Updated: Apr 18, 2012 08:55 AM
Vision specialist William Ridley shows two students the latest special-screen computer acquired for the Prospect Primary Braille programme. High equipment costs have made donations crucial to keep the programme going.
The recession has failed to dampen much-needed donations to Prospect Primary’s Braille learning programme.New equipment and new resources have assured the programme will continue, fundraiser Sylvia Munro said, with HSBC Bank and the Bank of Bermuda Foundation coming in as top donors.Local author David Chapman is to present Braille versions of his books to the students next month, while donor Marsha Woolridge has contributed 38 Braille textbooks from US schools.US inspirational speaker Charlie Collins, blind since his early teens, is to give a talk at the school on May 8.And the Bermuda Society of Arts will present a show from July 9 to 25, featuring tactile artwork that will include pieces contributed by Braille students.Currently, paraprofessionals Jayne Benevides, Terri Crockwell, Gina John, Zyare Outerbridge, Patti-Jean Roberts and Vanessa Tavares are working with students Eliza Olander, Jazia Smith-Robinson, Branden Fox, Sharika Burrows-Davis, Stephen Davis and Kaori King.Donations to the Busy Bee Braille programme are being accepted by the Bermuda Society for the Blind.
Busy Bees: The Prospect Primary?s Braille programme. From left: Paraprofessionals Terri Crockwell, Sharika Burrows-Davis and Gina John; fundraiser Sylvia Munro; paraprofessional Patti-Jean Roberts; head specialist William Ridley, and paraprofessional Vanessa Tavares. Not pictured: Paraprofessional Jayne Benevides.Students from left: Jazia Smith-Robinson, Zyare Outerbridge, Stephen Davis, Kaori King. Not pictured: Branden Fox and Eliza Olander.
Vision specialist William Ridley and Braille student Stephen Davis show off some of the new equipment purchased to aid Prospect Primary?s Braille programme.
Busy Bees: Students Jazia Smith-Robinson, Zyare Outerbridge, Stephen Davis and Kaori King demonstrate Braille equipment at the Prospect Primary-based Braille programme.
Prospect Primary Braille programme: Students show their Braille writers. The learning scheme for the visually impaired brings together students from around the Island.
Busy Bees: Students demonstrate Braille equipment at the Prospect Primary-based Braille programme. From top: Jazia Smith-Robinson, Zyare Outerbridge, Stephen Davis and Kaori King.
