The Athlone School for the Blind is a public school situated in Bellville-South, Cape Town, South Africa. Having been established by the Athlone School for the Blind Association in 1927 to provide education and residential care for blind and visually impaired children from disadvantaged communities, we have a proud history spanning more than 84 years.
Our primary goal is to meet the educational, vocational and therapeutic needs of our learners so as to ensure that they have the appropriate skills, education and competencies to effectively participate in the broader social and economic world.
The school is both a day and boarding school for children from pre-school to grade 12 and accommodates blind, visually impaired and multiply disabled learners. The academic programme followed at the school is the same as in mainstream schools, complying with the curricular standards assessment processes, procedures and promotion requirements. We also offer a vocational training programme for learners who have difficulty coping with the normal scholastic programme. At the end of their vocational training we assist the learner in securing suitable employment in the open market. Failing this, we seek placement in sheltered employment workshops.
Currently the school has 405 learners, 45 educators, 13 non-CS educator support staff and 60 non-CS non-educator staff members. Our multi disciplinary medical support team is involved with the learner from admission date onwards to ensure that he receives the best educational support and interventions suited to his needs.
Programmes offered
- Early Childhood Development Programme
- Grade 1-12
- Multi-handicapped Class
- Special Education Needs Class
Vocational Training
- Switchboard Training
- Upholstery
- Cane Work and Basketry
- Metal Work
- Hand Work
- Wood Work
- Arts and Crafts
- Marimba Production
- Home Economics
- Maintenance of properties and grounds
On site Support Services
- Psychological and Therapeutic Support
- Occupational Therapy
- Clinical and Medical Support
- Parental Guidance and Counseling
- Orientation and Mobility Training
- Specialized Residential Care
- Daily Transport
- Hostels for Boys and Girls
Outreach Programmes
- Public Awareness workshops & presentations
- School Visits
- Counseling and support for newly blinded adults and the Aged
