SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Facilitate optimal functioning for persons who are blind and partially sighted in controlled environments 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264936  Facilitate optimal functioning for persons who are blind and partially sighted in controlled environments 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Inclusive Education 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 05 - Education, Training and Development Adult Learning 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
117095  Facilitate optimal functioning for persons who are blind and partially sighted in controlled environments  Level 4  NQF Level 04  15   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The purpose of this Unit Standard is to ensure that learners are able to professionally facilitate the independence of persons who are blind and partially sighted by equipping them with the competencies to participate in activities of daily living. The target learners include orientation and mobility practitioners, as well as other professionals such as occupational therapists.

The qualifying learner will be able to equip the blind and partially sighted client to travel with a sighted guide and be independently mobile in a controlled environment. Controlled environments refers to the indoor area or grounds in which the person experiencing a visual barrier may live, study or work Clients may include persons with multiple disabilities.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Describing the role and responsibilities of facilitating the independence of persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Facilitating the independent functioning of persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Facilitating the learning of sighted guide skills by persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Facilitating pre-cane techniques for independent travel without a mobility aid in a controlled environment.
  • Facilitating orientation in a controlled environment.
  • Accessing support services for persons who are blind and partially sighted. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the role and responsibilities of facilitating the independence of persons who are blind and partially sighted 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role of a practitioner is described in terms of the provision of Orientation and Mobility services. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The responsibilities of the practitioner is explained in terms of the provision of Orientation and Mobility services. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    General attitudes of sighted persons towards blind and partially sighted persons are described in terms of the impact on relationships. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Attitudes of blind and partially sighted persons towards their visual disability are described in relation to their ability to overcome the disability. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Rights of the blind and partially sighted persons are explained in relation to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Facilitate independent functioning of persons who are blind and partially sighted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Physical needs of persons who are blind and partially sighted are analysed in terms of their ability to function independently and resources required to facilitate independent functioning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Emotional needs of persons who are blind and partially sighted are analysed in terms of their ability to function independently and resources required to facilitate independent functioning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Social needs of persons who are blind and partially sighted are analysed in terms of their ability to function independently and resources required to facilitate independent functioning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Present and potential capabilities are analysed in terms of independent functioning and interventions required to achieve the potential. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Facilitate the learning of sighted guide skills by persons who are blind and partially sighted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sighted guide skills are demonstrated according to Orientation and Mobility practice and safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Use of a sighted guide is taught to the blind and partially sighted person according to Orientation and Mobility practice and safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Adaptations of sighted guide techniques are implemented in relation to individual circumstances, needs and abilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Physical and/or verbal information is interpreted by the blind and partially sighted person to ensure efficient and safe guiding. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Facilitate pre-cane techniques for independent travel without a mobility aid in a controlled environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Pre-cane techniques for travel without a mobility aid refers to but is not limited to, squaring-off, mid-corridor travel, accurate turns. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Pre-cane techniques are demonstrated according to Orientation and Mobility practice and safety guidelines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Use of pre-cane skills are taught to blind and partially sighted persons according to Orientation and Mobility practice and safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Adaptations are made to pre-cane techniques in relation to individual needs and abilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Techniques used are reflected upon in relation to effectiveness, suitability and safety for a given situation. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Facilitate orientation in a controlled environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Requirements of orientation are described in relation to blind and partially sighted persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Components of orientation are applied in a controlled environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components includes, but is not limited to landmarks, clues, directional indicators, environmental systems and methods of measurement.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Route selection is assessed in relation to environmental risks, safety and effectiveness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Accurate information related to orientation, including route information, is conveyed according to Orientation and Mobility practice and safety requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Methods of orienting a blind and partially sighted person are explained in relation to promoting confidence in their ability. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Access support services for persons who are blind and partially sighted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Type of support required by specific persons who are blind and partially sighted is identified to determine if it meets specific context requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Various sources of support are identified in relation to appropriateness for specific contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Ways of approaching selected sources of support are explained according to organizational proceduresl. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Contingencies for accessing support are formulated and actioned according to organizational procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal moderation of assessment.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in the specific outcomes of the unit standard as well as the integrated competence described in the purpose of the unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner will be able to understand and explain relevant aspects of the following:
  • The impact of vision loss on the individual and family.
  • The adjustment process that may accompany a visual loss.
  • Support services and other resources available for persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Societal attitudes toward disability.
  • Empathy with and sensitivity towards persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Physical and proximity demands.
  • Physiological needs of persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Esteem needs of persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Capabilities of persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Importance of individual choice.
  • Travel needs of persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Signs and signals used to communicate with persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Safe and efficient route selection.
  • Safety requirements for guiding of persons who are blind and partially sighted in controlled environments.
  • Techniques and methods for responding to the needs of persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Techniques for travel.
  • Assistive devices and their uses.
  • Techniques, methods, resources and materials for independent living.
  • Inclusion within the SA context.
    > Range: Historical developments, and key legislation, policies, concepts and terminology. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the provision of sighted guide services in which responses display that critical thinking is used for responsible decision making. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community in facilitating the independent functioning of persons who are blind and partially sighted. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively in accessing support services for persons who are blind and partially sighted. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information about the client in order to facilitate independence training for persons who are blind and partially sighted. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using appropriate modes of oral and/or written persuasion in dealing with all internal and external role-players to access support services for persons who are blind and partially sighted. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 117095, "Facilitate optimal functioning for persons who are blind and partially sighted in controlled environments", Level 4, 15 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  67373   National Diploma: Orientation and Mobility Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.