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Royal Blind School and Scottish Braille Press
02/09/2008
First Minister Alex Salmond praised the work of the Royal Blind School in enabling young people to become successful learners and confident individuals during a visit to their Craigmillar campus today.
The First Minister also visited the Scottish Braille Press where he acknowledged the importance of the service in providing a greater level of independence for those who are blind or partially sighted.
The First Minister said:
"The Scottish Government is committed to creating a Scotland where all our people have the opportunity to realise their potential.
"The Royal Blind School and the Scottish Braille Press play an important part in helping the Government achieve this ambition through their work at both the Craigmiller Park and Cannan Lane Campus.
"The Royal Blind School not only provides young Scots with an education but also the skills, confidence and support to contribute fully to Scottish society.
"The Scottish Braille Press also plays an important part in providing information and a greater level of independence for those who are blind or partially sighted. Last year the Press produced five million pages of large print and six million pages of Braille, while providing employment for visually impared people.
"It is important that everyone in society has equal opportunities and choices, this is why this Government has increased the level of funding we will be providing to disability led groups to £1.9m over the next three years 2008-11 - an increase of 27 per cent on the previous three years.
"This Government believes that a successful Scotland must be fair and inclusive so that all our citizens can achieve their full potential and share in Scotland's prosperity."