SIX special education schools are to benefit from a $33-million project earmarked for implementation this year by the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining.

The institutions are The Lister Mair-Gilby School for the Deaf, Salvation Army School for the Blind, Randolph Lopez School of Hope and Carberry Court Special School in Kingston and St Andrew, as well as one special education school each located at Llandilo, Westmoreland, and Woodlawn, Manchester.

These institutions cater to the educational development of youngsters deemed physically and intellectually challenged.

State Minister for Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Julian Robinson said the institutions will be provided with specialised computerised equipment, pointing out that these resources “will allow those persons who are blind and deaf to be able to use technology”.

Robinson made the announcement during his 2014/15 Sectoral Debate presentation in the House of Representatives on June 11.

In addition to the equipment, six subjects taught at the institutions — information and communication technology, mathematics, English language, biology, building construction and integrated science — are to be converted to sign language format.

Robinson said the Universal Service Fund is also implementing several projects aimed at providing technology resources to institutions catering to “special groupings”.

These include the Women’s Centre Foundation and the Jamaica Association for the Deaf.

He said the engagements aim to provide technology access to ensure that persons who are differently challenged and do not readily have the benefit of economic opportunities, are so empowered.