Empowering blind and partially sighted students to make the most of the key moments in their education
From starting secondary school through to entering employment, we want to support you in approaching the key transitional stages of your education as a blind or partially sighted student. Whether you’re in secondary school, attending college or sixth form, starting university or thinking about employability, we can provide you with the information, advice and support you need to move through mainstream education.
This year, we are holding several online events that will address three key topics to aid you in transitioning to the next stage of your education:
We will be holding three events for each of these topics, one for each stage of education: secondary school, college/sixth form and university. So, regardless of where you are currently in your education journey, there will be an event for you!
We’ll be kicking things off with our #SocialEyes events, focusing on socialising and social wellbeing. The dates and times for the other events happening throughout the next 12 months will be added as we go, so watch this space. For now, scroll down to our #SocialEyes section to get registered for your first event!
Our #SocialEyes events are a great opportunity to meet other blind and partially sighted students. We want to reassure you that you are not alone, even if you are the only person in your school, college or university, who has a vision impairment. These events will enable you to form a supportive network of peers that can provide advice and reassurance. In addition, you will learn and discuss tips and guidance from professionals and students that have been where you are.
These discussions will give you the tools to approach the social situations that may currently feel inaccessible or unnerving. We want to enable you to access the social life that you want, whether that be taking part in extra-curricular activities at school or joining societies at university. These sessions are tailored to address the specific social challenges you face as a student with a vision impairment.
Whatever stage of education you are in, there is an event for you! See below the event details and registration links.
Date: Wednesday 29th November 2023
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
This event will be a great opportunity for you to meet and talk to other blind and partially sighted students at secondary school. We will share with you our top tips for socialising at secondary school and communicating your vision impairment to your peers. We will be joined by speakers from Thomas Pocklington Trust’s Student Support Service, and a member of Look UK’s Mentoring Scheme, to share how they can support you.
Register for #SocialEyes at secondary school event
Date: Monday 8th January 2024
Time: 6:00pm – 6:45pm
At this event, you will be able to meet other blind and partially sighted students of a similar age who might relate to some of the circumstances you are confronting at this time in your life. While some of your fully sighted peers might be learning to drive and enjoying the idea of going to nightclubs, you could feel as though you’re unable to access these same interests. However, we are here to support you in accessing the social life you want, so we will be sharing some social life hacks and tips that could help. We will also be joined by a speaker, who will share their own experiences of navigating socialising as a partially sighted student in college.
Register for #SocialEyes at college event
Date: Monday 29th January 2024
Time: 7:00pm – 8:00pm
University is known for its learning opportunities, both academic and social. This event is designed to support you in accessing the social offers of university, whether that be joining societies, befriending flatmates or embracing the stereotypical student night life. We will share with you some essential uni life hacks and discuss any concerns or advice you might have as a group. We will also be hearing from a member of Thomas Pocklington Trust’s Student Voices, who will share their insights into socialising at university.
Register for #SocialEyes at university event
If you have any questions about the above events, please contact the event facilitator, Emily, on Emily.lamb@pocklington.org.uk.
This online community is for blind and partially sighted students, family and friends, education providers and other staff in the sector. It forms a supportive environment where relevant news, advice, questions and pieces of work can be shared to enable students with visual impairments to get the most out of their time at university.
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