Give Me Access to College

Blind and Partially sighted Young People Remain Locked Out of College

We continue to urge Government to ensure blind and partially sighted students’ have access to the support and resources needed to thrive in post 16 education.

Our new report brings forth some of the challenges young people and professionals face with the continuing barriers to support, and the impact of a changing landscape of post 16 education. We ask you to take action and write to your Member of Parliament (MP) to include the needs of blind and partially sighted young people within reforms. 

Read the Give Me Access to College 2025 report 

We are calling on the Government to:

1. Review the effectiveness of T-Levels for students with Special Educational Needs and disabilities (SEND), including blind and partially sighted young people.
2. Provide adequate ringfenced funding for statutory vision impairment (VI) services in Further Education (FE) and to ensure there is accountability within the system for local authorities to deliver. This funding is crucial for blind and partially sighted young people to have access to the necessary resources and support throughout their educational journey.  
3. Remove the arbitrary use of Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for blind and partially sighted young people to access VI support in mainstream FE College settings.
4. Strengthen the ‘Preparing for Adulthood’ process to ensure positive transitions occur for blind and partially sighted young people.
5. Embed the Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with a Vision Impairment (CFVI) within policy. Integrating the CFVI into policy will ensure blind and partially sighted young people receive a consistent and inclusive education.  
6. To develop a strategy for mainstream and assistive technology. A comprehensive strategy is needed to ensure blind and partially sighted young people can access technology required to participate fully in education and gain skills for future employment.

In addition, we ask colleges to sign up to the Access and Assistance for All (AAA) campaign, to ensure their IT systems and programmes are accessible to young people with learning difficulties and disabilities using assistive technology.

Call for Action  

We are calling on your support! By sending the letter below to your Member of Parliament (MP), you can play a crucial role in creating a positive change. It’s quick, easy, and makes a real impact.

Support the campaign and send a letter to your MP

You can personalise the letter, add your details and if you wish your experiences, and send it to your MP to ensure they hear your concerns.

You can read our 2022 Give Me Access to College report here

Get in touch  

Our Education Information Advice and Guidance Service is here for blind and partially sighted students aged 7+, their families and the professionals that support them. We provide expert information, advice and guidance supporting students to navigate primary, secondary school, college and university. 

If you have any questions or would like support in accessing your studies, please reach out to us by email:EducationAdvice@pocklington.org.uk, or call our phone line on 0203 757 8040.

If you would like to learn more about our work, then sign up for our education newsletter. Or if you would like a more in-depth conversation about our work, contact us at EducationPolicy@pocklington.org.uk  

And you can stay in touch by joining our mailing list!