Overview

In Scotland, over 180,000 people have some form of vision impairment. Our training equips organisations to effectively support vision-impaired people in a variety of environments, including:

• Workplaces
• Educational settings
• Public spaces

We have a mix of CPD-certified courses and tailored training options to suit your organisation’s needs.

Our training is ideal for teams in health and social care, education, customer service, public services, community organisations, and any business seeking to be more inclusive and accessible. We also offer digital accessibility support. See below for a detailed overview.

CPD-certified courses

Vision impairment full day course

Join our CPD-certified Vision impairment full-day course and empower yourself or your team with the knowledge and practical skills to create a more inclusive environment for people with vision impairments. This engaging six-hour training is divided into three impactful modules:

• Vision impairment awareness
• How to be a human guide
• Inclusive communication

The training uses hands-on activities like using simulation goggles and real-life video examples. Participants will gain an insight into the challenges faced by people with vision impairment, as well as the legal and practical steps to support them.

You will learn how to:

• Confidently guide someone with vision impairment
• Communicate effectively
• Make your documents, emails, and social media accessible

The course is for professionals in any sector who want the tools and understanding to lead with inclusion.

Inclusive communication: how to make information accessible

Unlock the power of clear, inclusive communication with our CPD-certified Inclusive communication: how to make information accessible course. In just two hours, this practical training will equip you with the essential tools to ensure your documents, emails, social media, and other communications are accessible.

You will learn:

• Inclusive design principles
• How to create alternative formats
• How assistive technologies support users with different needs

The course is for professionals across all sectors who want to learn how to make their communication inclusive and equitable.

Tailored training

In addition to our CPD-certified courses above, we also offer tailored training. This training is personalised to meet the needs of your organisation. Please note that tailored training is not CPD-certified.

We offer tailored training in:

Vision impairment awareness training

Gain a deeper understanding of vision impairment and how to provide inclusive support.

This training explores a range of common eye conditions, the everyday challenges faced by people with a vision impairment, and the practical and legal steps we can take to remove barriers.

Human guiding training

Build the skills to guide someone with a vision impairment safely and respectfully.

This interactive session provides step-by-step instruction on guiding techniques, helping you feel confident supporting someone through different environments and services.

The training is ideal for frontline staff, volunteers, and anyone working directly with the public.

Employment rights for people with vision impairment

Learn how to support employees with vision impairment through inclusive practices and workplace adjustments.

This session breaks down the Equality Act 2010, the Access to Work scheme, and how to request or offer reasonable adjustments.

Education rights for people with vision impairment

Gain the knowledge and tools to create an inclusive learning environment for students with vision impairment.

The training covers the legal rights to support in education settings and offers advice on securing reasonable adjustments, working with support services, and advocating for inclusive learning.

How to organise an inclusive event or meeting

Plan events and meetings that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive for full participation.

This session supports you to plan and deliver events or meetings where everyone can take part equally including people with vision impairment.

Digital accessibility support

Would you like us to transform your Word and PowerPoint documents into accessible versions that meet Visibility Scotland’s accessibility standards?

The service costs £50 per hour and all documents undergo comprehensive quality checks.

Find out more via the ‘Get in touch’ section below.

Testimonies

• “I now know how to interact with patients who have visual impairments, how to speak with them how to guide them, and also what to look out for in terms of their needs” – Vision impairment awareness training attendee, Health and Social Care sector.

• “It was a really engaging session. I think being able to experience how a visually impaired person would navigate really helped in my understanding and empathy.” – Human guiding training attendee, charity sector.

• “My biggest takeaway was gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges that people with a visual impairment face on a day to day basis and how make communications more inclusive in my practice.” – Inclusive communications attendee, NHS.

By purchasing training from Visibility Scotland’s social enterprise, you are actively contributing to the social good while supporting your local and national vision impairment charity. Income generated from our training will be used to support our charitable services.