Graduate Diploma in Low Vision Rehabilitation

The Course GCU in partnership with the Scottish Government and Social Work Scotland have developed a one year Graduate Diploma in Low Vision Rehabilitation programme to provide education to those working in low vision rehabilitation. .Programme Aim On completion of the programme you should be able to carry out the role of a rehabilitation worker. The course will focus on the assessment of those with visual impairment, and instruct them on how to plan, implement, evaluate and review rehabilitative services to the visually impaired person aimed at maximising and maintaining independence.

The course will teach the students how to Improve daily living skills, provide mobility training, indoors and outdoors, assess and advise those with low vision, liaise with other specialist workers as necessary and to comply with local and national policy on visual impairment in supporting those requiring the services of a rehabilitation worker.

Overview •Fulltime programme for 1 year with part time attendance at University.

•3 modules = 120 credits *( Low Vision rehabilitation, Orientation and Mobility Rehabilitation, Work Based Learning ( 600 hours of work with 200 hours signed off by a qualified mentor)

•SCQF level 9 (Foundation Degree Equivalent) •All modules run over one year to allow an even pace of learning and not overload students.

•Online lectures delivered via GCU Learn will start in March 2018

•5 weeks of attendance at university

Proposed dates for 18/19 course are week 8th -12 of January, 6th and 7th of March,12th and 13th o March, 16th – 20th of April, 11th and 12 th of June, 6th -8th of August, 10th -14th of Sept, 8th -12 of January 2019 assessments March/April 2019 Entry Requirements Minimum of HNC or equivalent in health and social care , entry may be allowed in recognition of prior experience

Be working in a rehabilitation environment full time either within a local authority, NHS or third sector environment

Have a rehabilitation worker who can mentor you and sign off competencies.

Support from your manager to undertake the course

How to apply?

Application forms are available from Karen Ward (Programme Coordinator ). Please note a mentor and employer agreement form must also be submitted at the time of your application. Interviews maybe held to assess suitability for the course.

Contact ; [email protected]

20 funded places are available Teaching and Assessment

•Internal lecturers will prepare and deliver lectures to support blended elements. •External lecturers will be appointed to deliver specialist elements lectures and assessments

•Internal lecturers will deliver the mentor training for work based learning and oversee the work based supervision portfolio and supervision of the placement/ work based learning

•Process to identify possible lecturers externally has been instigated and a letter has been sent out to social work departments throughout Scotlandto notify trainers of the opportunity subject to approval.

•Low Vision Rehabilitation and Orientation and Mobility modules delivered in a blended manner.

•Work Based Learning Module : supervised by mentors who will receive training as part of the programme. Assessments will be overseen by programme leader and internal lecturers as well

•Formative assessments will be used to familiarise students with university assessments. Summative Assessments will not take place until semB and C but are practical based and work based.

•All coursework elements to be completed for August boards

•Student support will be provided by academic advisors and LDC in SHLS as well as work based mentors. Career Benefits

•Currently no career structure

•Industry requires autonomous individuals who can work independently •Credits from Graduate Diploma can be used towards other qualifications

•Consistency of training across Scotland leading to more even care for all in Scotland and ultimately this will benefit those needing the support and rehabilitation

•Link with others professions can be strengthened

•Future developments possible