Preparing Blind and Partially Sighted People for Life After School

Research from Thomas Pocklington Trust and the Vision Impairment Centre for Teaching and Research has revealed inconsistent support and poorly defined careers provision for blind and partially sighted people at school, college and local authorities in England.

About the research

The research looked at young people’s experiences of Careers Education Information, Advice & Guidance (CEIAG) support in mainstream education.

We surveyed young blind and partially sighted people aged 13-25 who are currently receiving or have received CEIAG in the last eight years. We received responses from students in every government region, all year groups from 7 -13 and students in Higher Education or that had recently graduated. Focus groups were also held with Teachers of Children and Young People with Vision Impairments (QTVIs).

Our findings

Whilst positive experience of careers support and examples of good practice were identified, it also revealed:

• An inconsistent CEIAG offer is failing blind and partially sighted young people, leaving them without the necessary information, guidance to make informed decisions about their future.
• Most blind and partially sighted children and young people surveyed reported a negative or at best neutral experience of CEIAG support.
• A shortage of impartial of specialist careers education advice and guidance that understand the needs of blind and partially sighted students.
• A lack of work experience and placement opportunities for some blind and partially sighted young people, including schools, withdrawing work placement opportunities and/or leaving it to the student to organise.
• Instances of disjointed and uncoordinated input from key professionals such as careers advisers, QTVIs and SENCOs.
• A shortfall in robust transition planning for those with Education, Health and Care Plans.

Read the Overview report

Read the full report