Date and time
| Event date: | Wednesday, 7 Oct 2026 |
| Time: | 9:30 - 12:30 |
| Location: | Location TBC |
The training offers an engaging introduction to the impact of vision impairment and practical ways to communicate with and support people who are blind or partially sighted. Participants will take part in hands-on activities, including using sleep shades and simulation glasses, to better understand everyday barriers and helpful techniques.
This session is delivered by Penny Dane, a qualified Vision Rehabilitation Specialist with extensive experience supporting adults and children across the North East. Penny is also Director of North East Sight Matters, a not‑for‑profit organisation that creates accessible activities and events for children and young people with sight loss and their families.
Philippa has extensive experience of supporting sight impaired children, young people and adults throughout Newcastle and is currently the Office Manager at Newcastle Vision Support who provide a range of support services to residents of the city.
Andy Laidler has lived experience of blindness having lost his sight in December 2007. He has several years experience of being a Public Contributor to a number of research projects. He will discuss the challenges faced by individuals with sensory impairments who wish to be Public Contributors in the research space. He also hopes to explore some of the solutions to these challenges.
🌟 Get the chance to try visual simulation glasses and headsets! 🌟
Aim
To provide participants with an overview of the impact of vision loss and sight impairment, and to develop practical understanding of how to communicate with and support people affected.
Learning Objectives
· Describe basic eye anatomy and how vision works.
· Identify the main causes of sight loss in the UK.
· Recognise Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) and its potential impact.
· Apply good practice when working with, or providing support to, people who are blind or partially sighted.
· Outline the range of equipment, techniques and support services available to people living with sight impairment.
What background will be covered?
The session provides an evidence-informed overview of vision impairment, drawing on current guidance and specialist practice from vision rehabilitation services and national sight loss organisations.
· Definitions and terminology (e.g. blind/partially sighted) and a brief overview of prevalence and lived experience.
· How vision works: basic eye anatomy and the visual system.
· Common causes of sight loss in the UK and how different eye conditions may affect functional vision.
· The practical impact of vision impairment on daily activities, mobility, communication and access to information.
· Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS): what it is, why it happens and key messages for reassurance and support.
· Principles of inclusive communication and support, including sighted guide techniques and person-centred approaches.
· Accessibility considerations: lighting, contrast, clutter, signage, and producing information in accessible formats.
· Overview of equipment, assistive technology and local/national sources of advice and support (including referral routes where relevant).
Register here
Date and time
| Event date: | Wednesday, 7 Oct 2026 |
| Time: | 9:30 - 12:30 |
| Location: | Location TBC |