Students at the Deaf Academy in Exmouth are delighted to have been donated a new minibus, thanks to the generosity of Switch, a nationwide car and van rental provider headquartered in Devon . Watch a video of the exciting minibus arrival with BSL above.
The 17-seater minibus will have a significant impact on students who, until now, have experienced barriers to fully participating in activities due to a lack of vehicles.
The students, who are Deaf with additional needs, aged 9 to 25, follow a specialist curriculum that particularly focuses on venturing into the community to support their skills for independence, education, wellbeing, and communication and social development.
Academy Principal and CEO Sylvan Dewing said: “The difference this minibus will make is immense. We are based in a seaside location where the availability and cost of travel can be prohibitive. Now we can say ‘yes’ to so many more trips, activities and work experience opportunities that previously we’ve struggled to co-ordinate due to lack of vehicles.
“This will genuinely transform their lives. They are proud of their Academy, and you could see how happy they were when the minibus arrived branded in our fantastic logo and colours. They can’t wait to go on trips with their larger groups of friends and show off their pride in being part of the Deaf community.”
This year the award-winning Deaf Academy is celebrating its 200th anniversary, as the oldest Deaf school in England. The charity was originally founded in Exeter in 1826 and moved to its current site in Exmouth six years ago. It is marking this historic bicentenary milestone with a series of celebrations, plus fundraising and legacy goals. A much-needed minibus was identified as a key goal, which Switch kindly pledged to support.
Roger Hancock, Chairman of Switch, said: “We were only too happy to support this initiative. We understand the importance of community access and independence. Knowing the students will benefit from this every day made it an easy decision for us”
The colourful branding for the bus was also generously donated by Devon firm GK Signs. The design technology across the windows cleverly enables students to see out, while also ensuring their privacy, so they can communicate via sign language to each other without being overlooked.
Student Amy explained: “The logos and colours are so important to us. It’s part of our Deaf identity. I feel so proud as this will raise Deaf awareness. Maybe people will see the minibus and think, oh if there’s a Deaf person what might be the best way to communicate. We are representing the Deaf community and we’re proud of that.”
Chris Rundle, Managing Director of GK Signs, said: “We were more than happy to support this project with a joint a Deaf Academy and Switch brand design, chosen by the students themselves. It’s fantastic to see the pride in the faces of students and staff. We look forward to spotting the minibus out and about on our roads.”
Deaf Academy Trustee Bob Spencer added: “This is groundbreaking for us. It’s going to transform students’ lives. It will mean that they can get to activities and share their culture all together. A heartfelt thanks from everyone at the Academy, but most of all from our present students and our students of the future.”
Switch is a nationwide car and van rental company providing reliable and efficient mobility solutions to customers across the UK. The business supports a wide range of individual and organisational transport needs through its modern and versatile fleet.
Alongside its core rental services, Switch is pleased to support meaningful community initiatives where it can make a positive difference — such as contributing this 17-seater minibus to the Deaf Academy.
