Achieving Your Potential: Accessibility for Students with Vision LossStudents with visual impairments can face challenges with a perceived drop-off in support when they start college, compared to school. Find out what you’re entitled to, the support that’s available at college and how to go about getting it, so you can thrive in this stage of your education.Many students with visual impairments say that a big challenge they face is the drop-off of support at FE level education, compared to secondary school.Here we’ll cover much of what you’re entitled to in FE, what support you might need at college, and how to go about getting it, so you can flourish in this stage of your education.LEAVING SCHOOLFor many young people, moving on from their local school – where they are known to teachers and peers – into further education, is a big step towards the freedom and independence of adulthood.For others – particularly students with visual impairments – leaving the comfort of the school environment can be a more daunting prospect. At school they’re usually accustomed to their surroundings, easily navigating buildings and classrooms populated by old friends and familiar teachers. Students with visual impairments may also be accustomed to the technical, emotional and academic support offered by TAs, SEND staff or pastoral care.So, how can students with visual impairments prepare well for Further Education? What support can you expect at college, and what are you entitled to?In the UK, young people can legally leave school at the end of the school year after they turn 16. However, all young people must be in education or training until the age of 18. Your school may have a sixth form, or you may wish to attend a further education college. Young people with disabilities have a right to a mainstream education, if that’s what they want. Specialist colleges are also available for young people with disabilities.WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS AT COLLEGE?Further education (FE) colleges support students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in similar ways to schools. There is a SEND Code of Practice: 0-25 years which colleges must follow, and as part of the Equality Act 2010 , mainstream FE colleges must do everything they reasonably can to remove all barriers to learning for disabled students.Similar to school, there should be a person at FE college who is in charge of SEND provision, so you can contact them if you need help or advice.If you need extra help with your studies, you will be involved with the college in producing a SEN support plan. This should be reviewed at least three times each year with you, and with your family, if appropriate. Your college is also able to refer you to specialist services outside the college if you need further advice or support. This might include mentoring, assistive technology training, specialist tuition or independent living training.SPECIALIST FURTHER EDUCATION (FE) COLLEGESWhile all young people have the right to a mainstream education, some students with visual impairments might prefer the additional support that a specialist education college can offer.In the UK, there are a number of specialist further education colleges for young people who are blind or partially sighted, along with colleges which are pan-disability. Many of these have residential facilities, which help young people further their independent living skills before they start work or university. These colleges usually teach useful life skills in addition to the traditional course curriculum.To apply for a specialist college, you will need an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). You can ask your local authority to name a specialist college in your EHC plan following your annual review. However, your local authority may refuse your request on the grounds of cost. It may be necessary to show them that there are no alternative cheaper education options available.Please note that there...

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