§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what studies have been made of the needs of partially sighted students, including low vision aids and audio visual aids and of the use of large print.
§ Mr. DunnA number of studies have been made on the needs of partially sighted students; I am sending the right hon. Member a copy of a bibliography published by the Department. It is not possible to identify specifically those which refer to low vision aids, audio visual aids or the use of large print.
§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what financial assistance is available to 165W schools, higher and further education and training establishments for provision of low vision aids and larger print publications to enable visually handicapped students to read standard text books and literature.
§ Mr. DunnThe provision of low vision aids and larger print publications to enable visually handicapped students in schools, higher and further education and training establishments to read standard text books and literature is a matter primarily for local education authorities and the bodies responsible for individual institutions. Such expenditure would be met from the normal sources of finance for local government, voluntary colleges and universities. Specific provision is also made under the scheme for education support grants in 1985–86 for microelectronic equipment designed or adapted for use by children with special educational needs; and in 1986–87 for similar equipment for further education students.