Call for more support for pupils with vision impairment as numbers increase in Highlands
A CHARITY is calling for action to ensure pupils with vision impairment in the Highlands receive the support they need as new Scottish Government figures show their numbers have increased significantly.
Across Scotland the number of pupils with vision impairment is now at its highest level, and their number has more than doubled since 2010.
In the Highlands, there were 18 pupils with vision impairment in 2010 and this number increased to 89 in 2018.
Over the same period, there has been a reduction in the number of specialist teachers for children and young people with vision impairment, according to the Royal Blind charity.
It is calling on the Scottish Government and local authorities to ensure the right support is in place for pupils with vision impairment and their families.
Mark O’Donnell, chief executive of Royal Blind, said: “Up to 80 per cent of our learning is through our use of vision, so it is vitally important that specialist support is provided for pupils with vision impairment who have a huge learning disadvantage in comparison to their fully sighted peers.
"Our concern is that over the same period there has been an increase in the numbers of pupils with vision impairment there has been a reduction in the support available to them in mainstream schools.
“This situation is leading to an attainment gap for pupils with vision impairment. That is why we have launched the Our Vision for Equal Education campaign, calling for better support in mainstream schools for pupils with vision impairment and a fairer process for securing a place at a special school for pupils who would benefit from it.”
Royal Blind supports blind and partially sighted in specialist and mainstream education through the work of the Royal Blind School and its learning hub.
