Some fantastic news emerged from Holyrood last/this week. Recent calls by the RNIB for a National Transcription Service kick-started research into the needs of a wider range of pupils that might benefit from adapted curricular materials. Read the debate from the chamber here.
Visually impaired pupils have, for many years, been well provided for as a result of the efforts of the RNIB and local councils adapting materials in a variety of formats: braille, enlarged print, audio, etc…. but it has been obvious for those working in support for learning departments and special needs units that many other pupils could benefit from similar rights and provisions.
One of the main issues was that certain pupils in our schools were not exempt from certain copyright rules that allowed for materials to be adapted, without the need for special permission, into a variety of useful formats.
The information gathered during recent research threw up a level of inequity that could not be maintained. There are many pupils who are considered to be print disabled who did not benefit from the copyright exclusions and the new changes to the CLA Licence reflect a more equitable and inclusive approach. Read the full report here.
Our friends and colleagues at CALL Scotland (formerly known as………The CALL Centre) carried out the research, took the issues up the line, and persuaded those within the Scottish Government to facilitate the necessary changes to bring accessible resources within the reach of all pupils with disabilities. So the announcement of the planned way ahead was a very pleasant reward for the time and effort that has gone into the Books for All campaign.
Young people with visual impairments, or other print disabilities (my emphasis), in Scotland will have access to the best educational material available from next term.
From August, they will be able to use the Scottish Books for All database powered by SCRAN, one of the largest educational online services, to access learning materials.
The database will contain a list of adapted materials which teachers can access to ensure that all pupils with additional support needs receive curriculum materials at the same time as their classmates in a format that meets their needs.
Adam Ingram, Minister for Children and Early Years, announced the move during a debate around a call by RNIB Scotland for a national transcription service for young people.
He said:
“RNIB have been very helpful in drawing this issue to our attention but we believe that with the steps we have taken there is no need for the type of national transcription service they propose. We are totally committed to ensuring that all our pupils can access the curriculum. The Books for All report has enabled us to identify gaps in provision and take positive steps to ensure that we can achieve this aim.”
While the RNIB might be disappointed at not achieving their goal of a dedicated National Transcription Service, I say well done to them for ‘blazing the trail’, showing us what is needed, and effectively laying the foundations that will help many, many pupils with reading disabilities.
There’s much work to be done. Staff will need to be trained in adapting materials and understanding the new copyright arrangements. Pupils will need to be supported in making best use of these newly available resources, and everyone will need to learn how to appropriately share the accessible format materials that will help our pupils access the curriculum on that, almost, level playing field.
Well done to the staff at CALL Scotland!!!!
