By: Christall Beaudry and Zach Abdalla
In response to ongoing barriers to education for students who are blind or partially sighted, a group of Alberta students, parents, supports, and Teachers for the Visually Impaired (TVIs) gathered to discuss the challenges faced by Alberta students with sight loss and create a strategy to advocate for change. A few of the main issues highlighted in the discussion were lack of resources, outdated or irrelevant assistive technology, and lack of professional development opportunities for teaching technology.
In March, a group of students, parents, and supports known as the Access to Education Outcomes for Students with Sight Loss visited the Alberta legislature for a day of action to advocate Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to support more resources in Alberta schools. Education is a key predictor of future employment, and the group actively works to advocate for change early in the education system.
Alberta teen Zach Abdalla, 15, and his mother, Chris, have played an active role in advocacy efforts, attending meetings with Ministers and MLAs.
“As a student, and with my mother taking an active role in advocating, we were able to see a real change in the education system and move the needle for kids with sight loss – this was really exciting for me,” says Zach.
The group has had recent success in advocating for the government to launch a grant program for schools to access additional funds for students with low incidence disabilities. In addition, the Government of Alberta is investing in upgrading their assistive technology.
“The experience to speak with leaders, connect based on their interests, and be in a position to motivate them for change has been a very enjoyable process for me,” says Zach.
To get involved, contact Christal Beaudry, Vice President, Western Canada at christall.beaudry@cnib.ca.