Blind and Low Vision Program

The Blind Low Vision program offers a mainstream curriculum with support for children with vision impairment or low vision. It provides educational services and interventions to help them thrive. Supporting their academic, social and emotional growth fosters our students’ wellbeing. We aim to maximise each student’s vision potential through low vision aids and tailored teaching strategies.

The program follows the NSW Board of Studies syllabus for Key Learning Areas:

English
Mathematics
HSIE (History and Geography)
Creative Arts
PDHPE
Science and Technology.

As part of our Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), students receive training in:

Orientation and Mobility
Assistive Technology
Social Skills
Independent Living Skills.

Educators

The Teachers of Vision at NextSense School are highly trained professionals and support students with blind or low vision. Their goal is to help students fully access the curriculum and participate in academic and everyday activities.

A key part of the Teachers of Vision role is braille instruction. For students who are blind or have significant vision impairment, braille is a vital tool for reading, writing, and learning.

Teachers provide individualised lessons to help students learn and become proficient in braille. This ensures they can access textbooks, worksheets, and other educational resources. The program also introduces braille technology, like braille displays and notetakers. These tools enable students to read and write in braille while working with digital content.

Our Accessibility and Inclusion team create resources for blind and low vision students. These include braille books, large print books and tactile books.

Teachers of Vision often collaborate with orientation and mobility specialists. They help students navigate their environment safely and independently. This includes the use of assistive technology and building confidence to move around the school and community.

We prioritise smaller class sizes, with a maximum of ten students per class. This approach benefits students with sensory processing needs and those needing extra support. Smaller classes allow for more individualised attention, meeting each student’s unique needs. Each classroom includes one Teacher and a Learning Support Aide. This creates a nurturing environment that fosters academic and emotional growth.

Learning

Individualised Education Plans (IEPs)

Every student receives a personalised education plan. We tailor this to each student’s specific vision impairment and learning needs. Teachers and support staff meet with the student’s family and vision specialists to develop the IEP. The plan focuses on setting goals for:

academic achievement
functional vision
social skills.

The learning plan evolves over time to match the student’s progress and needs.

Teaching Strategies

Teachers use a variety of different teaching strategies to accommodate students’ low vision. These include:

enlarged print for reading materials
high contrast visuals and tactile materials
audio descriptions of visual content
technology aids, including magnification software and screen readers.

Teachers help students with both schoolwork and everyday activities. They make sure students have the same learning experiences as their peers.

Use of Assistive Technology

The program incorporates assistive technology to enhance students’ ability to access learning materials.

Students use magnifiers and optical aids to assist with reading.
Screen readers and speech-to-text tools help students with reading and writing tasks.
Students may also use tablets, computers, and smartphones. They equip users with accessibility features such as voice commands and high-contrast settings.
Digital textbooks and braille displays are also available depending on the student’s needs.

Vision Therapy and Low Vision Aids

The program works in partnership with vision specialists. These include orthoptists, optometrists, and occupational therapists. Together, they provide tailored vision therapy. They also recommend the appropriate low vision aids for students.

These professionals work with teachers to assess and improve the students’ functional vision. The goal is to ensure students can use their vision effectively for schoolwork, self-care, and leisure activities.

Orientation and Mobility Training

The Blind Low Vision Program also focuses on teaching students orientation and mobility skills. This training allows students to safely navigate their environment, both in the school setting and beyond.

Specialists work with students to help them develop spatial awareness and independence. They use tools like canes or other mobility aids when necessary.

The emphasis is building confidence. We empower students to independently move through various environments with a sense of security.

Functional Vision Skills

A critical component of the program is helping students develop functional vision skills. These are essential for daily tasks such as reading, writing, and participating in group activities. We teach students how to maximise the use of their remaining vision through:

scanning techniques to locate objects or read text
lighting adjustments to optimise visibility
visual tracking to help follow moving objects
learning to use alternative techniques when vision is insufficient. These include tactile or auditory cues.

Social-Emotional Support

We understand that students with vision impairment may face social and emotional challenges.

The program offers social skills training and encourages peer interaction. This promotes confidence and self-esteem in students with vision impairment.

We teach students self-advocacy skills. They communicate their needs and feel empowered to ask for support when necessary.

Collaboration with Families and Vision Specialists

Family involvement is a cornerstone of the program. We encourage parents to collaborate with teachers and vision specialists. This creates an effective, consistent approach to supporting the child’s vision development.

Regular communication with families helps reinforce school strategies at home. This promotes consistent learning and development.

The program also fosters collaboration with vision rehabilitation professionals. They address any specific challenges faced at school and at home.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Students in the Blind Low Vision Program have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities. Visual art, sports, dance and drama provide opportunities to:

develop new skills
engage with peers
express themselves creatively.

Our goal is to ensure that students have access to a well-rounded education. This stretches beyond academics to personal growth and social interaction.

Wellbeing

We understand that wellbeing is vital for a student’s growth and success. This encompasses physical, emotional, mental, and social health. Good wellbeing helps children learn, build resilience, and thrive at school.

We create an inclusive and accessible environment for students with sensory disabilities. We want them to flourish physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Our Pastoral Care policy follows the Australian Student Wellbeing Framework. This framework highlights five key elements:

leadership
inclusion
student voice
partnerships

These elements help our school community build safe and positive relationships.

We also embrace the Be You Framework. This national initiative promotes mental health in children and young people. These frameworks give students a strong base for their learning and life goals.

We belong to an organisation that meets the diverse needs of staff, students, and families. Our services include:

whole school initiatives
student voice programs
anti-bullying policies
pastoral care.

We also offer support from interpreters, occupational therapists, psychologists, speech therapists, and physiotherapists. We partner with organisations like Guide Dogs to support our community.

In this program, we ensure each student feels safe and confident in school. We foster a sense of belonging and tailor support for mental and emotional wellbeing. We make sure our physical spaces are accessible to everyone. We work with families, staff, and supportive organisations to create a holistic support system. We promote independence, self-esteem, and resilience.

Our wellbeing approach recognises each student’s unique needs. We give them the tools and resources they need to succeed socially and academically. We want to create a school culture that celebrates diversity. Every student should feel seen, heard, and respected, no matter their sensory abilities.