Visual Impairment Awareness Training

Hosted by the Insurance Institute of Manchester, Henshaws are committed to creating a more accessible and inclusive world for people with visual impairments. This training course is designed to educate businesses and individuals on practical ways to provide meaningful support and promote inclusivity. During the session, participants will engage in hands-on activities to better understand the challenges faced by individuals with visual impairments. The course includes:

• Practical demonstrations using simulation glasses.
• Guidance on effective communication strategies.
• Insights into the use of guide canes.
• Tips for creating accessible written materials, including font recommendations.
• Interactive discussions to build awareness and empathy.

By the end of the training, you will gain valuable skills and knowledge to make a positive difference in the lives of people with sight loss.

• Understand the Impact of Visual Impairments: Gain insights into how visual impairments affect daily tasks
• Improve Communication Strategies: Explore methods for clear and inclusive communication with individuals living with sight loss
• Increase Empathy and Awareness: Participate in experiential activities, such as using simulation glasses, to better understand the challenges faced by people with visual impairments.
• Learn about Assistive Tools and Techniques: Gain knowledge of guide canes, accessible writing formats, and other resources that aid independence for individuals with sight loss.
• Promote Accessibility and Inclusivity: Identify ways to make environments, services, and materials more accessible for people with visual impairments.

The Course Leader is Simon Merrills the Head of First Steps Service for Henshaws.

Simon has been working for Henshaws for over 16 years now, he started his journey as a service user when he lost a considerable amount of his sight. Following a visit to the
job centre he was signposted to Henshaws and took part in a course call Skill Step. Following on from this he retrained to become a Rehabilitation Officer for people with Vision Impairment (ROVI), now known as Vision Rehabilitation Specialists (VRS). Moving up in the organisation he started to manage the Patient support offer based in Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, this service supports patients following diagnosis.
As Simon developed further offers, he became the Head of First Steps, developing and managing the services that welcome new and existing people with sight loss to Henshaws services. Simon has developed many offers and new services and is a member of the Sight Loss Support Teams senior leadership team. During his many years at Henshaws Simon has developed the VIAT offer and made it an integral part of the Henshaws offer. Raising awareness across the wider community is a key part of our work.

As a qualified VRS and a person living with sight loss Simon is able to bring an integration of lived experience and professional qualifications to the role. Ensuring the training and services we offer are both relevant and effective.

To view our image and video capture consent statement, please click here.