By Cam Lucadou-Wells
The gamble paid off.
After a vocal campaign, the state’s only specialised school for blind children has been assured of survival with a $1.5 million State grant.
The two-year funding will keep the “core” of the Berwick-based school alive while the “blockage” in enrolments is addressed, says founder Alan Lachman.
“We did risk everything,” he said of the public campaign.
“(Education Minister) James Merlino could have said shut us down.
“We gambled and won.”
The school is set to enter a new era, Mr Lachman says.
One that includes a new principal, with positions advertised for further teachers, aides and a fundraising co-ordinator.
Mr Lachman was confident of doubling the school’s enrolments to 25 within a year.
He also hoped to build a more “positive and open” partnership with the Education Department – which he had alleged had blocked referrals from mainstream schools.
In February, Mr Lachman spoke out after education regulator Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority threatened the school’s closure.
According to a VRQA audit, the school lacked funds and lacked students.
Mr Lachman said Insight existed because vision-impaired students in mainstream schools had lower employment prospects.
“I put it to James Merlino and (Premier) Daniel Andrews – do you want the school to be around?
“We have to have students and the blockages have to be resolved.
“If they can’t be resolved in the meantime, we need money.”
Insight will also seek philanthropic funds to retain its outreach service, including mobile classrooms, into mainstream schools.
The purpose-built school has a capacity for 100 students.
Specialist-trained staff and aides – with a team of transcribers – teach in braille and alternative print formats.
They also make use of assistive technologies, a sensory playground and customised desks and equipment.
“If we get more support, we can give these kids more,” Mr Lachman said.
“If we can give these kids more, it allows them to get a job.”
