Equipment for handicapped

Press, 23 June 1978, Page 10

Equipment for handicapped

PA Palmerston North The provision of $90,000 for additional specialist equipment to assist handicapped pupils has been announced by the Minister of Education (Mr Gandar). He told the Feilding Lions Club that the Minister of Health (Mr Gill), had agreed to make the $90,000 available from the alcohol and tobacco tax which was introduced last year to provide funds for community health services. “It is estimated that there are 5000 visually handicapped, deaf, or physically handicapped primary and secondaryschool children — about two-thirds being taught in ordinary schools,” said Mr Gandar. “Provision of specialist equipment will assist handicapped pupils to continue to be taught in ordinary classes and to make more adequate provision for the individual needs of handicapped children in special schools or classes.” The Department of Ldu-

cation planned to establish pools of specialised equipment and furniture for loan to schools according to the needs of handicapped children, he said. Similar equipment pools had proved successful in Sweden and parts of the United States.

“Specialised equipment and furniture will be developed and purchased, particularly communication aids, magnification and auditory equipment, mobility' aids, manupulative and physical education equipment,” said Mr Gandar.