Question NW2257 to the Minister of Basic Education
19 September 2017 - NW2257
Ross, Mr DC to ask the Minister of Basic Education
With regard to her reply to question 1849 on 6 July 2017, (a) why did only four provinces order Braille books in the 2016-17 financial year and (b) how many learners with visual difficulties requiring Braille books do not currently have their own copies of the required Braille books for learning at each school in each province?
Reply:
a) In the 2016/17 financial year, six (6) provinces (not four (4) provinces), procured resources for their visually impaired learners. One (1) of the three (3) provinces that have not procured centrally, Limpopo, indicated that they are working with Braille Production houses within their province to produce Braille Master copies for each subject in each grade. The Department is waiting for responses from the two other provinces (Free State and KwaZulu-Natal) that did not order Braille textbooks centrally; and will provide such information once it is received.
b) The Department of Basic Education (DBE) is not in possession of information on the number of learners with visual impairment who do not currently have their own copies of Braille books for learning at each school and in each province. The honourable member is advised to direct such a question to the National Council of Provinces or Provincial Education Departments as it is a provincial competency.