Weston College opens centre for visually impaired students

Weston College has created a new resource centre for visually impaired learners.

The new resource, based at the College's Knightstone Campus, provides visually impaired learners with access, support and specialist training.

New features include special lighting to improve readability, zoom functions on PCs to magnify text, speech-based software which records text and dictates to learners, hi-tech scanners and large print on keyboards.

It has been created in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and the Learning and Skills Council.

Rob Kail-Dyke, regional employment and lifelong learning manager of RNIB South West, said: "What Weston College has achieved has set a great example."

The college's visual impairment co-ordinator John-Paul Anderson assesses the support needs of learners and develops individual support programmes.

This includes training in computer software and using specialist equipment to help with essential life skills for both study and day-to-day living.

Mr Anderson said: "Weston College's support for visually impaired students has surpassed expectation. Students with sight difficulties receive a huge amount of support specific to their needs.

"It really is a good time for people with visual impairments to take advantage of courses at Weston College."

Feedback has already been positive since the centre opened it doors.

Student Christine Townend said: "It's changed my life.

"I write a lot of letters so it has helped me an awful lot."

To make an appointment or to find out more about the support and courses on offer at Weston College, call on 01934 411518 or email john-paul.anderson@weston.ac.uk.