CFVI – Preparing for Adulthood: Supporting Young People with Vision Impairment

Written by Tom Ashforth, Young Voices Volunteer 

The transition to adulthood is an important stage for all young people, but for blind and partially sighted (BPS) students, it brings unique challenges and opportunities that require specialist support. The Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment (CFVI) identifies 11 crucial areas for support, one of which is “Preparing for Adulthood.” This focus area highlights the importance of empowering BPS people with the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to lead fulfilling and independent lives beyond education.

Preparing for adulthood is not a process that begins at 18; from my own experience, it requires careful and thoughtful planning well in advance. Support should start early to ensure you have time to build the skills and resilience you need. This early preparation allows you to explore your strengths, interests, and ambitions, and identify the pathways—whether further study, employment, volunteering, or alternative opportunities—that align with your aspirations.

From my own experience, this area is important because you need to be aware of the different options available to you after you finish school so you can make the right decision for you. For example, I decided to complete a T-Level in Digital Services after finishing my GCSEs which has been a great opportunity and suits my future aspirations. As part of my course, I am completing a placement at Sheffield Hallam University which gives me experience of a workplace which will help me in the future. 

Transitions between educational stages—such as moving from school to college, or college to university—can be daunting. Giving BPS students the right support is crucial to understand options, access assistive technologies, and receive necessary adjustments for assignments, exams and in the classroom. This may include developing skills in areas such as self-advocacy, communication and knowing what assistive technology is out there and available that will suit your needs the best. Thomas Pocklington Trust run a bespoke transitions programme, STEP, which focuses on some of these themes and is free to attend. Find out more here: Student Transitions – Thomas Pocklington Trust

I have also embraced opportunities to develop my skillset. I am one of Thomas Pocklington Trust’s Young Voices Volunteers working on a project to make VI sport more inclusive. This is particularly important to me as I am on the GB pathway for para-cycling. I have also been a part of the Access and Assistance for All Campaign alongside TPT and other student champions. This has allowed me to develop skills such as teamwork, communication and problem solving to get colleges to sign up to our five pledges. This culminated in a Parliamentary reception in January where I got the opportunity to network with MPs and other stakeholders. Through these opportunities, I’ve also become more confident travelling independently and now regularly travel to London from Yorkshire by myself. Orientation and mobility are such important skills for BPS to lead independent lives whether that relates to getting to college or a job or even being able to navigate public transport will help with all areas of life. All these experiences have helped me grow in confidence and expand what I now know I’m capable of in the future when it comes to looking at jobs.

My T-Level is focused on Digital Services, so I feel confident in understanding and using the right assistive technology for me. Not every student feels the same so having a great QTVI who can help with this is important. I’ve been fortunate enough to have a great experience with my QTVI who was really supportive in helping me get the support I need and made my transition from school to college really smooth.

To conclude, this area of the CFVI ensures young people are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to embrace adulthood. It provides guidance for schools, colleges, and your family to support you with any challenges you may face as a BPS student, so you feel empowered to step into adulthood with a clear vision for your future.

To learn more about the CFVI and access practical resources, visit the Thomas Pocklington Trust website.