IT IS nearly twelve months since I wrote to the Bury Times regarding the mobility and independence needs of the young visually impaired (VI) people in the borough. I attempted to put the case for employing a full-time, qualified mobility and rehabilitation officer.

Since then, I have written numerous letters to "the powers that be" in education and I am really pleased to be able to pass on some very exciting - albeit, long awaited - news to readers.

Two weeks ago some parents, myself included, heard that Bury will soon be employing not only a full-time mobility officer, but also another full-time qualified teacher of the visually impaired (QTVI). We were assured that these positions are permanent and we were all thrilled with the news.

There are many people I feel I should thank on behalf of the parents of VI children in Bury.

This has not come about because a few letters were written by a concerned parent, but through a team effort. I do know that Janet Bentley, manager of the sensory support service and Trish Dawson, head of pupil support services, have both raised this issue many times and organised relevant meetings. They both deserve our thanks.

I would also like to thank the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association (GDBA) who have been very supportive and recognised the good working practices in Bury, which they have now helped to reward. Our present mobility officer. Alison Bowes (whose services are bought from GDBA) deserves our thanks, as her high work standards, good results and the special working relationships she has developed with the children, parents and professionals has been the key to helping us obtain our own mobility officer. We cannot thank her enough.

I must also take this opportunity to thank Mr Harold Williams, borough education officer, Councillor David Ryder, education committee chairman; and Trish Dawson, for reading my letters and a special thanks to those who bothered to reply. The unanimous support we received from the education committee at the meeting last November should also be acknowledged.

My biggest thanks I have saved until the last. This goes to the two very exhausted QTVIs Leila Baldwin and Joanne Harding.

These two teachers have been patient (mostly), professional (always), and have persevered (definitely). They have managed to keep up the level of support needed by our VI children through a particularly tough year and have remained supportive and listened to our problems and worries, whilst having to cope with the stress of keeping their small service together.

I am sure I speak for all the parents of VI children in Bury when I say a very big "thank you" to both of them. Well done! We can now look forward to welcoming our two new members of staff.

To finish, dare I say that all we need now is to look into resourcing a high school in the borough to meet the needs of our older visually impaired children. Though it may be a small dot on the horizon, I think that this could be the next bridge to cross. Watch this space!

PAM TURNER (MRS),

Hilda Avenue, Tottington.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.