Supporting professional practice in habilitation
1 March 2022
Complex and sensory needs and habilitation – the growth of life skills and related capabilities among those with different forms of disability, including visual impairment – is a longstanding strand of research and teaching within the Department.

This episode hears from colleagues behind this work and how it has informed national and international standards and thinking on professional practice in this field.
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You can also read the episode transcript.
Panellists
- Dr Jessica Hayton
Dr Jessica Hayton is a Lecturer in Psychology. Jess previously worked in mainstream primary school settings as a teaching assistant, supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). She went on to develop research on interventions to support independent living skills in children with vision impairment and children with Down Syndrome and maximising independence. She leads IOE’s Graduate Diploma in Habilitation and Disabilities of Sight (Children and Young People), training students in achieving Qualified Habilitation Assistant or Qualified Habilitation Specialist status. View Dr Jessica Hayton's research profile.
- Dr Leda Kamenopoulou
Dr Leda Kamenopoulou is an Associate Professor at IOE. Leda’s research and teaching encompass the inclusion of learners with multi-sensory impairment and complex needs, and inclusion and disability in Southern contexts, with a particular focus on decolonising approaches and methodologies. Leda has also conducted research on teacher preparation for inclusive education. View Dr Leda Kamenopoulou's research profile.
Links
- Follow Dr Jessica Hayton on Twitter
- View Dr Jessica Hayton's LinkedIn profile
- Follow Dr Leda Kamenopoulou on Twitter
- View Dr Leda Kamenopoulou's LinkedIn profile
- Habilitation VI UK
- Quality Standards: Delivery of Habilitation Training (Mobility and Independent Living Skills) for Children and Young People with Visual Impairment (PDF)
- Specialist Qualification in Habilitation and Disabilities of Sight (Children and Young People) Grad Dip
- New book: Children with Vision Impairment: Assessment, Development, and Management
- Read the research paper 'What's in a Word: Distinguishing between Habilitation and Rehabilitation. International Journal of Orientation and Mobility'
- Multi–sensory impairment: convenient label or recipe for confusion? A scoping review of research conducted in England (2001-20)
- New book: Inclusive Education for Learners with Multi-sensory Impairment
- Psyched about Education podcast series
- Virtual open event on 10 March 2022: Specialist qualifications in Habilitation and Disabilities of Sight (Children and Young People) Grad Dip