The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) offers a rehabilitation programme entitled Learning for life for people with a significant degree of sight loss. This includes individuals with impaired vision since birth and those whose vision impairment has occurred later in life (for example, as a result of an accident, illness, or a progressive disorder).
The aim of the programme is to maximise the quality of life and independence of trainees in accordance with their own wishes. Core elements of the course include mobility, technology training, and daily living skills. The programme aims to provide trainees with the skills, knowledge and attitude required to access further education and training.
The course is open to anyone who is eligible to apply. No previous educational or other qualifications are necessary to do the course; likewise, applicants will not be excluded from the course if they do have educational or other qualifications or are working. You can find more information in our document about working with a disability.
Rules
Eligibility
The foundation course is open to people with a significant degree of sight loss.
Course content
The content of the course is divided into several sections. These include:
- Communication skills
- Independent living skills
- Personal effectiveness
- Mobility training
You can find further information on mobility training for people with visual impairment here.
Course accreditation
If trainees have completed areas of the course that are eligible for certification (for example, computer skills), certificates will be awarded to trainees through Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI).
Employment
There is an Employment Officer on-site at the NCBI, who will assist trainees in their job-seeking endeavours (for example, career guidance, preparation of CVs, help finding work placements, advice, etc.) but it is up to individual trainees to source future employment.
Rates
The course is free of charge.
How to apply
Individuals wishing to apply for a place on the course may do so either through an NCBI community resource worker or by applying directly to the manager of the NCBI’s training centre
