What Makes This Course So Special?
• This is a pioneering course in Wales.
• As all pupils with visual impairment are entitled to support from a Mobility specialist, your potential for employment is very good.
• Qualified mobility specialists normally become members of MISE (Mobility and Independence Specialists in Education) which has huge networking opportunities across the UK.
Course Intro
This course is for you if you are looking to help children and young people develop orientation and mobility skills that will enable them to overcome travel difficulties created by visual impairment. You may already be working in a relevant role, such as learning support assistant, and want to continue your professional development.
On the course you will develop the knowledge and practical skills required to successfully become a qualified mobility specialist in the education of children and young people with visual impairment. You will gain practical experience during the taught sessions, within the workplace and when undertaking a teaching placement. The teaching placement is for 15 consecutive days at the end of the year.
This course, the first of its kind in Wales, was developed in response to the shortage of professionals who are trained and qualified to work with children and young people with visual impairment, to develop their skills and confidence in orientation and mobility.
What you study
Most of the course is taught at Heronsbridge School, Bridgend, chosen because of its specialist facilities and its proximity to an urban centre. This is required as a realistic context for practical training and assessment.
You will gain a thorough understanding of the world of the child or young person with little or no sight. This will include:
• Understanding the anatomy and physiology of the eye
• Visual impairments and their effect on child development
• Assessment of vision and visual functioning
• Assessment of mobility and designing programmes
• Low vision aids which assist mobility
• How children learn and the importance of play
• Working with parents
• Statutory assessment process
• Voluntary provision
• Transition from school to work
• Social inclusion
• Counselling
• Health and safety issues
• Child Protection
• Professional Development
A programme specification for this course is available.
Where Next?
The Welsh Government’s audit of educational provision for children and young people with Visual Impairment (2003) reported that there was a shortage of qualified mobility specialists across 22 Local Education Authorities. It is therefore anticipated that successful participants on this course could gain employment as qualified specialists in Mobility and Orientation within Wales or beyond.
Participants may also transfer their 120 credits towards an undergraduate degree eg. a Foundation Degree.
Interview Required
Yes. All candidates will be interviewed.
Assessment
Assessment will be undertaken through a variety of appropriate means including:
• Written assignments
• Individual projects
• Oral presentations
• A qualification in Braille
• Teaching practice files
• Case study approach
• Portfolios of work
Student Soundbite
“At Newport I received so much support from tutors and staff the course provided me with invaluable experience.”