Who is the session for?
This training is specifically tailored to the support networks of an adult with a vision impairment, including friends, family members and colleagues. You can attend either by yourself or with a group of friends and family.
Your friend or family member with sight loss is welcome to attend but does not have to. The training is suitable for adults and children aged 12 years and over to learn the basics of sighted guiding, where the child is accompanied by an adult.
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What does the training cover?
- How to use sighted guide techniques to help people get around the obstacles they come across every day, so that they can get out and about with confidence.
- Top tips for practical guiding, such as the correct grip to use, walking through narrow spaces and how to detect changes on the ground and at head level.
- Discussion on some of the emotional consequences of sight loss.
- An introduction to access rights for those with sight loss and the challenges they can face.
- Meeting others with similar experiences, with the chance to share knowledge and helpful tips with each other.
When does the training take place?
Our sessions run throughout the month at different times. We’ll work with you to find a session that suits you. These sessions are delivered online, but face-to-face session can be arranged if required.
The session helped in expected and unexpected ways. I had hoped/ expected to gain some practical ideas and greater understanding -and I did. I hadn’t expected to gain such a clear insight into my own response to my sister’s recent visual impairment.
Sign up to Friends and Family Sighted Guide Training today
Complete our online form to sign up for Friends and Family Sighted Guide Training.
Frequently asked questions
You won't receive a qualification for completing the Friends and Family Sighted Guide Training, but you will be able to refresh or learn the skills to safely and confidently guide your friend or family member, so they can get out and about and do the things they enjoy.
Our Friends and Family Sighted Guide Training runs for just under two hours online via Microsoft Teams. But in person sessions can be arranged if required.
No, Friends and Family Sighted Guide Training covers the same skills as an Introduction to Sighted Guide Training but will also provide the opportunity to meet others with similar experiences and learn about some of the challenges that your friend or family member with sight loss may face.
Refresher training is not compulsory, but attending every two years to refresh your skills is recommended. However, you're very welcome to attend the session again at any point.
