A Fife school has taken delivery of a mobility aid which is the first of its kind in the world.
Calaiswood School in Dunfermline, which caters for children and young people who have complex and additional support needs, unveiled the Innowalk.
It allows children who have motor impairment to experience what it is like to walk.
This has a huge impact on their concentration, their core and their muscle development.
Acting headteacher Laura Spence said: “We are very excited to launch this fantastic piece of equipment.
“The Innowalk really has the potential to make a difference in the lives of our young people in Calaiswood School.”
One other school in Scotland – in the Edinburgh area – has an Innowalk.
However, Ms Spence said: “This model and spec is the first of its kind in the world.”
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The difference is that an iPad is attached which records the child’s movements and work on the machine.
The data is then gathered so staff can monitor the progress of each individual pupil as they use the equipment which can allow them to move from a sitting position to standing tall and moving their legs and feet.
It is also highly responsive to each user.
Ms Spence said the benefits to each pupil were enormous.
“It is about the sensory experience, the feedback the body gets from taking part in a physical activity.
“Not only that, but the Innowalk is really responsive.
“And it works with their muscle tone and responds to every movement the child makes.
“It builds core muscle strength and helps them so much.
“Children who have been using it have improved concentration, and that is also of great benefit for learning.”
While not disclosing the cost, Ms Spence recognised the hard work which went into securing funding, paying tribute to one of the school’s parents, Paul Graham.
Mr Graham, whose daughter Eve demonstrated the Innowalk, had been at the forefront of compiling grant applications.
“He was instrumental in the grant application work, working closely with HSBC to begin the journey around this in terms of getting funding,” she said.
HSBC UK stepped in to support the school with the equipment which will be used by both Calaiswood and the wider community.
