AbstractA part‐time course of academic study and practical training in the education of visually handicapped children was required to complement an existing full‐time university course. Since the number of teachers of visually handicapped children is relatively small, a distance teaching course was prepared. A system of regional supervision and guidance of practical teaching was evolved since assessed competence in the teaching of visually handicapped children is an essential element in the qualification. It is suggested that the methods and procedures adopted might have relevance for the training of other small groups of teachers requiring specialised training for work with children who have special needs.