The Royal National College for the Blind has successfully hosted its first conference for professionals working in the field of VI education.
Expert teams recently welcomed a number of industry professionals for a day of seminars, demonstrations and sharing good practice.
Qualified teachers of the visually impaired, charity workers within the VI sector and learning support assistants were among a number of specialist professionals who enjoyed a day exploring independent living skills, accessible technology and VI sport.
Delegates also received a tour of the campus where they were shown teaching areas, residential accommodation and sports facilities.
Sophie Corness, Marketing and Student Recruitment Manager for the College said:
‘It was lovely to welcome a number of professionals to RNC which allows us to form partnerships, network and share best practice. It was great to talk to others in the same industry and we all agreed it is brilliant to be able to offer young people all the choices available when moving on to further education.’
Fourteen delegates completed feedback forms; five rated the day ten out of ten, four rated a nine, two rated eight and one a six/seven. Two forms were left blank.
Visitors described staff as ‘fantastic’, ‘very helpful’, ‘excellent’, ‘very approachable and friendly’ and ‘exceptional’.
Ten people said they enjoyed the sport demonstration most and five liked the tour of the campus. Other comments included:
‘[I enjoyed] seeing the students in action during the sports demo!’
‘I liked the last presentation – really useful for thinking about getting funding.’
‘You all do a wonderful job, I found it very inspiring. Thank you for a lovely day.’
All said they would recommend RNC in the future. It is hoped that the conference will now become an annual event attracting professionals from all over the UK and beyond.
