There are obvious safety implications - indeed for the whole group - but that might not make it insurmountable. What's the level of VI? What's the previous experience of outdoors adventure?
One of my VI friends recently climbed Kilimanjaro with a group but he has around 5% sight remaining and is a very competent and cooperative person. From previous fieldwork experience with sixth formers there are some VI people who'd be a safer bet than a non-disabled person with a bad attitude!
Does the student concerned have experience of wild places? Is it possible to organise an overnighter in as challenging an environment as you can find nearby?
Alistair
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sally Holgate
Sent: 23 October 2012 15:06
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Field trip support for a student with visual impairment
Hello
I would like to hear from anyone who has experience of providing support for a student with visual impairment on a high level / mountain based field study trip in winter conditions. I would be particularly interested in the level of NMH support provided, and the previous guiding and mountain experience you considered desirable / necessary.
I understand that on the trip in question, the mountains are around 2-2500 metres in height; snow conditions are variable ranging from firm, shallow to soft waist level; and routes may include steep drops and icy stretches. Quick decents may be necessary if weather conditions deteriorate or the group is delayed for any reason. Routes may also include dense forestry with tree roots, stumps and deep soft snow.
If you have no experience of this particular situation but have a view on it, I would welcome your comments.
Please respond either on-line or off-line on the email below.
Kind regards
Sally
Sally Holgate
Disability Services Manager
Student Enabling Centre
University of Wolverhampton
Email: [log in to unmask]
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