Students at École Jacques-Ouellette face the unique challenge of learning without the ability to see due to visual impairments. The school, funded by the Ministry of Education, is dedicated to providing specialized education for these students, who range in age from four to 21. Unlike traditional schools, École Jacques-Ouellette is the sole French-language institution in Quebec tailored to students with visual impairments.
Principal Geneviève Blondin highlights the school’s tailored approach, ensuring that each student’s individual needs are met. With an educational team of over 50 full-time staff members, adaptability is key as teaching methods constantly evolve to accommodate varying needs. The students’ diverse profiles require personalized attention to facilitate their learning experiences.
In addition to standard subjects, students at École Jacques-Ouellette also receive an enriched curriculum, focusing on social skills and compensatory strategies such as Braille and sensory development. The school library boasts over 10,000 titles adapted for visually impaired children, providing access to a wide range of literature in Braille, large print, and E-text formats.
The commitment to accessibility extends beyond the school’s walls, with a mandate to provide free adapted books to all French-speaking visually impaired students in Quebec. Through a dedicated team of technicians, books are converted to Braille and dispatched within 30 business days upon request, ensuring equal access to reading materials.
Despite advancements in technology, the school emphasizes the importance of maintaining traditional Braille materials to preserve essential literacy skills. The focus on accessible print materials not only enhances learning but also ensures the longevity of Braille as a fundamental language skill for visually impaired individuals.
