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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate understanding of specific medical conditions that impact on the planning of independence training programmes for blind and partially sighted persons 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264955  Demonstrate understanding of specific medical conditions that impact on the planning of independence training programmes for blind and partially sighted persons 
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  12 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
The qualifying learner will be able to apply knowledge of human visual systems, auditory systems and medical conditions that may lead to blindness and partial sightedness to develop appropriate Orientation and Mobility (O&M) interventions. The practitioner will gain the necessary insight to serve clients who may be persons with multiple disabilities. The practitioners will work with significant others (family members, work colleagues, service providers etc.) to enhance the training and support of the client.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Explaining the basic functioning of the visual and auditory systems.
  • Explaining the medical disorders and diseases that may lead to blindness and partial sightedness.
  • Explaining the common conditions that impact on training.
  • Applying knowledge of eye and other medical conditions that impact on the learner to develop appropriate O&M interventions. 
    		•

    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 
    Explain the basic functioning of the visual and auditory systems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The anatomical structure of the visual system is explained in terms of its function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The anatomical structure of the auditory system is explained in terms of its function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Transmission of sensory information to the brain is explained in terms of how it is received and processed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Vision problems that cannot be corrected by surgery and/or spectacles are described in relation to loss of sight. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Conductive and sensory hearing loss is explained in relation to the effect on a blind and partially sighted person. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Explain medical disorders and diseases that may lead to blindness and partial sightedness. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Medical disorders and diseases includes, but is not limited to: Diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke or vascular accidents, HIV/Aids and German measles. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Medical disorders and diseases that cause loss of vision are listed and categorised according to clients' medical records. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Categories include, but is not limited to low central visual acuity, restricted visual fields, genetic disorders, perceptual difficulties, cortical visual loss, progressive visual impairment and external factors.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Effects of each disorder and disease is explained in relation to an individual's ability to function in daily living. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Explain the common conditions that impact on training of the blind and partially sighted person. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Common conditions include, but is not limited to deafness, traumatic brain injury, intellectual impairment, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, pulmonary dysfunction, cardio-vascular disease, mental illness, epilepsy, amputations, rheumatic disease and multiple disabilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The medical conditions of the client are explained in terms of their impact on the design and implementation of the training programme. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Side effects of chronic medication are explained in terms of the impact on the training capacity of the client. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The psycho-social effects of the common conditions are explained in terms of its impact on the training capacity of the client. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Psycho-social includes but are not limited to alcohol abuse, drug abuse and tobacco.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Apply knowledge of medical conditions to develop appropriate O&M interventions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Strategies used in O&M interventions are explained in relation to the nature and extent of the visual and medical impairment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Strategies include, but is not limited to manipulate the environment, assistive devices, technology, use of all remaining senses, use of appropriate techniques and methods.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Other variables that impact on learning and training are identified for incorporation into the programme. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Other variables include, but is not limited to: physical environment, remaining senses, age, social circumstances, family, care givers, religion, culture and belief systems.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An individual training programme is developed taking into account the medical conditions and other identified variables. 


    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:
  • Human visual system.
  • Human auditory system.
  • Medical conditions that contribute to blindness and loss of vision.
  • Impact of medical conditions, medication and substance abuse on training programmes.
  • O&M strategies and training programmes.
  • Developing of training programmes to suit specific needs. 
    		•

    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 medical conditions that impact on the planning of training programmes for persons who are blind and partially sighted 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 planning a training programme for persons who are blind and partially sighted. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively in planning a training programme for persons who are blind and partially sighted. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information about a client's medical condition to plan a training programme for a blind and partially sighted person. 

    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 plan a training programme 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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  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.