Cape Town – On Thursday 16 October Oxford University handed its first Braille textbook to Athlone School for the Blind in Bellville.
Oxford University Press South Africa (OUPSA) has unveiled a groundbreaking Foundation Phase textbook series designed to reflect the true diversity of South African classrooms, including the introduction of Braille editions for visually impaired learners.
The new series responds to the Department of Basic Education’s (DBE) call for inclusive, bias-free learning materials that promote social cohesion, following recommendations from its 2016 Ministerial Task Team.
The textbooks feature authentic representation across cultures, languages, abilities and socio-economic backgrounds. Characters showcase children from various environments, from affluent suburbs to townships, excelling in everyday scenarios that reflect real South African experiences.
“In the early years of learning what children read and see shape how they understand themselves and the world,” said Sharon Villette, Schools Publisher at OUPSA. “That’s why inclusive content cannot be optional or superficial. It must be intentional.”
Breaking new ground with Braille
Most notably, the series includes a Braille edition of the Aweh! reading series, complete with audio support for blind and low-vision learners. OUPSA has donated sets to Cape Town’s Athlone School for the Blind and made their intellectual property freely available for accredited parties to reproduce educational materials in Braille.
“Adding Braille is a practical example of how we move from inclusive representation to inclusive access,” Villette explained. “It’s one more way to ensure no learner is left behind on the literacy journey.
The textbooks prioritise accessibility through differentiated learning opportunities and guidance for teachers to foster inclusion. Content celebrates diversity in culture, language, gender, ability and belief while ensuring every child can access the materials.”
This initiative represents a significant step towards creating educational resources that truly represent South Africa’s rainbow nation, ensuring all learners see themselves reflected in their learning materials.
