Children and young adults with visual impairments and complex needs often face challenges with learning. For example, they may be unable to understand or follow instructions from teachers. In addition, they could also struggle to communicate and interact socially, which can also impact their confidence and self-esteem.
At InFocus, we provide specialised educational programmes to meet the needs of young people with vision impairment and other complex needs. Our experienced staff work closely with each student to create lesson plans and activities tailored to their needs.
We use a variety of adaptive technology, including braille and screen readers, for effective teaching. Read on to learn more about our support services for young people and adults.
About InFocus
We are a charity dedicated to providing education and support services for children and young adults with vision impairments and other complex needs.
InFocus can trace its origins to the Blind Institute founded in 1838 and formerly situated on St David’s Hill in Exeter (now the Exeter Community Centre). The Institute educated and cared for blind children and adults, providing both an academic curriculum and a trade training component.
Moving into the 20th century, and 1956, a school for the blind was built near Countess Wear. Formerly the West of England School and College, it is now the site of the InFocus College. Today, InFocus provides specialist education and support for students with vision impairment and other disabilities.
Our Mission
Education is a gift that should be available to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or limitations.
Our mission is to help people with learning impairments achieve their full potential, helping them learn and grow. We aim to improve the quality of life for all of our young people by developing their independence, social inclusion, communication skills and employability.
Dedicated support services
While at InFocus, your child will receive the best support available, with dedicated and caring staff that encourages and challenges them to learn and develop new skills. Each of our staff members has knowledge and expertise in doing what they do.
They help deliver the fantastic support services we offer for our young people, including:
- Braille and access technology learning
- Mobility and orientation training
- Speech and language therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Occupational therapy
- Health and care support
- Wellbeing and pastoral support
At InFocus, every person should feel included and supported. This means ensuring that our students can live happy, fulfilling lives.
We’re devoted to ensuring students with disabilities benefit from excellent teaching and learning experiences. Our teachers are highly qualified and experienced professionals who understand how to teach learners with complex needs. They use various teaching strategies to ensure that our students get the most out of their lessons.
Educational programmes at InFocus
We understand that many individuals require a different approach to education. That’s why we’ve developed a range of programmes designed to equip them with the skills necessary for success in life.
Specialist Curriculum
At InFocus College, we understand that each student’s unique vision impairment can affect their learning experience. That’s why we have developed a specialist curriculum tailored to the needs of our students.
Our courses are designed to be stimulating, developing skills such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-advocacy.
The curriculum model is built on five key areas which develop skills, promote values and foster positive attitudes and behaviours.
Core life skills – embracing life to the fullest
- Enhancing communication skills, literacy, numeracy and ICT
- Using technology to enhance daily life
- Maximising functional vision
Social and Community – living healthy and happy lives
- Following passions and doing things they enjoy
- Enjoying relationships with family and friends and meeting new people
- Breaking down barriers associated with disability
Voice and Choice – advocating for themselves
- Using their voice about things that matter to them
- Making choices about all aspects of life to the fullest possible extent
- To use money, live a healthy life and manage relationships
Independence – maximising daily living skills
- Living as independently as they are able, with the right level of support
- Developing resilience and self-care routines
- Travelling within their community with the support needed
Work – developing meaningful occupation
- Learning the skills to thrive in a workplace or volunteer role
- Experiencing work and volunteering placements
- Being valued and active citizens in the community with a sense of purpose
Our curriculum also teaches students to build skills in all aspects of daily life. Through these skills, students can build the independence and confidence needed for adult life.
Specialist Facilities
As we’ve grown, so have the specialist facilities we provide for our young people. Without these facilities, students are left at a disadvantage and can have an impact on learning.
Our facilities include:
- 25m heated swimming pool (for leisure and hydrotherapy)
- Hydrotherapy pools
- Sensory rooms
- Mechanical therapy horses
- Trampolines for rebound therapy
- Speech and language therapy rooms
- Outdoor sensory learning areas
- Forest school for horticulture and exploration
In addition to providing high-quality facilities, we ensure that our students’ physical environment is safe and comfortable. All of our buildings are designed to be accessible and suitable for our students. To keep our students safe, we have installed CCTV cameras throughout our campus, which allows us to monitor activity 24/7.
Technology and independent learning
Technology has transformed the way visually impaired students learn. It provides them with greater access to information and can be used to assist in independent learning.
At InFocus College, we provide a range of technology-based tools that help our students better access the curriculum and broaden their knowledge. These include:
- Screen readers: Computer programs that “speak” aloud what is displayed on the screen, making it easier for visually impaired students to access information.
- Braille displays: A device that converts text from a computer into raised dots that can be read with the fingers.
- Magnification software: Uses the computer’s display to zoom in and out of parts of the screen so visually impaired students can better access information.
Work-related learning
Education is not just about the classroom. We also provide a range of work-related learning opportunities for our students. These include internships that enable our students to gain real-world experience in their chosen fields.
We also offer career guidance and support for those who wish to pursue further study or work after leaving school. Experienced staff are on hand to provide advice and support, helping students make informed decisions about their future.
Thanks to these innovative educational programmes, young people with learning impairments have access to resources and opportunities. With the right support in place, no matter their circumstances, every student has the chance to succeed in college – and in life.
For more information on the education and support services we offer, please see our college prospectus.
InFocus Podcast
We also have a podcast episode sharing expert insight on supporting vision impairment in specialist education settings.
Available on: