Skills In-Sight Project

Skills In-Sight is a project with a focus to develop an accessible toolkit for blind and partially sighted people completing an initial assessment in English and maths. It can be used in education, training or work based learning environments and was launched in March 2012 following a 20 month project plan. Action for Blind People developed the Skills In-Sight toolkit, with funding from the Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS).

Accessibility

Research conducted through the project identified that further education colleges, work based learning providers, training organisations and specialist colleges catering for visually impaired people, described current on-screen initial assessments as largely inaccessible for blind and partially sighted learners.

The main issue was found to be poor compatibility with assistive technology software.

For some people with sight loss the assessment can become a test of memory rather than testing their subject knowledge.

Skills In-Sight Project toolkit

The on-screen version has audio and magnification options and can be used alongside alternative formats including:

  • Braille uncontracted (Grade 1) and contracted (Grade 2)
  • Large print in a range of font sizes
  • Tactile diagrams with Braille, large print and audio labels.

The assessment process will involve:

  1. On-screen needs analysis
  2. Initial assessment
  3. Diagnostic assessment
  4. Reporting process

Who can use it?

Any organisation that uses an initial assessment process for english and maths, and that recognises the importance of making it accessible to blind and partially sighted people.

Training on how to use the toolkit effectively with alternative resources will be delivered between April 2012 and September 2012.  

Find out more about professional development sessions 

The toolkit website

Each person using the toolkit will need to set up an account through the LSIS Excellence Gateway.  The final version of the Skills In-Sight toolkit is free to use and is available now.

Visit the Skills In-Sight toolkit website and sign up for an account.

Contact us

If you have any questions regarding the Skills In-Sight Project please contact Sue Grewcock, Skills In-Sight Project Manager.

t: 01509 63242 or 07872421686

e: Sue.grewcock@actionforblindpeople.org.uk

Further information about the Skills In-Sight Project

Find out why we have developed a toolkit

Find out about the Skills In-Sight project history

Find out about the future work for the Skills In-Sight Project

 

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