Page Number
19
Publication Date
June 2014
Authors
Valerie Monsour
Background
According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, sight loss has shown to be more common in new immigrants than in the Canadian-born population. Immigrants and refugees who live with sight loss and other forms of disabilities are some of the most vulnerable individuals in the world as they experience various forms of discrimination including racism, prejudice, in addition to the challenges that come with adapting to a new environment. Some individuals may not have exposure to the skills, tools, and resources available to support them in their personal and professional lives such as assistive technology, mobile apps, and/or skills for self advocacy. As a result, these challenges may impact students’ ability to learn and thrive in the classroom.
Purpose
The purpose of this toolkit is to address some of the above issues and to empower teachers to support learners with partial or complete sight loss in the classroom. We have implemented a number of guides and practical tips to integrate into their lesson plans for both face-to-face and virtual classes. Our hope is that this toolkit will reduce stress, build confidence, and set teachers and learners up for success to create a rich experience for everyone.