The QTVI
A Qualified Teacher of Vision Impairment (QTVI) is a specialist teacher who:
- Assesses your child's vision in school
- Advises on curriculum access
- Trains staff on adaptations
- Teaches mobility and independence skills
- Supports transitions between schools
Every child with a visual impairment should have access to a QTVI. Ask your local authority sensory support service.
Classroom adaptations
Good provision includes:
- Positioning – sitting near the board, with back to windows to reduce glare
- Lighting – individual desk lamps, reduced overhead lighting
- Contrast – yellow paper, black pens, high-contrast materials
- Enlargement – large print, electronic magnifiers, or braille
- Audio – screen readers, audiobooks, verbal descriptions
Mobility and independence
- Orientation and mobility training – learning routes around school
- Cane training – long cane or symbol cane
- Guide dog – usually from secondary school age, via Guide Dogs
considerations
A visual impairment often qualifies a child for an . Key sections:
- Section B – sensory needs
- Section F – specialist teaching hours (QTVI)
- Section F – equipment (CCTV magnifier, laptop with screen reader)
- Section F – mobility training
Exam access arrangements
Children with visual impairment may be entitled to:
- Extra time
- A scribe or reader
- Modified papers (large print or braille)
- A separate room
- Rest breaks
Ask the to apply for access arrangements well before exam season.