Network 1000

Network 1000 seeks to survey the changing needs and circumstances of visually impaired people though a sample of 1000 visually impaired people from across the UK. Phase 1 funded by Big Lottery Fund and VISION 2020 UK.  Phase 2 funded by VISION 2020 UK, RNIB, Thomas Pocklington Trust and GDBA.

• Network 1000 Survey 1 [pdf - 54 KB]
• Network 1000 Survey 1 [Word.doc - 53 KB]

• Network 1000 – report of take up of benefits [pdf - 105 KB ]
• Network 1000 – report of take up of benefits [Word.doc - 361 KB ]

Braille dot height

This project investigated the braille dot elevation required when reading braille from pharmaceutical packages.  The research was carried out in conjunction with the RNIB and was funded by a consortium of packaging manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and voluntary organisations of blind and partially sight people.

• Braille dot height on pharmaceutical packaging report [pdf - 469 KB]
• Braille dot height on pharmaceutical packaging report [Word.coc - 2.18 MB]

Steps to Independence

This project investigated the mobility and independence needs of children with a visual impairment and how best to support their learning. DfES, GDBA, Opsis, RNIB.

• Steps to Independence [pdf - 930 KB]
• Steps to Independence [Word.doc - 495 KB]

Thomas Pocklington Trust (TPT) commissioned projects. TPT have commissioned VICTAR to carry out a number of projects in the areas of evaluation of day service provision, eye clinic support services, and the needs of older people with hearing and sight loss.

Dotted Moon

This project investigated the potential of Moon production through braille embossers (‘dotted moon’), and its impact upon reading. DfES and RNIB.

• Dotted Moon [pdf - 142 KB]
• Dotted Moon [Word.doc - 157 KB]

Print reading and computer use

Two studies which compared computer and paper presentations of text and considered ergonomic aspects (in particular posture) of computer use. RNIB.

Standardisation of print reading scores for partially sighted print readers

This project investigated reading ability by assessing the reading of nearly 500 children with low vision using the Neale Analysis of Reading Ability. RNIB.

• Standardisation of print reading scores for partially sighted print readers [pdf - KB kb]
• Standardisation of print reading scores for partially sighted print readers [Word.doc - 636 KB]

West Midlands RNIB Social Inclusion Project

This project investigated and developed methods of supporting the social inclusion of children with a visual impairment at school. DfES and RNIB

• West Midlands RNIB Social Inclusion Project [pdf - 575 KB]
• West Midlands RNIB Social Inclusion Project [Word.doc (text only)- 256 KB]

Development of online problem-based learning resources

Through a series of projects we have investigated the use of innovative online problem-based learning group activities in supporting the professional development of teachers. University of Birmingham, Learning Development Unit.

Phase 1

• Developing on-line problem based learning resources for use in the professional development of specialist teachers of the visually impaired - Report for Phase 1 [pdf - 685 KB]
• Developing on-line problem based learning resources for use in the professional development of specialist teachers of the visually impaired - Report for Phase 1  [Word.doc (text only)- 914 KB]

Phase 2

• Embedding on-line Problem Based Learning resources in a professional programme for specialist teachers of children with visual impairment - Report for Phase 2 [pdf - 1.68 MB]
• Embedding on-line Problem Based Learning resources in a professional programme for specialist teachers of children with visual impairment - Report for Phase 2 [Word.doc - 2.13 MB]