Blind and visually impaired students

The blind and visually impaired students that we support often need extensive support in their first weeks at Queen Mary as they familiarise themselves with the campus. Depending on when someone lost their sight they will have different levels of independence when it comes to movement.

Someone born blind or who loses their sight within the first few years of their life is likely to have developed strategies to ensure they can move independently – these will typically be a white cane or a guide dog.

In contrast, someone who has lost their sight relatively recently, or whose sight is deteriorating, may need far more support as they learn to cope with not being able to see their surroundings.

Many blind and visually impaired students have some form of professional orientation support provided to help them familiarise themselves with their new surroundings. If they require campus support after that, it is usually just to ensure that they can find their way to the correct building and there is an expectation that after a few weeks they will be independent enough not to require it.

Whatever type of support a particular student requires, the Disability and Dyslexia Service will provide unambiguous advice about exactly what a student requires and how best to provide this support.