Homebuilder Cala Homes (East) has donated £3130 to Sight Scotland for the purchase of two white boards to aid teaching at the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh.
The new large white boards will allow pupils with a vision impairment to view materials that would otherwise be too small or inaccessible in a group setting. The screens contain specialist software which makes the structure of lessons more convenient, flexible and interactive. The screens also enhance the level of engagement between teachers and students as it can be controlled by a specialist device called a ‘switch’ which allows pupils with physical disabilities to control the software on screen. The large screen element is also very motivating for pupils with VI, plus it allows pairs or groups to work together on programs to support their learning and encourage peer support.
The Royal Blind School in Edinburgh provides unique, specialist education and support to young people with sight loss, many of whom also have other complex additional support needs. The school provides an environment in which all can participate, learn, explore and develop their skills. This includes employing specialist staff, investing in specialist equipment and providing a programme of interactive and stimulating activities.
Depute Head Teacher at the Royal Blind School, Karen Boyd, comments: "We are so appreciative of this kind donation from Cala Homes. The white boards will really help with the education of all our pupils, these screens are used daily in classes and the existing screens we had were old and out-of-date so they could no longer run the updated software required to support the pupils learning."
Cala Homes (East) has refurbished and reimagined the former site of the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh into an impressive new housing development, comprising of 21 spacious contemporary apartments and a selection of new build townhouses, named Newington Residences.
Phillip Hogg, sales and marketing director for Cala Homes (East), said: "We are delighted to support the ongoing work of the former custodians of this historic Edinburgh site. We hope that the new white boards will enhance not only the learning experience for pupils but also the fantastic work the teachers and staff do every day."
For more information, please visit sightscotland.org.uk or www.cala.co.uk/edinburgh.
