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Special Educational Needs.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 9 October 2007

Tuesday, 9 October 2007

Questions (299, 300, 301)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

380 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science his views on whether the National Braille Production Centre is underfunded, under-resourced and understaffed; and her plans to address these concerns in view of failures to process and deliver complete braille text books and in other formats, that is large print and text only files to students in time for the start of the 2007/2008 year. [22373/07]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

381 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some blind and visually impaired students are experiencing difficulties in accessing complete braille text books and in other formats; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22374/07]

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Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

382 Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Education and Science if the protocol regarding the provision of alternative formats for children with a visual impairment is due to be reviewed; if so, if there will be representation from parents and guardians and an outside independent representative with expertise in braille production in order to provide an independent opinion regarding the service the National Braille Production Centre provides; and when the recommendations will be published and acted upon. [22375/07]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 380 to 382, inclusive, together.

I am aware of the needs of the visually impaired students in accessing educational materials in various formats. As the Deputy is already aware, the National Braille Production Centre (NBPC), an integral part of the services provided by St. Joseph's School for the Visually Impaired in Drumcondra, Dublin, was established in 2000 to provide blind/visually impaired pupils at first and second level with textbooks in braille and other alternative formats. The NBPC produces educational materials in braille, large print format and text only for children who are blind or visually impaired. It is an essential service to children and young people who are blind or visually impaired and without it many of them would not be able to access mainstream education or be able to undertake the Junior and Senior Cycle examinations.

The NBPC provides an essential service to children who are blind or visually impaired and it is important that it is adequately funded to enable it to meet the needs of such children. Many of the children for whom the NBPC caters are being educated in a mainstream setting and the success of the mainstream placement is dependent on suitable educational materials being available to these children in a timely fashion.

Due to the technical processes involved, the NBPC requires a significant notice period in relation to orders for the materials in question. In the case of late orders or other unforeseen circumstances where a delay occurs in the provision of books, officials from the NBPC, in conjunction with the parents of the pupil/student and the Department's Visiting Teacher Service for the Visually Impaired, work together to establish solutions to provide the books in a timely manner. It is accepted practice generally that the Braille books are delivered in volumes throughout the school year, due to the lengthy transcription process.

My Department's Visiting Teacher Service for the Visually Impaired has a significant role to play in the process of ordering books or materials on behalf of a particular pupil/student. In 2006, a protocol dealing solely and exclusively with the provision of educational materials in alternative formats was agreed between the NBPC and my Department's Visiting Teacher Service for the Visually Impaired. The protocol was devised on the initiative of the Visiting Teacher Service for the Visually Impaired and will be reviewed very shortly on the basis of current experience in its operation. Any amendments to the protocol will be put in place and communicated to all relevant interests, including parents, without delay following the review.

An Advisory Board for the NBPC is in place and includes representation from parents and guardians and other interested parties including the Visiting Teacher Service.

My officials have met with the NBPC recently to discuss its operations and services and it is intended to meet them again shortly.

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