Getting Around Independently – How the CFVI Can Help

Written by Sofia, Young Voices volunteer.

Hi! My name is Sofia and I’m one of Thomas Pocklington Trust’s Young Voices. I wanted to talk to you about the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment, or CFVI for short. The CFVI outlines 11 areas blind and partially sighted young people should receive help and support with. 

Area 5 of the CFVI: Orientation and Mobility, recognises the importance of teaching children and young people with vision impairment to be able to navigate the world around them, and to be able to move safely and with confidence from one place to the next. 

From my personal experience, this area is important because I want to be independent and not always rely on other people. Having the right skills to enable me to do this is important. 

There are people that can help you with this such as your QTVI, habilitation specialist, friends and family. They can all help you feel more confident when learning how to navigate independently, as well as apps and technology such as Google Maps, Apple Maps, VoiceVista, MoveIt, Compass, Be My Eyes, Seeing AI and others. 

The impact the CFVI and this area can have on people as they get older and maybe go to new places, such as a new college or university, can be great. In my own personal case, I recently took a solo trip to America to gain further knowledge about living independently as a blind person and returned home with an expanded range of skills, some of which, I have put towards learning my new route to college. I am now travelling independently and using public transport to get to college.

Having these important transferable skills contributes to so many parts of creating an independent life as a disabled person. These fundamental tools allow me to explore and build upon the knowledge that is helping me create an enriched and independent lifestyle.

If you already have some skills living as a blind individual, you are not far from growing your potential. All you need is confidence. This is a skill in itself, and is something we can only achieve through strength, practise and consistency. It’s not a journey that is easily done alone and it’s important to know when to ask for support. Make sure that your family, your friends and teachers at school/college are aware of the CFVI as it can help you in lots of different areas in your life, not only orientation and mobility, but many other aspects of living as an independent, confident and empowered individual. 

For more information on the CFVI, check out TPT’s website: Curriculum Framework For Children and Young People With Vision Impairment: Policy and Campaigning – Thomas Pocklington Trust