FAQs | InFocus Charity, Exeter

Read some of the InFocus FAQs to learn more about our charity.

InFocus

What is InFocus?

InFocus is a charity organisation dedicated to making a positive impact on the lives of young people with visual impairments and other complex needs.

Our goal is to provide our young people with the support services, equipment and facilities to help them reach their full potential. Through charitable donations, we can inspire our young people and equip them with the tools they need to lead successful and fulfilling lives.

What does InFocus do?

InFocus offers education, care and support services to young people with visual impairment and SEN.

Everyone deserves the chance to live their best life, regardless of disability. Through our dedicated support, young people can thrive in an environment tailored to their needs.

What kind of support does InFocus offer?

Our core belief is that every young person has the potential to achieve their aspirations. We provide specialist SEN support by ensuring students have the resources they need to learn – equipping them with the skills and knowledge to do so.

We offer support services across the following areas:

How can I contact InFocus?

You can contact us via email or telephone (01392 454200). We will do our best to respond as quickly as possible.

How do I donate to InFocus?

Donations help us provide vital support to our young people, and ensure that they have the best chance of succeeding in life. You can donate online through our website, either as a one-off donation or set up a monthly donation.

We also accept item donations. This can be done through our charity shops in Exeter, Honiton, Sidmouth & Ottery St Mary. We’re always on the lookout for items such as:

Small electric items
Clothing and shoes
Kitchenware
Toys, books, DVDs and CDs
Mobile phones and tablets
Games consoles, laptops and computers
Vinyl records
Jewellery
Ornaments and knick-knacks
Jigsaw puzzles/board games

We CANNOT accept:

Cassette tapes
VHS tapes
Hangers
Furniture
Duvets
Broken Toys
White goods such as fridges, freezers, washers and or dryers

InFocus Specialist College

What is InFocus College?

The InFocus Specialist College provides educational support for young people aged 16-25 with SEN and vision impairment.

Our 13-acre site in Exeter, Devon, is modified to meet the ever-changing needs of our students.

Our priority is to create a safe and positive atmosphere for students, so they can learn and grow. Staff understand the need to provide a supportive environment where each student feels respected.

Besides learning, we offer tailored programs, combining education with practical skills. This supports students to learn whilst developing the skills needed for daily life.

This includes:

Personal curriculum plans
Cross-campus sessions to encourage the mixing of peer groups.
Enrichment activities like art, dance, gardening, music, VI Radio, and sensory exploration
Activities to develop independence and decision-making
Activities for self-care skills, and skills used in daily life
Orientation and movement skills through swimming, Rebound therapy, walking, biking, the multi-gym, and in-class activities
Participation and work skills through community engagement and other activities

Can I visit InFocus College?

Of course! We would be delighted to show you around our campus and facilities. If you would like to arrange a visit, please contact us through our website or telephone (01392 454200). Our staff will be more than happy to answer any questions you may have to ensure your visit is as enjoyable as possible.

Vision impairment

What is vision impairment?

Vision impairment refers to any condition that impacts a person’s ability to see. It can appear in various ways, from low vision, which involves partial sight loss, to complete blindness. Such impairments can exist from birth or develop later on due to illness, injury, or other factors.

What support is available for vision impairment?

At InFocus, we understand what it takes to support young people with vision impairments. Our team is experienced in providing tailored assistance and advice on assistive technology, braille and communication methods.

The InFocus College also grants access to sensory rooms, screen reading technology, and CVI assessments. Learn more about our range of specialist facilities.

How do I register as blind or partially sighted?

1. Get a referral to an eye specialist

If you are experiencing vision problems, you should visit an optometrist or your GP for an initial check-up. If necessary, they will refer you to an eye clinic for further examination.

2. Ophthalmologist certifies you as visually impaired

They will assess your ability to see detail at a distance, and how much you can see from the side when looking straight ahead.

If the ophthalmologist determines that you can be certified, they will provide you with an official certificate that includes the results of your eye examination and information about your circumstances.

The name of the certificate varies depending on the country: Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) in England and Wales, A655 in Northern Ireland, and CVI (Scotland) form in Scotland.

3. Register with your local social services.

Once you receive a copy of your certificate, your local social services team will contact you to ask if you want to be added to their register of blind and partially sighted people. Should you agree, you will be officially registered.

InFocus can also offer guidance on registration processes and what benefits

Special Educational Needs

What is SEN support?

SEN (Special Educational Needs) support is designed to help children and young people with educational, physical, social, behavioural, and emotional difficulties. Support ranges from providing additional equipment, resources and specialist services.

How do I know if my child needs additional SEN support?

If your child is struggling, it may be that they have additional needs that require support. You should discuss this with your child’s teacher and/or SENCO (special educational needs coordinator).

How to get SEN support

One of the most effective ways to get SEN support is by speaking to your school or college. They may be able to access additional resources, such as specialist teachers and support staff.

Organisations like InFocus can provide tailored support services designed specifically for young people with SEN. We offer a range of services, including advice on transitioning into adulthood, employability skills, and more.

You can also contact your local authority for information on the support available in your area.

How does SEN support work?

Support works through a mix of tailored support and services designed to meet the needs of each student. Depending on the specific challenges a student is facing, SEN support may include:

Additional teaching assistants or dedicated teachers to provide extra help in the classroom
Adaptive equipment to help with physical impairments
Counselling and therapeutic interventions from psychologists or therapists
Access to specialist health services and medical advice
Support with transition and independence skills

Support is tailored to the needs of each student, and can vary greatly from one situation to another.

If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. For more information on the InFocus Specialist College, please see our college prospectus.

Frequently Asked Questions