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

Map aspects of the environment for persons who are blind and partially sighted 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264934  Map aspects of the environment for persons who are blind and partially sighted 
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
117091  Map aspects of the environment for persons who are blind and partially sighted  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard is intended for practitioners who train people who are blind and partially sighted to be independently mobile in a variety of situations. Qualified learners are able to map an aspect of an environment for use by a person who is blind or partially sighted.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Identifying needs of people who are blind and partially sighted in order to enhance mobility.
  • Planning maps to suit persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Constructing maps that guide persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Use of maps to enhance the mobility of persons who are blind or partially sighted.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of maps in relation to purpose. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication skills at NQF Level 4.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of communication methods for blind and partially sighted persons at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The mapping aspect of the environment refers to the production of navigational aids such as tactile maps or diagram's that represent part of environments, and can be used by blind or partially sighted persons to travel in such environments by encoding information from the maps. The maps are important ways of enhancing orientation and mobilitys for people who are blind or partially sighted. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Identify needs of people who are blind and partially sighted in order to enhance mobility. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different types of maps available for use by persons who are blind or partially sighted are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Needs regarding the enhancement of mobility of persons who are blind or partially sighted are identified in consultation with the relevant persons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The value of a map to persons who are blind or partially sighted is described in relation to its function and purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The ability of persons who are blind or partially sighted to access the information contained on maps are assessed against given criteria and specific context requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Plan maps to suit persons who are blind or partially sighted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information is gathered and organised to accurately reflect specific geographical environments. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Routes through the environments are selected in relation to safety, ease and speed of movement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Materials and resources for maps are identified according to the individual needs of the blind or partially sighted person and the type of map to be constructed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Considerations include, but are not limited to:
  • Audio, tactile and visual information.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Map plans are reviewed in consultation with persons who are blind or partially sighted. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Construct maps that enhance the mobility of persons who are blind and partially sighted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Materials and resources for maps are sourced and selected, according to the individual needs of the blind or partially sighted person and the type of map to be constructed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Maps are constructed for use by persons who are blind or partially sighted according to Orientation and Mobility practice. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Guidelines includes, but is not limited:
  • To issues such as size, scale, durability.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Information on maps accurately reflects geographical environments in accordance with Orientation and Mobility practice guidelines. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Guidelines includes, but is not limited:
  • To the amount and positioning of information on map, use of line and aerial symbols, clarity conciseness.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Use maps to enhance the mobility of persons who are blind or partially sighted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Techniques for utilizing the information contained on maps are taught to persons who are blind or partially sighted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Orientation of maps is explained to reflect the directions of specific geographic areas. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Information presented on maps is interpreted according to Orientation and Mobility practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Maps are utilized along specific routes for safe and optimal travel. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Maps are utilized to enhance understanding of specific geographical areas and/or concepts. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Geographical areas and/or concepts includes, but is not limited to use of a maps to convey particular concepts such as "T", "Y" shaped-intersections, room shapes.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Evaluate the effectiveness of maps in relation to purpose. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Assessment of maps is conducted to determine whether objectives were met. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Problem areas are identified as this relates to the interpretation of information for specific individuals. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Problem areas are identified as this relates to the suitability of maps in meeting the identified objectives of persons who are blind or partially sighted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Maps are adapted/changed in order to address the identified problem areas. 


    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:
  • Concepts and terms that are related to the interpretation of maps.
  • Interpretation of geographic and other types of maps.
  • Characteristics of and information included on maps.
  • Spatial concepts such as direction, and their application in map design.
  • Standard map design guidelines.
  • Materials and resources suitable for maps for persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Map reading techniques for persons who are blind and partially sighted.
  • Safety requirements related to map design and use.
  • Criteria for assessing the ability of persons who are blind and partially sighted to access information on maps.
  • How people who experience a visual barrier use body image, spatial, temporal, positional, directional and environmental concepts.
  • The effects of a visual barrier on concept development.
  • The manner in which people who experience a visual barrier acquire and utilize conceptual information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems where responses to problems show that such critical and creative thinking has been used to make responsible decisions regarding routes that are safe. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community when consulting and discussing with persons who are blind or partially sighted their needs regarding enhancement of mobility. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively to adhere to standard map design guidelines. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information about geographic environments, needs regarding enhancement of mobility, map characteristics required and the effectives of maps in relation to their purpose. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematic and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation to construct maps and to consult with persons who are blind or partially sighted regarding their needs. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when planning maps to accurately reflect specific geographic environments. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when process reflection systematically recognises areas of improvement. 

    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 117091 "Map aspects of the environment for persons who are blind and partially sighted", Level 5, 15 credits. 

    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.