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Educational institutions

In the United Kingdom there is an inclusive educational policy for all pupils. A recent survey (2002) by the Royal National Institute of the Blind cited the following statistics: 59% of blind or partially sighted children are educated in mainstream schools. Pupils attending mainstream schools may attend their local school with support provided by the local authority specialist support service or a school that is specifically resourced for blind and partially sighted pupils. 32% of visually impaired pupils attend maintained special schools for pupils with learning and/or physical disabilities, while only 5% of visually impaired pupils attend specialist schools for pupils who are blind or partially sighted (RNIB briefings 1 June 2003).

Data from the Visual Impairment Scotland (VIS) database also shows that nearly 70% of all children with visual impairment have additional disabilities. This is in line with findings across the U.K. and Europe.The database also shows that there has been an increase over the last five years of children notifying to VIS with Cerebral Visual Impairment as their primary diagnosis.

There is a wide range of specialist provision for pupils with visual impairment throughout the United Kingdom, schools, further education colleges and other dedicated centres. A comprehensive list giving addresses and a short description of services offered can be found at: www.rnib.org.uk

Royal National College for the Blind
It is the UK’s leading college of Further Education for people who are blind or partially sighted. All their programmes and support services are available to learners from overseas.
Address: College Road, Hereford, England HR1 1EB
Tel: 0044 143 2265725
E-mail: info at rncb.ac.uk