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.

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...