“Education is a key predictor of future employment and quality of life in blind and partially sighted communities,” said Christall Beaudry, Vice President, Western Canada. “This announcement shows that this government has listened to students, parents and teachers for the blind. They believe that direct investment in the education sector makes sense now and in the future. It shows that you understand that you make a difference and that our children thrive.”
About 7,500 Alberta students are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, deafblind or have complex communication needs, according to the government.
Funding will go directly to public and individual boards of education, public charter schools, and French-speaking regional authorities that have identified a need for additional support.
quick government facts
- The Education Act requires school authorities to identify students with low rates of disability and provide necessary support for their education.
- The amount of funding for each school authority’s Low Incidence Support and Services depends on the number of students who meet the eligibility criteria and the location of the school authority to ensure adequate funding in rural and remote areas.
- In rural and remote areas, access to needed support and services can be difficult due to the limited number of specialists available.
- Examples of eligible expenses:
- Services provided by the student’s school-based learning team. This includes:
- deaf and hard of hearing teachers
- blind or visually impaired teacher
- educational audiologist
- sign language interpreter
- Orientation and Mobility Specialist
- braille assistant
- Augmented and Alternative Communications Specialist
- Provide assistive technology, materials, and resources.
- Development initiatives such as professional development and training for staff to support students with low rates of disability.
- Services provided by the student’s school-based learning team. This includes:
