Written question WQ98469

The Equality Act requires schools and local authorities to make reasonable adjustments for learners with vision impairment, and, alongside an inclusive curriculum, the Additional Learning Needs (ALN) system ensures early identification of learner needs and appropriate support.

We are working with local authorities in South Wales Central, to help them meet their statutory duties and ensure the ALN system works for all learners, including those with vision impairment. In October I outlined the actions we are taking to improve the ALN system and announced a further £8.2 million this year to support delivery of ALN reforms. This adds to the substantial investment we have already made via local authorities, schools and colleges to support ALN.

Qualified teachers of children and young people with vision impairment and other specialists are a vital part of the education workforce. On 18 March we published our Strategic Education Workforce Plan which sets out sets out the actions we are taking with local authorities to support, develop and strengthen the workforce in the years ahead.

We are also working with Welsh‑medium specialist teachers from across Wales to develop the digital code that will underpin the live use of Refreshable Braille on digital devices, ensuring that accessibility is embedded within future digital provision.