The Alberta government is increasing funding for students who are blind, deafblind, hard of hearing or have complex communications needs.
Funding for Low Incidence Supports and Services (LISS) is being increased from $1.8 million to $5 million. This increase will allow school authorities to hire and train specialists and provide equipment to maintain an inclusive learning environment.
The decision was made in response to feedback from education partners and school authorities.
“We have heard from families and school divisions that more supports are needed in the classroom to help address and support class complexity,” said Minister of Education and the MLA for Red Deer-North Adriana LaGrange.
“This funding is one of many steps we are taking to further strengthen our education system by making it a place where students are able to maximize their potential with minimal barriers.”
Students who are blind or visually impaired, deaf, hard-of-hearing, deafblind or have complex communication needs account for about one per cent of the student population in the province – or 7,500 students.
Funding will be provided directly to public and separate school boards, public charter schools and francophone regional authorities that identified need for additional supports.
“Education is a key predictor of future employment and quality of life in the blind and partially sighted community,” said Christall Beaudry, the vice president in Western Canada for the CNIB Foundation.
“This announcement shows the 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.”
View the original press release on the Government of Alberta website.
Red Deer-North constituents with questions or concerns can reach out to the Constituency Office by using the contact form.
If you have comments, questions or concerns for the Minister of Education, please contact the Office of the Minister of Education at education.minister@gov.ab.ca or 780-427-5010.