Purpose
The program provides statewide support to regions and schools in the areas of vision impairment support and assistive technology. It is managed through Narbethong State Special School and includes the alternative format library service, including braille transcription, the education low vision assessment centre, orientation and mobility services and assistive technologies. These services support schools to provide reasonable adjustments required to support students with low vision or no vision to engage with their curriculum.
Duration of program
Ongoing
Eligibility
Narbethong State Special School will be the recipient for the majority of the funding under this program. Some host schools, identified by regions, were eligible to receive the supplementary payment in June 2019.
Allocation of funds
An annual budget of $147,362 is distributed to and managed through the Narbethong State Special School for
statewide services for students with vision impairment including:
- Brailled resourcing
- Learning Development Centre (LDC) workshops (assistive technology).
Narbethong State Special School has been selected to manage this annual budget, as it specialises in the provision of vision impairment services.
In June 2019, a one-off supplementary payment of $80,000 was made to Narbethong Special School to allow for procurement of additional resources that support the AT services and to enable delivery of targeted support to improve the outcomes for students with disability.
In addition, a one-off supplementary payment of $10,000 was also provided to each region to support the acquisition of technology resources that enable capability building opportunities in schools. Regions where the technology resources are managed regionally, no funding is provided to schools. Regions where the resource stores are located within a host school, funding was distributed directly to the host school.
In October 2021, a one-off additional payment of $1,004,104 was approved by the Executive Management Board (EMB). The total cost of these requirements includes 30 long term loan braille packages that consists of Braille machines, Duxbury licenses and braille embossers. These packages will offset the current difficulty in supplying braille using student’s schools with the equipment that they need.
Payment details
Payment for this program is made to Narbethong State Special School in August each year.
The supplementary payment was made to schools and regions in June 2019.
The additional funding for 2021 will be made in October 2021.
How to apply
There is no application required for Narbethong State Special School to receive this funding. Funds are paid automatically each year by Central Office.
No application process was required for the supplementary payment. Central Office identified the eligible schools and distribute the funding automatically.
Contact
Director—Statewide Services
State Schools—Disability and Inclusion
Telephone: (07) 3034 5061