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Blind Students Gain Road Safety Confidence
25 Apr
Summary
- A new pedestrian crossing was installed on campus.
- It helps blind and vision-impaired students build confidence.
- The crossing features a spinning cone for tactile feedback.
New College Worcester (NCW), a specialist residential school for students aged 11 to 19 who are blind or vision impaired, has introduced a novel on-campus pedestrian crossing. This facility is designed to foster confidence in students as they learn to navigate road safety in a controlled setting.
The crossing, named in tribute to former governor Noel Duffy, features a pelican crossing system in an area with minimal traffic. A key innovation is a spinning metal cone activated when the traffic lights indicate it is safe to cross. Students can feel the spinning cone, providing a tactile cue to proceed.
College principal Rachel Perks emphasized the importance of this safe space for learning road safety, noting that real-world experiences can be confusing due to unpredictable pedestrian and environmental factors. The project was realized through the generous donations of time, labor, and equipment from industry partners.
Darren Harris, a former student and paralympian, officially opened the crossing on Friday. He is now an author, motivational speaker, and mental skills coach. This initiative significantly enhances the college's commitment to student independence and skill development.
