Dear Colleagues (with apologies for cross-posting),

With further HEFCE funding we are glad we can announce that we are running
further courses to help HEIs learn how to support blind and partially
sighted students.

Our previous course was over-subscribed and very highly rated by
participants, so book early to ensure you get this information sooner rather
than later! More courses to be held around the country over the next 2
years.

Next course: 2nd April, at RNIB in London, 9:30 - 4:00. Charge 125 GBP.

The information is included below, and is also on our website with
ready-to-print documentation at
http://www.nctd.org.uk/Training/Dis_Officers/index.asp.

Dr. Sarah Morley Wilkins
Director, National Centre for Tactile Diagrams, University of Hertfordshire

---
Supporting Blind & Partially Sighted Students in HE

A one-day course for HE staff on access technology and accessible materials

Aimed at all HE staff who need to know how to support blind students:
lecturers, disability officers, student advisers, support staff, special
needs coordinators, staff development officers, learning assistants…

Date: Wednesday 2nd April 2003, 9:30 – 4:30 (registration 9:00) (Further
courses to be held in 2003 & 2004 at various venues)

Cost: 125.00 GBP - includes refreshments, lunch and handouts.

Venue: Royal National Institute for the Blind, 105 Judd Street, London,
WC1H 9NE.

Course organised by the National Centre for Tactile Diagrams, and presented
by the Royal National Institute for the Blind and the National Centre for
Tactile Diagrams.

To register or for more information: please return the enclosed registration
form by WED 19th MARCH to: Sandra Dixon, National Centre for Tactile
Diagrams, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9AB. Tel:
01707 286 348, Fax 01707 285 059, E-mail: [log in to unmask] Information
available in alternative formats, please ask for details.

Timetable (detailed session outline follows)

09:00 – 09:30
Registration, tea & coffee

09:30 – 09:45
Introduction to course, tutors and participants

09:45 – 10:15
Visual Impairment & Implications for Education

10:15 – 10:30
Tea/Coffee

10:30 – 12:30
Group A:
10:30 – 11:30: Tactile Diagrams, Maps & Pictures
11:30 – 12:00: Curriculum Access
12:00 – 12:30: The Physical Environment
Group B:
1 hour: Technology for Blind Students
1 hour: Technology for Partially Sighted Students

12:30 – 1:30
Lunch with tea & coffee

1:30 – 3:30
Group A:
1 hour: Technology for Blind Students
1 hour: Technology for Partially Sighted Students
Group B:
1:30 – 2:00: Curriculum Access
2:00 – 2:30: The Physical Environment
2:30 – 3:30: Tactile Diagrams, Maps & Pictures

3:30 – 3:45
Tea/Coffee

3:45 – 4:30
Case Study – What to Do if you Have a Visually Impaired Student at your
Institution

4:30
Close
 
Session Descriptions

This course will include both presentations and group work. Handouts will
be provided from all sessions, and information about many surrounding issues
and future courses will be available to take away.

“Visual Impairment & Implications for Education” 1 hour.
Led by: RNIB Post-16 Education Officers.
This session gives an overview of the educational implications of different
types of visual impairment, and presents an outline of effective study
methods, materials and technologies which may be used by blind and partially
sighted students.

“Technology for Blind & Partially Sighted Students” 2 hours. Led by: RNIB
High-Tech Officers / Education & Employment Technical Officers. Experience
a range of access technology which can support blind and partially sighted
students. This will cover technology such as: Screen-Readers for Windows;
Talking Web Browsers; Scanning and Reading Systems; CCTVs; Braille Displays;
Braille Embossers and Translation Programs; Screen Magnification Software;
Note-Takers and Personal Digital Assistants. The actual products
demonstrated may vary from this list according to what is available on-site.
Our aim is to have a range of technology available for demonstration.
Issues relating to IT training for students and staff will be discussed, and
information will be given on
suppliers of products and training.

“Tactile Diagrams, Maps and Pictures” 1 hour.
Led by: The National Centre for Tactile Diagrams.
This session gives an overview of how well-designed tactile diagrams, maps
and pictures (tactile graphics) with supporting materials (braille, large
print or audio) can be vital for effective study for many blind and
partially sighted students, whether for arts-based, or science-based
subjects, and for effective independent living skills. A variety of samples
will be available for hands-on exploration and comparison of techniques. The
session will include information about how to obtain tactile graphics if you
can’t produce them yourself; and if you need to design your own, what
technology you need; good practice for tactile graphic design; and how best
to support the use of tactile graphics in the lecture room.

“Curriculum Access” 30 mins.
Led by: RNIB Post-16 Education Officers.
This session outlines what is meant by ‘access to print materials’ for blind
and partially sighted students, highlighting issues of production and use in
the educational setting of large print, audio, braille, and electronic
formats.

“The Physical Environment” 30 mins.
Led by: RNIB Post-16 Education Officers.
Learn what FE/HE institutions can do to create an accessible environment for
their disabled students and staff, how successful measures are implemented,
and where to go for further advice.

“Case Study – What to Do if you Have a Visually Impaired Student at your
Institution” 45 mins. Led by: RNIB Post-16 Education Officers.
This final session draws together good practice in preparing for and then
supporting a visually impaired student at an FE/HE institution. The session
will include discussion of strategic planning and ways of enabling equal
opportunities with reference to the QAA Code of Practice and disability
legislation to create inclusive, supportive and accessible learning and
teaching.
 
----
COURSE REGISTRATION FORM
Supporting Blind & Partially Sighted Students in HE, 2nd April 2003

Please register early as places are limited, and will be allocated on a
first-come-first-served basis. If we are able to register you for this date
you will receive a confirmation letter and map, and if the course is full we
will return any payment you may have enclosed, and ask if you wish to be
kept on the mailing list for details of future courses.

Full Name:
Address:
Tel:
E-mail:

Payment Method (please tick one, and see cancellation policy below):

I would like to pay by the following method:

- I am enclosing a cheque for 95.00 pounds made payable to the ‘University
of Hertfordshire’
- I am enclosing a purchase order for 95.00 pounds, number:
- Please invoice me at the above address
- Please invoice the following (specify name and address):

Cancellation Policy:
Cancellation up to 5 working days before the course: a 25 pound fee will be
charged. Cancellation 5 days or fewer before the course: the full course
fee will be charged. If you are unable to attend you may nominate a
replacement delegate but you must send us their details.

Please specify any special dietary requirements you have:
 
Please specify any other special requirements you have (e.g. if you require
course materials in an alternative format):

Signed:
Date:

--------------

Dr. Sarah Morley Wilkins
Director, National Centre for Tactile Diagrams
University of Hertfordshire
Hatfield, Herts, AL10 9AB, UK

Tel: 01707 286 348
Web: www.nctd.org.uk
Email: [log in to unmask]