3rd Workshop on Training of Teachers of the Visually Impaired in Europe,
Warsaw, Poland, 3 - 6 April 2002
by mrs Andrea Fajdetic
Legislation has made integration of visually impaired children in the 1980's. There were some sporadic cases of integration of visually impaired pupils during that time, but no regular help and support given.
Regular classroom teachers do not have any special training or knowledge in the area of visual impairment. When having visually impaired child in their class they receive additional training through the Seminar organized by the Department of integration of Center "Vinko Bek" and Ministry of education. Usually there is no special teacher or support organized within the regular school. The Ministry of education pays regular classroom teachers.
Resource Center "Vinko Bek" has the Department for integration where itinerant teachers who support integrated children work. This Department provides services in the area of diagnostics, counseling and rehabilitation. These professionals are paid by the Ministry of welfare.
Department for visually impaired children at the regular elementary school "Škurinje" provides support for children integrated in the town Rijeka area and surrounding islands. This Department does not provide rehabilitation programs. The Department is paid by the Ministry of education.
All necessary equipment for use in school is paid by the Ministry of education. Request has to be made by the school to the County education department.
For personal use, there is some equipment paid by the Ministry of health. Request has to be made by the personal ophthalmologist. Insurance pays for Perkins Brailler, watch, caine, and cassette player.
Equipment can be ordered at different Organizations:
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