AQW 21328/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 24/01/2025
Answered On Date: 05/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Education to detail (i) the number of classroom assistants currently assigned to a child with a visual impairment; and (ii) how many of these have accessed formal training in supporting visually impaired learners.

Answer:

The Education Authority (EA) does not hold data regarding the number of Classroom Assistants (CAs) assigned to a child with a visual impairment (VI).

The EA’s Sensory Service requires that all teachers and classroom assistants new to supporting a pupil with VI receive induction training delivered by Qualified Teachers of Vision Impairment (QTVIs), designed to the individual needs of the pupil. Refresher training is provided if appropriate.

Induction training includes: educational implications of VI; learning strategies; visual acuities and VI conditions (individualised); interpretation of diagnosis and medical information; assistive technology (as appropriate); font size; accessible learning resources; social and emotional needs and transition training.

The EA also offers training and webinars for teachers and assistants regarding understanding the role of the QTVI, clinicians, the eye and specific eye conditions; VI and its impact; Cerebral Vision Impairment; simulation; accessible teaching and learning; creating resources and assistive technology.

All special schools receive whole school training for VI.

In addition, the EA requires that CAs working with blind students complete RNIB Certified Braille, UK Association for Accessible Formats (UKAFF) Guidance on braille production and how to produce tactile diagrams.

The EA also commissions Guide Dogs Northern Ireland to deliver habilitation training to teachers and CAs.