A recent initiative to improve accessibility for a child with visual impairment in a primary school setting has been a great success!

Following the presentation of a proposal to the School Access Initiative (SAI) panel, the group approved the project recommendations made by the Vision Support team’s Habilitation Specialist, who determined that the environment needed to be changed to allow the student to enter her new surroundings safely and encourage her to move independently within them.

As part of the project, ramps were put in place at setting entrances to make it simple for all students, including those with mobility impairments, to access. Additionally, to offer stability and clear guidance, height-appropriate, contrasting handrails were erected on the school’s steps.

The Habilitation Specialist, Andrea Doyle, expressed her satisfaction at the project’s conclusion. “It is vital to support the independent needs of Children and Young people with Vision impairment, and to identify environmental changes within settings that can support this,” she said. “The Sai panel process was very straightforward and the team of Architects, setting staff and contractors all came together to ensure these upgrades were made quickly and effectively.”

The changes have already had a visible impact on the student, who is now more confident navigating the school environment independently.

The project resulted in upgrades that will benefit the entire school community and promote inclusivity awareness.  It highlights the importance of designing or modifying educational spaces that cater to all abilities.