for Mac is only available to:
- Members of MTM library in Sweden
- EasyReader Premium subscribers

EasyReader offers convenient access to your favourite accessible book libraries and talking newspaper stands, in one place.
Neurodivergent readers - especially readers who have dyslexia - can customise their reading experience with dyslexia-friendly fonts, adjustable colour schemes and word highlights that synchronise with audio.
Designed for accessibility, EasyReader enables blind and partially sighted readers to read with magnified text, audio, or a combination of both - where each word is highlighted on screen as it's read aloud. It also links to braille displays for braille readers.
EasyReader is compatible with VoiceOver and supported braille displays.

EasyReader App Features
Open a World of Accessible Books
EasyReader provides global access to millions of books from accessible book libraries around the world. Log in to your favourite library to read accessible versions of classic books, the latest bestsellers, non-fiction, school textbooks and children's storybooks.

Customise to Read Your Way
Text magnification in EasyReader is easy to adjust. Simply pinch in and out on the screen to find the text size that's best for you. With EasyReader the text is always sharp and visible on screen. It's an exceptional experience for readers with visual impairments.

Read in fonts that work best for you, including dyslexia-friendly fonts. In EasyReader you can customise the colour of text, background colour and contrast. Adjust letter and line spacing to make your reading experience even better.

Audio Books & Text-to-Audio
Listen to narrated audiobooks or listen to text-only books and newspapers, which EasyReader converts to human-sounding synthesised speech. Audio perfectly synchronises with on-screen text highlights, so you can read along as you listen.

In EasyReader, you can modify pronunciation, choose the reading voices you prefer and adjust reading speed and volume.
Read a Range of Formats
EasyReader reads a wide range of book and document formats, including:

* HTML
* Text files
* DAISY 2 and DAISY 3
* Microsoft Word (DOCX only)
* PDFs (with RNIB Bookshare)
* Any text copied to clipboard

Easy to Navigate
Access your favourite libraries, then browse and download books easily, with intuitive navigation and accessible controls.
In EasyReader you can move around books quickly. Skip forward or back when reading and skip to any page or chapter.
Type keywords in the search facility to quickly find the information you need.

Add Bookmarks & Notes
To help navigate books, readers can bookmark favourite pages and sections. To aid study, readers can also add text notes.

Libraries & Talking Newspaper Services in EasyReader

Global:
* Project Gutenberg
* Bookshare

UK:
* Calibre Audio
* RNIB Bookshare
* RNIB Newsagent
* RNIB Reading Services

USA & Canada:
* Bookshare
* CELA
* NFB Newsline
* SQLA

Sweden:
* Legimus
* MTM Taltidningar
* Inläsningstjänst AB

Europe:
* Anderslezen (Belgium)
* ATZ (Germany)
* Bookshare Ireland (Ireland)
* Buchknacker (Switzerland)
* CBB (Netherlands)
* DZB Lesen (Germany)
* DZDN (Poland)
* Eole (France)
* KDD (Czech Republic)
* Libro Parlato (Italy)
* Luetus (Finland)
* NBH Hamburg (Germany)
* NCBI Overdrive (Ireland)
* NLB (Norway)
* Nota (Denmark)
* Oogvereniging (Netherlands)
* Passend Lezen (Netherlands)
* Pratsam Demo (Finland)
* SBS (Switzerland)
* UICI (Italy)
* Unitas (Switzerland)
* Vereniging Onbeperkt Lezen (Netherlands)

Rest of World:
* Blind Low Vision NZ (New Zealand)
* LKF (Russia)
* NSBS (Suriname)
* SAPIE (Japan)
* Vision Australia (Australia)

Please note
Membership is required for most accessible libraries. It's easy to set these up on the library's website. To help, we provide links to libraries in the EasyReader App.

* NEW: EasyReader Premium. EasyReader Premium subscribers can now open and read text-based PDFs in the Reader. Once open, PDFs can be read in their original layout or in a text-only view for a more accessible experience.
* NEW: DAISY 2.02 text and audio books: Improvements have been made to the way annotations, footnotes are block quotes are displayed in the Reader.
* NEW: RNIB Reading Services. The audio speed can now be adjusted in the Reader for all audio books downloaded from RNIB Reading Services.
* NEW: Bookshare Ireland. A new login system has been made available for logging in to Bookshare Ireland.
* FIX: RNIB Reading services. Fix to prevent the audio from distorting after adjusting the voice speed on a small selection of audio books from RNIB Reading Services.

Excellent app!

I have only just discovered this app, and can only comment on its abilities to navigate RNIB overdrive, which is what I wanted it for, and all I can say is well done Dolphin, because at long last, somebody has recognised the need to produce a simpler way of navigating what is One of the most cluttered apps I have ever seen!! Using EasyReader, I can now find books on OverDrive in a matter of seconds, double tap borrow and download them, fabulous. I have however one suggestion for improvement: would it be possible on A future app update, to include A link to the Wish List, so that we can add books to it? this would put the icing on the cake for this app for me.

Hi - thanks for the positivity and praise. We're glad you like the simplified access to RNIB OverDrive. Unfortunatley the 'Wish List' feature isn't available via the RNIB OverDrive API (the hooks they provide us), so it won't be possible to add this feature at the moment. Sorry!

Shame this is so flawed

So there are lots of flaws to this app: 1. If someone phones while you are listening the book does not resume afterwards & when you open the app and hit play it re-sets to the start of your listening session. 2. Sleep timer is still broken. Set 30min (for example) it does stop after 30min but when you go back into the book it used to (pre-update) re-set you back to where you were at the start of the listening session- but since the update it just brings you into the book as if it was the first time you opened it. 3. Some books take 3/4 tries at downloading before they will work. 4. Even if you bookmark your spot now the app re-starts as if it's not been read. Lots seen to have these issues so rather than asking users to give specifics - fix them. I have raised the sleep timer issue in a live chat on Facebook over a year ago and still nothing has been done. Really unsure why we moved away from overdrive which did a great job without these issues.
EDIT - added 3/3/22 - app now won't let me download books! I have sent emails and no reply.

Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry to hear that you are having these issues since the new update and we would like to resolve them.

If you could send us some further details, we will be able to look into these issues for you and fix them so that your experience improves. Please could you email inapp@yourdolphin.com with the model and version of the device you were using, and also the library and books you had these issues with? Many thanks

No option to change readers voice

Hi, I am going to be using this app to support my studies with the open university, however, I am finding the robot monotone voice quite difficult to listen to and the website suggests that there is an option to change the speakers voice, however, when I click on the audio button as suggested on the website there is no voice drop down menu. It would be great if someone could explain how I can access the features advertised, thanks in advance.

Hi Qartfs, glad to hear EasyReader is helping you with your studies! With regards to choosing a voice, it sounds like something may be going wrong somewhere - if you can get into contact with our support team at support@yourdolphin.com, they can communicate with you directly to solve the issue and help you with choosing a different voice.

The developer, Dolphin Computer Access Ltd, indicated that the app's privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer's privacy policy.

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

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‎Please note: EasyReader App for Mac is only available to: - Members of MTM library in Sweden - EasyReader Premium subscribers EasyReader offers convenient access to your favourite accessible book libraries and talking newspaper stands, in one place. Neurodivergent readers - especially readers who h...

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VICTA is a national charity that provides support to children and young adults from 0 to 29 who are blind or partially sighted and their families.

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How VICTA can help if you're aged 18 to 29 years VICTA organises activities for young adults aged 18 to 29 years designed to improve emotional, social, living and employability skills. You can take part in a range of experiences which are both fun and meaningful, from residential activity breaks to international cultural adventures.

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Discuss sight registration with your child's QTVI - Will my child be registered Sight Impaired (Partially Sighted) or Severely Sight Impaired (Blind)?

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Getting in touch with your local council to register as sight impaired, or severely sight impaired, can open up a host of benefits.

What is registration?

"Registration" simply means being on your local social service's register of people who are either severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted). It's voluntary and is completely confidential and your details won't be shared.

How do I get registered?

Step one: getting a referral to an eye specialist

If you are having problems with your sight, visit a high street optician (an optometrist) or your GP for an initial check-up. If necessary, they will then refer you to an eye clinic for an appointment.

At your appointment in the eye clinic, an eye specialist (called an ophthalmologist) will examine the health of your eyes and your eyesight.

Step two: the ophthalmologist decides if you can be certified

Your eye specialist will measure how good you are at seeing detail at a distance (your visual acuity) and how much you can see from the side of your eye when you're looking straight ahead (your field of vision).

Our page on the "criteria for certification" will tell you more about what the specialist will test for.

If your ophthalmologist judges that you can be certified, they will complete an official certificate with the results of your eye examination, as well as information about your circumstances.

In England and Wales this certificate is called the Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI). In Northern Ireland it's called A655, in Scotland it's called the CVI (Scotland) form.

Step three: registration with your local social services

After receiving a copy of your certificate, your local social services team should contact you to ask if you wish to be included on its register of blind and partially sighted people. If you say "yes" then you become registered.

If you choose not to be registered, you can still get support from social services to help you remain independent.

In Scotland

As of 1 April 2018, the Scottish Government introduced the new Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) Scotland form. This replaces the BP1 form. However, the CVI form does not include children and young people under the age of 16 years.

What happens after you're registered?

Social services should contact you to discuss carrying out a needs assessment, also known as a Social Care and Rehabilitation Assessment. The aim of this assessment is for social services to find out what help and advice you need to remain independent. For example, this could include help with everyday tasks such as cleaning and cooking, keeping in touch with friends and family, or with transport. If social services don't contact you to discuss your needs assessment, then you can contact our Sight Loss Advice Service on 0303 123 9999.

The advantages of registering

There are some very significant advantages to getting registered. Firstly, it can make life more affordable by enabling you to claim a wide range of concessions. These include a half-price TV Licence, help with NHS costs, help with your Council Tax bill, and tax allowances, leisure discounts and free public transport. Which concessions you are entitled to depends on whether you are registered as severely sight impaired or sight impaired.

Although being registered does not automatically entitle you to any particular welfare benefits, it does often make it easier for you to claim some of them. Your registration confirms your sight loss and helps as evidence in your claim.

Your local council will often give you a registration card that proves your registration status. Having this can help to prove your entitlement to concessions, including when you're visiting places of interest.

We're here for you

If you have a question about living with sight loss we're here to offer support.

Call 0303 123 9999

"Alexa, call RNIB Helpline" on Alexa-enabled devices

Living with sight loss

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Getting in touch with your local council to register as sight impaired, or severely sight impaired, can open up a host of benefits. What is registration? "Registration" simply means being on your local social service's register of people who are either severely sight impaired (blind) or sight impaired (partially sighted).

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Children's books in print and braille, to share the reading experience

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ClearVision is a postal lending library of children’s books designed to be shared by visually impaired and sighted children and adults.

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Support with visual impairment moving into adulthood

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Bury Society for Blind and Partially Sighted People

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Marvin’s Story Time Show is an inclusive opportunity for the whole family to participate in a meaningful fun story time. Central to the concept are children with special needs.

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The Marvin Story Time Show was established by Gwyn McCormack, founder of Positive Eye in March 2020 to support families during COVID. It has been a resounding success and the outcomes from this fun, vibrant, family show have been immense to the extent now that the show goes live to over 200 families on a weekly basis for families of children who are deafblind with additional complex needs in America. The show currently reaches 22 States and many families and children and their siblings enjoy and benefit from this experience greatly. The outcomes have been phenomenal so far.

Gwyn the story teller in action on the show

The Idea Machine Story Time Shows focus on offering an inclusive multi-sensory fun enjoyable approach to story time that is welcoming of the whole family. In particular it is very suitable and has reached the best outcomes for children with complex needs.

Gwyn-Gwyn-Gwynnie-Gwyn the story teller and creator of the Marvin Story Time Shows, Marvin's adventures and all the fun sparkly characters that are designed and created inhouse uses a noisy, colourful, interactive, engaging approach to capture the children's attention. They LOVE THE SHOW and so do their parents!
Live clip of the Story Time Show
Gwyn-Gwyn-Gwynnie-Gwyn-Gwyn uses cheerleader pompoms and lots of energy and enthusiasm to engage with the children through the screen. They LOVE IT!

Gwyn-Gwyn-Gwynnie-Gwyn-Gwyn chats with Marvin and we wave to the children

Gwyn-Gwyn-Gwynnie-Gwyn-Gwyn tells the stories of Marvin's adventures every week. A new character is introduced as each chapter is told on each show.

Gwyn-Gwyn-Gwynnie-Gwyn-Gwyn wears big hats and designs all the characters and makes them!
The Story Time Show! I write my own adventures of Marvin and bring them to life with him using colourful, engaging, colourful characters that we design and make at Positive Eye
We have our own songs, written by my son Tom - Maestro Tommity-Tom and I use funny voices for the characters, the children LOVE IT!

There is lots of repetition, colour, high contrast, fun, high energy and enthusiasm are just some of the ingredients to create a multi-sensory approach to story time that reaches right out to ALL children and importantly also their parents.

I make an activity or a craft to go with the story chapter I am performing at each show. Then the families have fun making the craft during the week before the next show. It is always something related to chapter, to one of the fun characters usually.
Positive Outcomes achieved from the Idea Machine Story Time Show
Children who are non-verbal are engaging, shouting out, interacting during the show

Increased engagement, concentration, communication

Structured approach to literacy inclusive of the whole family

Touches on all the literacy access skills for children, tactile, fine motor, language, book and story, concept development etc.

Adventures are linked to everyday experiences
Accessing the show
The show can be bought as a Story Time Show package to be watched online once per week. It is ideal for schools, charities and organisations that support families of children with special needs. It is based in sound educational practice but with a huge fun element.

Here I explain a little more about the show

Please contact us to discuss further if you are interested in the show for the school or organisation you work for.
Out and about meeting the children
Last summer I met some of the children who watch the show, it was really so exciting to meet them.

Here I am out and about meeting the super stars from the show and performing the show in their gardens

Here is what some of the parents have said:
From Rochelle, parent of Zachariah
Quite emotional watching the last story from ast 5 months! Zachariah has loved being part of the Rainbow children community and developed a great relationship with the beautiful Positive Eye for Summer! This story is a special one at that, as it features all of the regular children from the l Gwyneth McCormack. On top of this, he's developed in so many ways, his concentration, engagement, reaction and communication skills have blossomed more than I could ever imagine,especially in such a short time.

What Gwyn has done during such a scary time, is just magical, she's scooped up so many families and given them something to smile about, and look forward to. Gwyn has supported families, engaged with them and offered her time, knowledge and love by the bucket load!

Without Gwyn, shielding at home would have been so much harder, with the majority of Zachariah's regular support network taken away, back in March, we would have struggled so much more, without the Rainbow (as she has been described ) that is Gwyn, being in our lives.
From Leah who has watched the show from the start with her son Oliver!
Today was one to remember! We met the wonderful lady we have been watching on the tele throughout COVID for the first time ever today!

Gwyn came to drop a special delivery off for us and came to meet Oliver she brought all of her zoo characters with her to show us and sat at a distance. It was truly wonderful it felt like she just wrapped us in a warm hug!

Gwyn has just created a new story for the rainbow children's zoo, each child who watches her show got to pick their own animal and choose a name. We picked a monkey & his name is Buddy the funky monkey! And he likes to rave, rave, rave!! The beautiful Gwyn and her lovely husband have created each character - they are amazing. Meeting Gwyn today was so lovely and exactly what we needed I haven't stopped smiling all day! She is so lovely and funny.

We love the Positive Eye Idea Machine!
Oliver's teacher and our close friend recommended us to come along and join in the fun and so glad they did

Some days have been hard during isolation, very repetitive and running out of ideas to do.
We look forward to the shows and the crafts at the end it gives us something exciting to do which is fun.

Presentation at the World Congress on SEN about the impact of the Story Time Show on literacy outcomes for children with complex learning needs

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activities during covid-19 for families with SEND learners

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The Marvin Story Time Show was established by Gwyn McCormack, founder of Positive Eye in March 2020 to support families during COVID. It has been a resounding success and the outcomes from this fun, vibrant, family show have been immense to the extent now that the show goes live to over 200 families on a weekly basis for families of children who are deafblind with additional complex needs in America.

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FREE Touch Typing scheme

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Easy reader for VI access

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Warning! Our website requires JavaScript to function and display as intended. You may have a reduced experience if you do not enable JavaScript or use a browser with JavaScript support.

1. Home

2. EasyReader App (US)

Open a World of Accessible Books

EasyReader App gives you free access to over 40 libraries and book collections around the world.

It enables you to enjoy books and read the way you prefer, on a wide range of devices.

Flexibility to Read Your Own Way

Use EasyReader App to browse libraries and accessible newspaper stands, then download and read for pleasure or for study, in ways that suit your vision and your reading preferences.

When you access books and read in ways that reflect your needs and reading style, you find enjoyment in reading and get more from books. So, whether you're reading for leisure or learning, access to books enables you to thrive, in school, at work and at home.

Sign in to your favourite talking book libraries through EasyReader App and customize your reading experience. You can adjust text, color schemes and speech, or attach a braille display if that's your preference.

Download EasyReader Apps

EasyReader App is available to use on a wide range of devices. These include iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, Amazon Kindle Fire tablets, Chromebooks and Windows computers.

Simply download the free EasyReader App from your preferred app store, and follow the simple instructions to install it on your device.

Schools can install the EasyReader App for Windows across their whole network with the EasyReader Network Installation Package

If you need help with EasyReader App, information and advice is available at EasyReader Support

Access Talking Book Libraries

When you use EasyReader on a smartphone, tablet or PC, it links you to the world's largest collection of accessible libraries and talking newspaper stands.

Simply login to your library accounts to browse, read and listen to bestsellers, classics, textbooks and magazines.

Please note that membership is required for all talking book libraries. You can usually join these via the library's website. Each library listed in EasyReader App has a link to its website within the app to help with this.

Libraries List

Discover EasyReader Premium

Get more from the EasyReader App with an EasyReader Premium subscription.

Read more with EasyReader Premium available for personal use for just $30 a year (excluding tax). This provides additional, premium features and synchronizes settings across your devices.

Learn more with an EasyReader Premium Education Subscription, which has additional education-focused accessibility features for students in school, college or university.

More About EasyReader Premium

EasyReader Webinars

Dolphin runs regular webinars in partnership with talking book libraries. Find out which webinars are coming soon, and register your interest to learn more.

Webinars are perfect for educational staff and EasyReader users to help you get the most out of EasyReader.

These short online sessions also provide opportunities to ask questions and obtain additional training on Dolphin EasyReader products, so you can feel confident using and recommending EasyReader App.

Visit Webinar Calendar

Further information and articles

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Free reading app for people who are blind, partially sighted or dyslexic. Magnification, speech and braille on any device Links to NLS Bard, CELA & Bookshare.

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Going to Uni with a Visual impairment? Check out Disability Student Allowance

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Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

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You can apply for Disabled Students' Allowance ( DSA) if you live in England and have a disability that affects your ability to study, such as a:

specific learning difficulty, for example dyslexia or ADHD

mental health condition, for example anxiety or depression

physical disability, for example if you have to use crutches, a wheelchair or a special keyboard

sensory disability, for example if you're visually impaired, deaf or have a hearing impairment

long-term health condition, for example cancer, chronic heart disease or HIV

You must also:

be an undergraduate or postgraduate student (including Open University or distance learning)

qualify for student finance from Student Finance England

be studying on a course that lasts at least a year

Who is not eligible

You cannot get DSA from Student Finance England if you're:

an EU student who is eligible for fee support only

eligible for NHS Disabled Students' Allowances (this is a separate scheme)

getting equivalent support from another funding source, like from your university or a social work bursary

on a higher or degree apprenticeship course

Proving you're eligible

You will not automatically get DSA - you need proof of your eligibility.

Disabilities or long-term health condition

A copy of a report or letter from your doctor or consultant - you can also fill in the disability evidence form (PDF, 65KB)

Mental health condition

A copy of a report or letter from your doctor or consultant - you can also fill in the disability evidence form (PDF, 65KB)

Specific learning difficulty such as dyslexia

A copy of a 'diagnostic assessment' from a practitioner psychologist or suitably qualified specialist teacher

You could get extra help to pay for a new diagnostic assessment.

Where to send letters or reports from a doctor

You can send proof of a health condition or learning disability to Student Finance England through your online account - if you have one. You can also send your proof by email or post.

Your course

Your course must be in the UK and one of the following:

a first degree, for example BA, BSc or BEd

a Foundation Degree

a Certificate of Higher Education

a Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)

a Higher National Certificate (HNC)

a Higher National Diploma (HND)

a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)

a postgraduate course

Initial Teacher Training

Check with your university or college that your course is recognised.

Part-time course intensity

2020 to 2021 academic year

For part-time students, your course intensity can affect how much DSA you get.

'Course intensity' means how long your course takes to complete each year compared to an equivalent full-time course. You can check course intensity with your university or college.

The rules are different depending on your course.

Part-time undergraduate courses

Your course cannot be more than 4 times longer than the equivalent full-time course. Your course must last at least a year.

Part-time postgraduate master's courses

If you're applying for a Postgraduate Loan for a part-time master's degree, the course must not last more than twice as long as the full-time equivalent.

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Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability

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Skip to main content We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

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Usually, to qualify for Disability Living Allowance ( DLA) for children the child must:

There are some exceptions to these conditions if the child is living in or coming from an EEA country or Switzerland.

If your child currently lives in Scotland, you need to apply for Child Disability Payment instead.

You can claim DLA for children if you're in or out of work.

If you're not a British citizen

If you and your child are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein, you will usually also need settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to claim DLA for your child.

The deadline to apply to the scheme was 30 June 2021 for most people, but you might still be able to apply. Check if you can still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

Children under 3

A child under 6 months must have lived in Great Britain for at least 13 weeks.

A child aged between 6 months and 3 years must have lived in Great Britain for at least 26 of the last 156 weeks.

The rules on residence do not normally apply if a medical professional has said the child might have 12 months or less to live.

The child's disability or health condition

The child's disability or health condition must mean at least one of the following apply:

they need much more looking after than a child of the same age who does not have a disability

they have difficulty getting about

They must have had these difficulties for at least 3 months and expect them to last for at least 6 months.

If a medical professional has said they might have 12 months or less to live, they do not need to have had these difficulties for 3 months.

Care component

The rate the child gets depends on the level of looking after they need, for example:

lowest rate - help for some of the day

middle rate - frequent help or constant supervision during the day, supervision at night or someone to help while they're on dialysis

highest rate - help or supervision throughout both day and night, or a medical professional has said they might have 12 months or less to live

Mobility component

The rate the child gets depends on the level of help they need getting about, for example:

lowest rate - they can walk but need help and or supervision when outdoors

highest rate - they cannot walk, can only walk a short distance without severe discomfort, could become very ill if they try to walk or they're blind or severely sight impaired

There are also age limits to receiving the mobility component:

lowest rate - the child must be 5 years or over

highest rate - the child must be 3 years or over

If your child is under these ages and you claim DLA for them, you should be sent a claim pack 6 months before they turn 3 and 6 months before they turn 5. You can then apply for the mobility component if you think they're eligible for it.

If you have not received any claim packs and you think your child may be entitled to the mobility component, contact the Disability Service Centre.

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Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for children

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Help for children under 16 with disabilities - DLA rate, eligibility, how to apply, claim form.

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Who will be involved in my child's eye health care?

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If your child has a vision impairment, you'll come across a number of different professionals: some are there to provide support with your child's health, others to support their education and life at home. This is a basic guide to some of the people you may meet.

ECLOs act as an important bridge between health and social services and are central to the support and wellbeing of patients in eye clinics. You can make an appointment to see an ECLO after an eye health appointment, and they will spend time helping you to understand your child's vision impairment, communicate with the eye clinic, and access services for ongoing support.

Find out more about Eye Care Liaison Officers (ECLOs)

A QTVI is a qualified teacher who has additional qualifications and experience in working with children with a visual impairment. They are employed by the local authority's Children's Sensory Services and work with children in a number of different schools in the area. Your local authority should have at least one QTVI to work with you and your child both at home and at school. This is a key contact for you and your child. If you have not already been referred from the eye clinic to your local QTVI, contact the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999.

All schools will have a staff member who coordinates all the special educational needs provisions. In smaller schools, the headteacher or deputy's head might be this staff member. This staff member is responsible for arranging assessments of special educational needs from other professionals and coordinating the recommended provisions.

In England, this role may be called a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo). In Northern Ireland this role may be a SENCo or a Learning Support Coordinator. In Wales, this role may be an Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo). In Scotland, a member of the Senior Leadership Team of a nursery, school or college will have responsibility for learners with Additional Support Needs (ASN).

CYPF Support Officers are RNIB staff around the country who work with families, children and young people. They organise events and can give you support and advice on any area of life to do with vision impairment. To find your local CYPF Support Officer, email [email protected] .

Eye health

Have questions about your eye health? Find information on eye conditions, how to look after your eyes and what to expect if you're diagnosed with sight loss.

Your eyes

Learn about the benefits you could claim if you are the parent or guardian of a blind or partially sighted child.

Based on what parents would like to know, this section includes practical advice, ideas and contacts for parents and families of children with vision impairment.

RNIB Bookshare opens up the world of reading in education for blind and partially sighted learners and learners with print-related disabilities. We offer a range of accessible textbooks and educational materials to support the personal needs of learners.

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If you're affected by sight loss, we're here for you

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Eligibility to apply for Family Fund

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Child and young person eligibility

To help make a decision on your grant application, we need information about your child's disability but, please note that your child does not need to have had a formal diagnosis.

Please provide as much information as you can on your application form, about the support your child needs, or receives. If we don't have enough information, it can take us longer to decide on a grant.

Information:

Personal care: your child needs a high level of physical support with feeding, washing, toileting or moving and transferring.

Your income

We support families on a low income from working, or receive one of the following benefits:

Universal Credit

Child Tax Credit

Working Tax Credit

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Income Related Employment Support Allowance

Income Support

Housing Benefit

Pension Credit

You will need to send us a copy of your most recent benefit entitlement. This can be a letter or a screenshot, showing the name of your family's main carer, and current address.

You can still apply if you don't receive any benefits. We just need you to provide some extra information about your household income, or speak to someone to confirm your family income and situation. Unfortunately, we are not usually able to award a grant if you have a significant level of household income, savings or capital.

If your child is in local authority care

Please note that Family Fund is not able to provide grants for children or young people in local authority care. This does not include children who are classified as a 'Child in Need' under Section 17 of the Children's Act 1989 (England and Wales), and Section 23 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995, and Section 17 of The Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995.

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To decide if a family is eligible for a grant, we look at income and impact of disability on a child. Check our list of eligibility criteria.

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Support for children and young people with sight loss, and their families, across Greater Manchester and Merseyside

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Our Children, Young People and Families (CYP) service supports children and young people with sight loss, and their families, across Greater Manchester and Merseyside.

CYP Service

Our CYP service supports people from birth to 18 years if they have sight loss, and birth to 25 years if they have additional disablities.

The service provides opportunities for children and young people to develop their independence skills through the I Can Do It residential programme, and social activities and opportunities for the whole family that usually take place during school holidays and on weekends.

The service also offers information, advice and guidance on a one-to-one basis, and can signpost or refer families to other organisations if needs be.

Our I Can Do It residential programme enables children and young people with sight loss aged 8-12 years and 13-17 years to develop independence skills. The programme covers a range of topics, a family day with a presentation to complete the course and celebrate individual achievement.

Holiday and Weekend Activities

Our CYP service offers a range of social activities for children and young people with sight loss, and their families, that take place on weekends and during school holidays. The activities we offer include a range of physical indoor and outdoor activities and social activities

You must book in advance to attend our activities. The activities have a booking fee however we highly subside all activities and we promote a fee weaver policy in a respectful manner to remove any financial barriers to attending our activities.

Information, Advice and Guidance

Our CYP team can also support children, young people and their families on a one-to-one basis, to answer any questions they may have. If the team can't support you directly, they can signpost or refer to other organisations.

Get in touch

Speak to one of our friendly team members today to find out more about our Children, Young People & Families service and how we can support you and your loved ones.

Learn how to get involved

From fundraising events to volunteering, there are plenty of ways to give to make a difference at Henshaws

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Children, Young People & Families service

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Our Children, Young People & Families (CYP) service in Greater Manchester and Merseyside supports children & their families with sight loss.

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Sign up to 'Accessible technology sessions' with the RSBC

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What is it about?

If you want to feel empowered and knowledgeable about the world of technology then join our Accessible Technology sessions!

Our Assistive Technology Officer for blind and partially young people and their families can provide support with using a wide range of devices:

They can also offer support in how everyday devices can be used to support blind and partially sighted people in areas including travel, finances, wellbeing and fitness, independent living, school - the list goes on!

Who is it for?

You can arrange a personal session with the Assistive Technology Officer, designed just for you, or you and your family.

These sessions can be arranged at the Life Without Limits Centre (LWLC) in London, a space dedicated to supporting blind and partially sighted children, young people and their families offering a Media Suite, Learning Hub and a Creative Suite. The sessions can also be delivered online.

We also run a range of group workshops at the LWLC and online.

All sessions last between 1 and 1.5 hours and can be arranged at the date and time of your convenience.

How will it help me and my family?

The world of technology is always changing, so our Assistive Technology Officer will help you to keep up with current trends and to learn about the right software and apps to make technology accessible for you. Along the way you can also get involved with our online gaming sessions and have some fun.

How do I join?
If you are interested in joining the Accessible Technology sessions or you have questions, please fill the form below.
Notice: JavaScript is required for this content.

A little taste of our Assistive Technology session

You may also be interested in...

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Join the RSBC Accessible Technology sessions! Our Assistive Technology Officer can provide support with using a huge range of devices.

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An overview of visual impairment due to damage in the visual cortex

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Royal Society for Blind Children - supporting families

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Need family support for your blind or partially sighted child? Find more about how we can help you.

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Find out more about your child's eye condition here

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Find information on eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration, including symptoms and treatments. Our information is medically checked.

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Loan equipment from NewLife

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Children learn about the world around them through play, and families can often learn a lot about their child's needs through use of specialist toys. They can also encourage learning, improve relaxation, give enjoyment and distract from pain.

87% of families report the specialist toys improved relationships.
82% of parents had a better understanding of their child's needs.
77% enjoyed quality time as a family though play with appropriate toys

There are different categories of play pods to choose from, depending on the child's age, physical and learning abilities, and medical needs.

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Newlife offers the free loan of specialist toys like Play Therapy Pods to families who have disabled and terminally ill children.

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Fun with friends at Pizza Express

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Cerebra offers support to families of children with brain conditions

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In the UK today there are around half a million children and young people with brain conditions thatresult in complex medical, educational and social support needs. Our research work across neurodevelopmental conditions gives us a unique perspective within the charity research sector allowing us to provide research-driven solutions and advice to those who need it most.

Our guides, factsheets and other resources offer comprehensive and current information on a wide variety of issues - physical, social and legal - that parents and carers of children with brain conditions may be facing. Services available include a Sleep Advice Service, the Cerebra Innovation Centre, our book and toy library and LEaP, our innovative problem-solving project that runs alongside our Legal Advice Service.

Cerebra Innovation Centre

The Cerebra Innovation Centre (CIC) designs and builds innovative, bespoke products to help disabled children discover and engage with the world around them. From fish tanks to oxygen tanks via specialist buggies and surfboards - our award-winning team are brimming with ideas and solutions.
Find out more
Sleep Advice Service

At Cerebra we understand that if you have one child that doesn't sleep, the whole family suffers. Our Sleep Advice Service offers various resources including our Guide to Sleep, workshops and a one-to-one telephone support service to help your child - and everyone in your family - get a better night's sleep.
Find out more
Book and Toy Library

We have a range of books, eBooks and audio books on the subject of brain conditions in our library for both adults and children. Our Toy library is also available for children with special needs. Both services are free and easy to use.
Find out more
Parent Guides and Factsheets

We publish a series of guides and factsheets to help families of children with brain conditions with common problems they may be facing. They offer comprehensive, up-to-date advice and strategies to help you deal with a wide range of issues.
Find out more
Legal Rights Service (and LEaP)

Our Legal Rights Service provides help to get families the right support for their children. It runs alongside our innovative problem-solving LEaP project at the School of Law at Leeds University. To find out more and see whether you are eligible for help, please look at our project guidelines before filling out an online request form.
Find out more

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The Cerebra services available include a sleep advice service, the Cerebra Innovation Centre, our toy and book library and LEaP, our free legal advice service.

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Upcoming events with LOOK for parent support

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LOOK – Supporting Visually Impaired Young People to Thrive

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Parent Support Group - Events Coming Up – LOOK – Supporting Visually Impaired Young People to Thrive

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Here are the listings for the Parent Support Group sessions in 2024 This peer-led group for parent carers of blind and visually impaired children and young people meets fortnightly on Monday 7.30pm. Newcomers are always welcome.

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Family Services for blind/partially sighted children of all ages

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Family Services for blind/partially sighted children of all ages

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VICTA is just one of the amazing sight loss charities with so much on offer!

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Family services for blind or partially sighted children | VICTA

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How VICTA can help your family VICTA can support your family in a number of ways. Our programme of activities include Family Weekends, Family Days and Early Years Days, all designed to encourage parent support networks, provide information and improve the emotional, social and living skills of the children and young adults we support.

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A Children’s ECLO works closely with medical staff within the hospital and the genetic eye clinics to provide a link with local council services, community services, education.

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Please feel free to get in touch and share what we do well and what could be better!

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Survey Results Full Document with Sep23 plan