Visually impaired

How can we help you?

Paul, a staff member and former student at The Manchester College, talks about how college helps visually impaired students.

[swf file="sites/default/files/mp3/paul-oultram.mp3" title="Paula Oultram"]

Before you start your course

Before you start your course, you’ll be able to meet with a qualified tutor of visually impaired students. They’ll do a specialist assessment called VIEW (Visual Impairment Education Welfare). They’ll talk to you about the support that might be useful to you.

We can offer you

Learning technology and support

  • large print handouts
  • coloured paper handouts
  • tactile diagrams, including musical scores
  • screen reading software
  • guiding
  • help finding your way around college
  • specialist equipment loans

Materials modification unit

  • the unit can adapt course materials to formats you prefer

Audio course materials

Course materials on a choice of audio formats:

  • CD
  • mp3
  • audio tape

Magnification software

  • software to make text and icons larger

Note taking

  • someone to take notes for you in class

Support workers

  • support in class to get the same visual information as sighted students
  • sighted guide out of class
  • support on trips and work experience

Technology to help you learn

  • Jaws for Windows
  • ZoomText
  • SupaNova
  • CCTV
  • Eezi Readers
  • accessibility options on Microsoft Word

Great facilities

  • centre of excellence for visually impaired learners at Fielden Campus, established in partnership with RNIB and Action for Blind People
  • environment to enhance your learning experience

How can you get advice and support?

  • tell us about your visual impairment on your application or enrolment form
  • if you’re on a course, ask your tutor or student services team to refer you to the visual impairment service
  • email us at viservice@themanchestercollege.ac.uk

Useful websites:

http://www.skills.org/

http://www.rnib.org.uk/

www.actionforblindpeople.org.uk/

www.henshaws.org.uk

Manchester Central Library VIP Unit:

http://www.manchester.gov.uk/info/500144/library_services_in_the_communi...