Area 4: Literacy

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This area of the CFVI recognises the importance of working with children and young people to develop literacy skills. This might involve specialist adjustments and approaches to teaching, or adopting alternative or bespoke approaches, codes and technology. 

For more information regarding this element of the framework, please download the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI) and accompanying guidance.

Examples of targeted intervention approaches

  • A clear and developing ‘literacy pathway’ plan, informed, by assessment including appropriate strategies for those whose first language is not English (or Welsh in Welsh-medium schools).
  • Literacy through print:
    • Optimising print presentation;
    • Use of low vision devices;
    • CCTVs/electronic magnification;
    • Mainstream electronic equipment, e.g. tablets;
    • Specialist magnification software;
    • Training in speed reading.
  • Literacy through Moon.
  • Literacy through braille, informed by regular assessment:
    • Pre- and early braille;
    • Braille reading and writing – uncontracted/contracted braille (in appropriate language, e.g. English, Welsh, Arabic);
    • Specialist braille codes, e.g. maths, music, science codes;
    • Refreshable braille technology.
  • Literacy through sensory stories, pictures and object symbols.
  • Speech technology (in appropriate language, e.g. English, Welsh).
  • Writing and use of appropriate technology:
    • braille, computer, pen, dictation software;
    • handwriting, developing an appropriate handwriting style which aids legibility; touch typing.

Use of resources in practice

When using resources signposted via or downloaded from RNIB Bookshare, consideration should be given to any health and safety risks that might be involved and it is the responsibility of the user of these resources to undertake an appropriate risk assessment where applicable. RNIB assumes no responsibility or liability to the extent permitted by law for any injury, loss or damage incurred as a result of any use or reliance upon the information and material contained within or downloaded from RNIB Bookshare.

Resources:

See also Area 3: Communication and 8: Technology

All areas of literacy

  • Paths to Literacy Website (External). Paths To Literacy is a US-based interactive Community of Practice providing activities, resources, and other ideas related to all aspects of literacy for children and young people with a vision impairment.

Literacy through print

 Literacy through braille

Downloadable Resources

This series of documents provides an overview of the braille introduced in the “Hands On”, "Take Off" and "Abi" reading schemes and provides way of recording a pupil’s progress through the schemes, the activities undertaken and a teacher’s learning objectives/intentions.

'Hands On' Braille Reading Scheme

'Take Off' Braille Reading Scheme

"Abi" Reading Scheme

 Literacy through sensory stories, pictures and object symbols

See also Area 3: Communication

Writing and use of appropriate technology

See also Area 8: Technology

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