SENSORY & PHYSICAL
Sensory and Physical Needs
Some students at the Aylesbury Vale Academy that have sensory and physical disabilities. Sensory needs present as hearing loss, visual impairment and sensory processing either in combination or isolation. Physical disabilities affect students in a wide range of ways – each bringing its own set of challenges to the student affected. Both sensory and physical disabilities occur for a variety of reasons such as a congenital condition (some progressive) injury or disease.
The important consideration is the degree to which the difficulties impact on a child or young person’s ability to access educational opportunities. Our SEN Team work with students, their families and carers and relevant external professionals prior to joining, through diagnosis and beyond. Working cohesively to ensure that difficulties and disabilities are managed to facilitate each individual’s participation both safely and inclusively.
Useful Websites:
SOS SEN - A national charity aiming to empower parents and carers of children and young people with SEN and disabilities to access the help they are entitled to, particularly in the education system.
www.ndcs.org.uk - National Deaf Children’s Society – have an informative website including information about a new software reader for spoken text on the web.
www.sense.org.uk - Sense - Give advice and assistance to deaf blind individuals or their family members and supporters.
www.rnib.org.uk - There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems and RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) is the leading charity offering practical support, advice and information to anyone with a sight problem. Their pioneering work helps not just with braille, Talking Books and computer training, but with imaginative and practical solutions to everyday challenges.
Buckinghamshire Family Information Service - Information, advice and guidance for parents on a wide range of subjects, including Special Educational Needs and Disability, childcare provision, after school provision and holiday activities
Contact A Family - Support and advice for families with a disabled child
Family Fund - Grants for families with a disabled child
IPSEA - Independent Special Education advice for parents
Mencap - Advice and support for people with learning disabilities
Preparing for Adulthood - Providing expertise and support for preparing for adulthood from the earliest years
SeeAbility - SeeAbility is a 200-year-old registered UK charity that supports people with sight loss and multiple disabilities, including learning and physical disabilities, mental health difficulties, acquired brain injury and life-limiting conditions
Whizz Kidz Support and advice for wheelchair users
https://classroom.thenational.academy/specialist/subjects/physical-development Oak academy lesson to support children with additional in in their physical development
https://sensory-processing.middletownautism.com/ support for autistic learners with sensory processing, ideas for activities, resources and guidance for those supporting them
https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-the-ipad-to-support-learners-with-physical-difficulties/ A guide to using the iPad to Support Learners with Physical Difficulties
https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-the-ipad-to-support-learners-with-visual-difficulties/ Using the iPad to Support Learners with Visual Difficulties
https://www.callscotland.org.uk/downloads/posters-and-leaflets/using-windows-10-accessibility-tools-to-support-learners-with-visual-difficulties/ Using Windows 10 'Accessibility' Tools to Support Learners with Visual Difficulties
https://www.griffinot.com/developing-childrens-fine-motor-skills/fine-motor-activities-with-kim-griffinot/ 10 weeks worth of videos with activities to develop children fine motor skills
https://www.rhymingmultisensorystories.com/ multisensory stories for downloading using signs, props, movement etc. to engage children with special needs.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zf2f9j6/articles/z3c6tfr dance mat typing to develop typing skills, different levels of challenge.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_ah-07GtU9ou18fXpkcZSQ Learn British sign language fun videos
Ms H Bryant
Lead LSA for Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairment
"I have worked at Aylesbury Vale Academy for more than 8 years and it's in this time that I have developed a strong interest in supporting students with physical disabilities and visual and hearing impairment.
I work closely with the specialist teachers and other professional bodies to ensure that our students individual needs are met in the classroom. I strive to help students have the best possible inclusive school experience and not let their needs be an obstacle.
I am passionate about equipping students with the skills and tools to access the curriculum independently and promoting positive outcomes for these students."