26/09/05- Minister visits state of the art learning centre for blind

The minister met staff and blind and partially sighted people using communications technology equipment and developing job seeking and workplace skills.� She also toured a floor of the college's hall of residence which has been adapted with the latest aids to allow students with sight loss to live as independently as possible.

The centre assists people who are currently in employment and losing their sight as well as blind and partially sighted people who have never worked.� Staff identify technology and strategies that might enable people to continue to use their current skills and experience in the same or similar job, if they lose their sight permanently.

Ms McGuire said: "Removing barriers for blind and partially sighted people plays an important part in opening work opportunities, such as RNIB's training in communications technology, job seeking and daily life skills,� I am grateful for the opportunity to visit the RNIB's Scottish Employment Centre and to meet both staff and trainees who have contributed to an benefited from those facilities".

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