Partner Article

Minister helps launch new partnership

The Rt. Hon David Blunkett, MP will be visiting the North East today to help celebrate Newcastle College’s partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).

The RNIB and Newcastle College have formed a partnership to develop a specialist centre at the college for blind and partially sighted learners. The partnership provides specialist staff, resources and equipment and a new joint Base Room equipped with assistive technology to help meet the learning needs of blind and partially sighted people.

It will offer advice and information on enrolment and progression; assessment and individualised study support. This can include equipment such as screen reading software or magnifiers; adaptation of course materials into alternate formats; sighted guiding and note taking and advising tutors and staff.

Lesley-Anne Alexander, Chief Executive of the Royal National Institute of Blind People, said: “RNIB is committed to working with the learning and skills sector to make it more inclusive to the needs of blind and partially sighted learners. This example of the voluntary sector supporting mainstream further education to deliver excellent services fits well with the LSC’s strategy.”

Jackie Fisher, Principal and Chief Executive at Newcastle College, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Mr. Blunkett to the college and to demonstrating first hand the wide range of technology and excellent support we have available to our learners. “The college is very excited about developing the partnership with the RNIB further and looks forward to the continued support and commitment from the LSC in improving the quality of learning opportunities for blind and partially sighted people in the region.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .