This article considers the concept of access in the education of visually impaired children and young people, with particular reference to print literacy. The article describes implications for teaching and policy at various levels of the educational process: classroom practice; broader teaching and curriculum requirements (including service design); professional training; other system requirements (including inter-agency working, infrastructure and potential role of special schools). The article particularly emphasises the importance of teaching students access skills, which maximises independence. (Contains 2 tables.)