We want to make it as easy as possible for you to apply so to meet the eligibility criteria for Tech for All, we can accept one of the following:
- A certificate of a person’s registration as sight impaired (partially sighted) or severely sight impaired (blind):
- In England, Wales, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey: a Certificate of Vision Impairment (CVI) including parts one and two. To receive a CVI, an eye specialist (known as an ophthalmologist) needs to examine your child to decide whether your child can be certified, and if so they'll complete an official certificate with the results of an eye examination, as well as information about your child's circumstances.
- In Northern Ireland: a CVI (Northern Ireland)
- In Scotland: either a letter confirming notification to VINCYP (Visual Impairment Network for Children and Young People) or a CVI Scotland
- Letter from an ophthalmologist stating that the child or young person’s sight is at a level which makes them eligible to be registered if desired (we will accept this if a young person is not yet registered).
- Letter on NHS headed paper from a consultant showing the child’s name, date of birth and vision impairment diagnosis.
- Letter from a Qualified Teacher of the Visually Impaired (QTVI) stating that the child or young person’s sight is at a level which makes them eligible to be registered if desired (we will accept this if your child is not yet registered). The letter must include contact details for the QTVI.
- A registration card issued by or on behalf of local authority stating the child/young person’s name alongside a birth certificate or passport showing the child or young person’s full name and date of birth. Please upload these as one document.
- Letter from a Guide Dogs Habilitation Specialist confirming status of vision impairment registration. Please note, Guide Dogs Habilitation Specialists can only provide these letters for children and young people who they are currently working with.
Before we can process your application, we will need to have received a copy of one of the above to show your child's registration documents or proof that they have a vision impairment, with a file size no larger than 3MB. Your application form will not move forward for review until we have seen these.
I have lost my registration certificate (CVI), how do I get a replacement?
If you live in England or Wales and have lost your CVI (Certificate of Vision Impairment) and need a replacement, contact the Ophthalmology department where your eye specialist first certified your sight loss. They should hold your original CVI and be able to give you a copy of it. Your local authority sensory department and GP may also have copies.
If you live in Scotland you will have a Confirmation of Registration, instead of a certificate. You can request a copy of your registration document from social care.
If you live in Northern Ireland, you can request a copy of your certificate from your Ophthalmologist or local authority.
I don’t have my proof that my child has a vision impairment. How can I get it?
If you are experiencing any issues in getting proof to support your application, our team of trained professionals can help. Call us on 0333 070 3706 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.