Integrated Sight Loss Teacher Toolkit

English language learners with sight loss are a growing population that, traditionally, has been underserved in language programs across Canada. At ISANS, we demonstrate inclusion by welcoming and respecting the diversity in our community and fostering a sense of belonging for all. With this in mind and with generous funding from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), ISANS has partnered with AnuVision Consulting to bridge the gap in knowledge and capacity in language programs by creating The Sight Loss Integration Teacher Toolkit.  

By offering direction on how to modify curriculum, materials, and physical spaces, the barriers for newcomers with sight loss are reduced and they can better participate in language learning alongside their peers.  

In the toolkit, teachers will find information on common eye conditions, specific recommendations for program administrators, practical classroom tips , suggestions for low and high tech supports, and examples of adapted lesson plans for multiple Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels. There are also purchase recommendations, helpful links, and templates that can be used immediately in a classroom setting.  

The toolkit has the advantage of being applicable for any language class and is purposefully designed so that whether a program is rural or urban, academic or community-based, online or in-person, the teachers can easily implement the toolkits’ recommendations and students can become fully integrated members of any class. 

The Sight Loss Integration Teacher Toolkit is accessible by download on our Resources page. For more information on the toolkit, please contact Jessica Leslie at jleslie@isans.ca. For media inquiries, please contact us at media@isans.ca.