Abstract
The Books for All project has investigated the need for and availability of learning resources in accessible forms for pupils in Scotland who have print disabilities 1.
The project has found that availability of books and other resources in Braille, Large Print and audio formats, for the relatively small number of blind and partially-sighted pupils, while not complete, is good, in comparison to the availability of accessible books for the much larger number of pupils with physical disabilities, specific learning difficulties, learning difficulties, or hearing impairment. These pupils may require, for example, adapted printed materials, digital versions that can be accessed by switch or read out by a computer, audio recordings, or signed multimedia resources.
Responsible bodies, including local authorities, national government and other relevant agencies, are obliged to consider the needs of all pupils with disabilities, and should therefore make provision of accessible learning resources and services for all pupils who have literacy support needs, not just those with a visual impairment. The project has reviewed two possible models for developing such provision, and is recommending one for consideration by the Scottish Executive, local authorities and other relevant agencies.
The proposed model aims to support local authorities address current inequalities of provision and to reduce existing duplication of effort and inefficiencies by developing mechanisms for sharing resources both within and between local authorities and other service providers.
The project has found that availability of books and other resources in Braille, Large Print and audio formats, for the relatively small number of blind and partially-sighted pupils, while not complete, is good, in comparison to the availability of accessible books for the much larger number of pupils with physical disabilities, specific learning difficulties, learning difficulties, or hearing impairment. These pupils may require, for example, adapted printed materials, digital versions that can be accessed by switch or read out by a computer, audio recordings, or signed multimedia resources.
Responsible bodies, including local authorities, national government and other relevant agencies, are obliged to consider the needs of all pupils with disabilities, and should therefore make provision of accessible learning resources and services for all pupils who have literacy support needs, not just those with a visual impairment. The project has reviewed two possible models for developing such provision, and is recommending one for consideration by the Scottish Executive, local authorities and other relevant agencies.
The proposed model aims to support local authorities address current inequalities of provision and to reduce existing duplication of effort and inefficiencies by developing mechanisms for sharing resources both within and between local authorities and other service providers.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Place of Publication | Edinburgh |
| Publisher | Scottish Executive Education Department |
| Commissioning body | Scottish Executive Education Department |
| Number of pages | 236 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-0-7559-1535-4 |
| Publication status | Published - 2007 |