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By CHAT News Staff/Pattison Media

Province provides more funding for students with disabilities

Feb 1, 2023 | 3:32 PM

The Alberta government says it’s increasing funding by more than $3 million to specialized supports and services to maintain an inclusive learning environment for students.

The province says many students with a low incidence disability require highly specialized and expensive technology and services throughout their schooling. This funding, part of a $5-million total investment, will allow school authorities to hire and train specialized professionals and provide equipment for students who are blind, deafblind, deaf, hard of hearing or have complex communications needs.

Education Minister Adriana LaGrange says this funding is one of many steps the government is taking to further strengthen the education system.

The CNIB Foundation applauds the move.

“Education is a key predictor of future employment and quality of life in the blind and partially sighted community,” says Christall Beaudry, vice-president, Western Canada. “This announcement shows this government listened to our students, parents and teachers for the visually impaired and they understand that investing directly in the education sector will make a meaningful difference, both now and in the future so our kids will thrive.”

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The government says there are about 7,500 Alberta students who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, deafblind, or have complex communication needs.

The funding will be provided directly to public and separate school boards, public charter schools and francophone regional authorities that identified need for additional supports.

Government quick facts

• The Education Act requires school authorities to identify students with low incidence disabilities and provide the necessary supports they need for their education.
• Low Incidence Supports and Services funding amounts for each school authority depend on the number of students who meet eligibility criteria and the locations of school authorities to ensure appropriate funding for rural and remote regions.
• Accessing necessary supports and services can be challenging in rural and remote regions because of the limited numbers of specialized professionals available.
• Examples of eligible expenses:
  • Services provided by the student’s school-based learning team, which could include:
    • teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing
    • teachers of the blind or visually impaired
    • educational audiologists
    • sign language interpreters
    • orientation and mobility specialists
    • braille assistants
    • augmentative and alternative communication specialists
  • Providing assistive technology, materials and resources.
  • Capacity building initiatives, such as professional development and training for staff to support students with low incidence disabilities.