Save the Education of Blind Children!!!!

Blind children in Victoria are being denied the right to a proper education!! The only Blind school in Victoria has just been shut down as of next year, the students left to fend for themselves!!
It is sooooooo important that children who are blind or visually impaired have access to specialized education at a specialized school for their specialized needs from specialized teachers with years of experience!! This is all under threat of extinction if we don't speak out and say this is not ok!!
We need to tell the Victorian government that it is ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY that these students have a school that will cater to their needs!! These kids already have a disadvantage and now we're taking away their right to a proper education as-well?? Please sign this partition if you believe these kids deserve better!!

http://www.petitiononline.com/iwotsftb/petition.html

The petition states:

To: The Honourable Bronwyn Pike, Minister for Education in the State of Victoria
The Petition of the VA VIEU Sub-branch supported by the general public draws to the attention of The Honourable Bronwyn Pike, Minister for Education

that, with the sudden decision of Vision Australia to permanently close its school facility, dispense with its visiting teacher service, its staff of specialist teachers and its teacher aides at the end of 2009, the futures of many vision-impaired children with or without additional disabilities are in peril.

The RVIB School, now Vision Australia School, and its visiting teachers, have assisted generations of children who are blind or have low vision in reaching their potential, supported many through the integration process into mainstream schooling and provided training and help to many schools.

We understand that Vision Australia will not overturn its sudden change of policy after 142 years, and will not reconsider offering the full range of services, believing education to be the sole responsibility of government.

Therefore the petitioners ask that the minister implement as quickly as possible a vital and effective centre of education which will carry on and expand the essential work of the current school.

The petitioners also ask that the minister fully provide every state-funded school with appropriate services and equipment as well as suitable training for teachers and aides in preparation for the unique challenges faced by each child who is blind or has low-vision.
Sincerely,

1. Importance for children with blindness or vision Impairment to reach their full potential

2. That blind children must have a school to go to which caters specifically to their needs!

3. That centuries of combined teaching experience cannot be simply be wasted.

4. That Blind children should not be put into the hands of non specialized teachers with little to no experience in Blindness.

5. sign this petition http://www.petitiononline.com/iwotsftb/petition.html