Media Alert: New Technology Helps Visually Impaired Learner Attend Public School

On Monday morning, Minister Grant is visiting Swartland High School to meet Grade 9 learner, Peter Janze-Duur, who has recently moved from the Pionier School for the Blind to Swartland High School.

The transfer of Peter, a visually impaired learner, to a public ordinary school was made possible with the use of technology.

With Peter’s transfer, the WCED arranged for the transfer of an e-braille portable computer to his new school.

The eBrailleNote Apex computers were launched last year at Pioneer School for the Blind and make it possible for blind readers to read textbooks in braille, among other features.

Learners can read electronic text using an electro-mechanical display that raises dots against a flat surface. They can also to listen to the text via computer generated speech and browse the internet via wi-fi and connect to other devices via Blue Tooth.

The WCED arranged training for Peter’s teachers, who are monitoring his writing via an external computer monitor that will present his work in normal text. They can also print out his assignments in standard text.

Special Education Support staff have also explained the device to Peter’s parents.

Peter is reportedly doing very well in his new school, showing among other things, strong leadership potential. Minister Grant will be visiting the school on Monday to meet this inspirational learner and to see how he operates the computer in a public school class environment.

Date: 14 April 2014

Venue:  Swartland High School, Dirkie Uysstraat, Malmesbury