Empowering Teachers Supporting Students with Visual Impairment

Commissioned by the Education Bureau (EDB), HKSB successfully organized the “Thematic Course for Teacher Professional Development on Catering for Students with Visual Impairment (VI) - For the 2025/26 School Year”. Conducted over ten days with a total of 60 training hours, the programme attracted 36 teachers from primary, secondary and special schools. Jointly organized by HKSB and Ebenezer School, the course combined lectures, practical experiences, lesson observation, service visits and group discussions to equip teachers with the knowledge and skills required to support students with visual impairment.

The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, including visual functions and common eye conditions, educational needs and teaching strategies for students with visual impairment, orientation and mobility training, Braille literacy, assistive technology, parental support, career development and community resources. In addition to classroom learning, participants visited Ebenezer School to gain first-hand understanding of school-based support practices and the learning experiences of students with visual impairment. The programme also included visits to various HKSB service units, including the Centralised Braille Production Centre, Information Accessibility Centre, Family Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired, Career Support and Development Centre, and Rehabilitation Centre. Through these visits, participants gained a deeper understanding of HKSB’s diverse services and the continuum of support available to visually impaired individuals from education and rehabilitation to employment.

The Course was well received by participants. Through interactions with students with visual impairment, educators and multidisciplinary professionals, participants enhanced their understanding of the learning needs of students with visual impairment as well as the challenges they may encounter at different stages of life. Many participants found the lesson observation sessions, practical activities and cross-disciplinary sharing particularly valuable, as these experiences enabled them to connect theory with classroom practice and strengthened their confidence in supporting students with visual impairment. The programme also deepened participants’ understanding of inclusive education and inspired them to create more accessible, supportive and inclusive learning environments in their schools.

HKSB would like to express its sincere gratitude to the Education Bureau, Ebenezer School, all participating service units and the team of instructors for their invaluable support and collaboration. Looking ahead, we will continue to work closely with the education sector to promote professional teacher development and inclusive education, enhancing educators’ capacity to support students with visual impairment and empowering them to realize their potential and participate fully in school and community life.