Mobility and Braille
THE MOBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE DEPARTMENT
Exhall Grange is one of the few specialist schools within the country to provide this invaluable service. Within our school the mobility and independence department provide assessment and training for many of our students with a wide range of disabilities, starting in the Early Years Foundation Unit right through to Post 16. Training includes a progression of skills ranging from; early movement, body awareness and concept development, onto independent travel, money management, shopping and use of public transport.
Over the years the mobility department has forged close links with charities such as Wizz Kids and local organisations such as Warwickshire road safety. These many links continue to enrich and compliment the work of the mobility and independence department.
Within the school we have a fully equipped studio flat. There students are able to develop their life skills in this fully equipped area. Activities include; bed making, washing and ironing, cleaning and preparing drinks and snacks.
The Mobility Department seeks to underpin the aims and mission statement of the school “To develop independent and resourceful young people”.
BRAILLE
All pupils with a severe visual impairment are taught to read and write through the medium of Braille. A severe visual impairment ranges from having little or no sight to the ability to read print only in a large print size ie. arial point 36 minimum.
Pupils are introduced to Braille from about the age of four years (depending on their readiness to begin); however, formal teaching of Braille begins in the child’s Reception year using the traditional Perkins brailler. The lessons are delivered by a fully qualified teacher of the visually impaired and are then reinforced by the class teacher. This pattern continues throughout the primary department.
In the secondary department pupils are taught specialist codes, for example those required in the study of Maths, and greater emphasis is placed on both fluency and comprehension when reading texts. They read novels in Braille and complete all class work using their knowledge of the code.
All pupils receive one fifty-minute lesson of Braille per week. In addition to this, pupils are taught to use modern technology such as refreshable Braille displays and BrailleNotes which can be linked to laptop computers. They are also taught to acquire good key-boarding skills.
Address
Easter Way, Ash Green,
Coventry, Warwickshire, CV7 9HP
Telephone
024 7636 4200
info@exhallgrange.co.uk