Blind pupils left in the dark, says report

THE EDUCATION system is failing blind and partially sighted pupils, who are not accessing tools such as Braille textbooks, an investigation has shown.

The investigation of 22 public special schools for the visually impaired was conducted by advocacy group Section27, and a report called “Left in the Dark” was released yesterday.

The report was produced in collaboration with the SA National Council for the Blind, the SA Braille Authority and Blind SA. Some of the findings conclude that:

Access to Braille learning materials is a persistent problem.

Schools receive inadequate support from departments of education who do not understand what is required for visually impaired pupils.

Schools lack sufficient computers and technological assistive devices of even the most basic kinds.

Teachers are deployed to schools without any knowledge of education of visually impaired pupils.

Schools receive inadequate funding – many cannot afford electricity bills and other necessities for the entire year never mind expensive but essential assistive devices.

Elijah Mhlanga, the spokesman for the Department of Basic Education, said they would study the report before commenting.

Jessica Shelver, the spokeswoman for Education MEC Debbie Schäfer, said they would study the report with interest to see what could be learned from the findings. – Education Writer