Burbridge School (Koondoola) to have PEET funding for special facility

20/12/95

Burbridge School in Koondoola is to receive $14,000 in special funding from the Public Education Endowment Trust, for the establishment of a sensory environment facility for students with severe disabilities.

Education Minister Norman Moore, the trust chairman, said the project was one of 20 educational programs developed by schools and other organisations throughout the State that would receive funds from the trust in 1996.

The trust, which would distribute more than $112,000 next year, was established in 1909 to support outstanding educational programs that had the potential to help a wide cross section of students.

The grant will enable Burbridge School to install two major pieces of equipment - a 'sound -light floor' and a 'sound - light corner' which are designed to stimulate the senses of children with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Mr Moore said the equipment would become the basis of a $40,000 facility that would be available for the students of Burbridge School, but also to students from other Education Support centres and other groups of all ages from the wider community in the northern suburbs.

It would be of particular value to intellectually and physically disabled adults for whom leisure options and therapy programs might be limited.

The Minister said sensory environments were pioneered in Holland more than 10 years ago and had brought remarkable results.

"Sensory stimulation and sensory environments are seen as the most effective learning tool available for the physically and intellectually disabled child and adult," he said.

"The new facility at Burbridge is expected to be a state-of-the-art establishment, providing the opportunity for a sound educational future for the people who use it."

Students from Burbridge had been travelling once a week to White Gum Valley to use a sensory facility at the Kim Beazley School.

"Now the school will be able to provide the best possible facilities on the spot, enabling each student to achieve their maximum developmental potential through an individual program for education and therapy," Mr Moore said.

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444 or 222 9595