Dr. Patricia McCarthy:

This social aspect came out very strongly from my research. As a vision-impaired person, it really struck me. It is essential we enable our young people to be confident in using whatever devices they need, rather than it being seen as a stigmatising thing. That is often what happens, particularly when they are going through post-primary education. They do not want to be always beside an SNA. I was not aware of it as much because my education was through the special education system but when I spoke to those in the mainstream school, they felt they were being put into bubbles. I understand health and safety issues but we need to enable them to go out and be confident. It does not happen overnight and cannot happen between them finishing their leaving certificate and starting in higher education. It is not feasible. It is a continuum of support and encouragement that is needed.