Vol. 437 No. 6
587 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education the provision that has been made for visually impaired children with other disabilities from the point of view of their visual impairment; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
588 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education when the recommendations (details supplied) by the Special Education Review Committee will be implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
589 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education the means that exist for correcting work by visually impaired children who are braille dependent as teachers are not familiar with braille; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
590 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education if equipment for partially sighted children such as closed circuit televisions and easee readers can be provided by her Department; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
592 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Education if it is her Department's policy to provide equipment such as books and tuition for visually impaired children attending ordinary schools, as identified by the visiting teacher service; if this is currently being implemented; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 587, 588, 589, 590 and 592 together.
The educational needs of visually impaired children are catered for in a variety of ways. In the more severe cases, attendance at a special school dedicated to the needs of such children may be the appropriate response. In less severe cases, such children can normally function quite successfully in an integrated setting, if necessary, with some additional back-up support designed to meet their particular needs.
Children attending special schools have access to a comprehensive range of highly developed support services, including teachers who are proficient in the use of braille. In some cases, these children would have additional disabilities for which special support services are also available.
The main support mechanism for children with visual impairment attending ordinary schools is the visiting teacher service which has recently been re-organised and strengthened to provide an increased level of service to pupils with visual impairment. Specialist teachers within this service are also proficient in the use of braille.
Special resource teachers have also been introduced to assist ordinary teaching staff in dealing with the special needs of children with disability, including visual impairment.
It is the policy of my Department to provide suitable equipment and reading materials, including braillers and brailled reading material, where recommended by the visiting teacher service.
The need to ensure that teachers in mainstream schools are equipped with the necessary skills to address the special needs of children with visual impairment is also fully recognised. My Department is prepared to look very favourably on the provision of additional courses in this area.
