Caledonian University Graduate Low Vision Rehabilitation Course reinstated

Renewed success for vision rehabilitation and inclusive communications.

The ALLIANCE Scottish Sensory Hub is delighted to announce that the Graduate Low Vision Rehabilitation Course, Glasgow Caledonian University, will be reinstated, commencing January 2023.

The Scottish Visual Services Steering Group includes the Scottish Sensory Hub, Visibility Scotland, Sight Scotland, RNIB Scotland and the Rehabilitation Workers’ Professional Network (RWPN) joined forces to tackle an impending crisis in provision and delivery of Rehabilitation Services across Scotland.

An ageing workforce and lack of qualification pathway combined to pose a threat to future provision and delivery of Rehabilitation Services in Scotland, both now and in the immediate future. The reinstatement of the graduate qualification will provide 20 students from the third sector and Health and Social Care Partnerships the opportunity to gain a formal rehabilitation qualification.

Once qualified, these students, already employed or newly recruited to the sight loss sector, will alleviate gaps in Rehabilitation Service provision/delivery, alleviate the strain on current services, better meet demands and importantly, ensure that people affected by sight loss receive timely access to Rehabilitation Services, enabling people to adopt positive coping strategies, navigate independently, retain employment and live active, fulfilled lives.

Thank you to members of the Scottish Visual Services Steering Group for their hard work in bringing this to fruition. In particular, thanks go to the SVSSG Chairperson, Laura Walker, CEO Visibility Scotland,  for her sustained commitment, drive and determination to reinstate this qualification pathway. Thanks go to Dr. Hazel McFarlane at the Scottish Sensory Hub for her detailed work and coordination and thanks also to Gillian Heavie and Susan Shippey in the Scottish Government’s Support for Augmentative and Alternative Communication and Sensory Loss Team for their skilled support and efforts to secure funding.

“As the Chief Executive of Visibility Scotland, the Chairperson of the Scottish Visual Service Steering Group, and a Rehabilitation Worker who trained and qualified in Scotland, I am absolutely thrilled to welcome the Graduate Low Vision Rehabilitation Course back to Scotland. The reinstatement of this course supports Right to Rehab, increasing positive outcomes for visually impaired people in Scotland. Right service, right time! Through collaboration, the sight loss sector has demonstrated that many voices are stronger than one.”

Laura Walker, Chief Executive, Visibility Scotland

 “Rehabilitation is so vitally important to the independence and confidence of blind and partially sighted people – particularly those newly diagnosed with sight loss.  That’s why TPT is delighted to be able to support the reinstatement of the Graduate Low Vision Rehabilitation Course in Scotland.

 “We use our grants programme strategically on projects which tackle systemic problems affecting blind and partially sighted people. We are also interested in learning lessons from the programme which could be applied elsewhere in the UK”

 Cathy Low, Director of Partnerships, Thomas Pocklington Trust

Due to the exceptional workforce circumstances identified by the Sensory Hub a total of 20 studentships across third sector and HSCP’s have received a 50% subsidy. Please note that any subsequent places from 2023 onwards will require full payment.

The Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE) and Thomas Pocklington Trust provided funding for these subsidised places.

There are a number of places still available, please contact N.Northway@gcu.ac.uk or  Laura.Walker@visibilityscotland.org.uk

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