Balearics school start: 130 pupils with visual impairment

More than 130 pupils who are blind or have severe visual impairment begin the new school year across the Balearic Islands on Wednesday. The group includes children and young people with deafblindness or additional disabilities. ONCE says 99 per cent will attend mainstream schools with support to follow the curriculum on equal terms.

Most pupils join mainstream schools

The intake includes 33 children in early years education, 34 in primary school and 28 in secondary school. Another 17 start basic compulsory education, while two begin baccalaureate studies, five vocational training, seven university and six other courses.

ONCE’s education support teams provide the help pupils need in class. But the organisation says inclusion must not stop when lessons end.

Inclusion beyond the classroom

Break time, the school canteen, extended hours and extra activities all shape independence and social skills, said Ana Llauradó, ONCE’s head of educational support. She said pupils with visual disabilities must be able to take part in them on the same terms as their classmates.

The organisation is calling for accessible playgrounds with different areas and activities that encourage shared play and contact. It also wants children to have a choice of inclusive games they can use independently, with suitable adult supervision.

In the canteen, ONCE rehabilitation staff teach everyday skills suited to each pupil’s age and development, including cutting food, pouring water and personal hygiene. They also train staff working in these settings.

For activities during and after the school day, ONCE says schools should use multisensory approaches and prepare or adapt materials beforehand when needed.

Topics: Education

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com