Outcome 1 in Action - Education - Inclusive education in practice

Brianna is totally blind and Brayden has severe low vision. Both attend Ōtorohanga College and are making great progress. Their story and success illustrates what an effective inclusive education looks like in practice. Skilled teachers, supportive peers and learning support adaptations, all enable good educational progress and the development of non-academic skills such as resilience and independence.
Outcome 1 - Education - Brianna and Brayden - inclusive education in action
Inclusive education in action - Brianna (left) and Brayden (centre)

 Assistive technology also helps. Brianna uses a braille notetaker, an iPad with voiceover software, and a standard laptop with screen reader software. She is able to use Google Docs on each of these devices, as is Brayden, who works on a laptop with screen reader and magnification software, and an iPad with voiceover capabilities.

Brianna’s and Brayden’s RTV, Kathryn Beer, says that Ōtorohanga College has been extremely supportive.

“The College has been absolutely fantastic. Their attitude has always been ‘what can we do to help these children reach their potential at our school?’”

The 13-year olds have developed a passion for learning.

“I enjoy being able to work more independently than I was able to at primary school, because I’m able to bring all my skills and tools together now,” says Brianna.

Brayden would like to train as a secondary school teacher, and Brianna would like to be an author or physiotherapist.

Kathryn says.

“It’s a real pleasure to be working at a school that is so open to giving all students the access they need to the curriculum and ensuring they can join in all of the school activities, wherever possible.”

This story has been abbreviated from a story in the New Zealand Education Gazette, 29 May 2017

Resources and Guidance to support the implementation of Outcome 1 - Education.

Download handout with Resources section [PDF, 238 KB]

 

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