Harry Nickerson and other blind and visually impaired youth in Atlantic Canada are calling for the return of in-person programs that have been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Harry, a 14-year-old who is losing his vision to a degenerative disease called retinitis pigmentosa, had been receiving support and assistance from the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA) before the pandemic hit. However, with the transition to virtual programs, Harry feels that the current offerings do not adequately meet his needs as his vision continues to degrade.
One of the key programs that the blind and visually impaired community is asking APSEA to reinstate is a week-long residency program at the authority’s Halifax campus. This program provided essential life skills training, including navigating city traffic, using technology in classrooms, and cooking in a kitchen. APSEA argues that they have not eliminated any services, but rather adjusted their programs to better align with the province’s inclusive education policies by offering services closer to home.
However, individuals like Caelin Lloyd, who grew up in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, believe that APSEA’s justifications are disingenuous. Caelin, who attended APSEA’s programs in the past, contends that the authority removed all travel barriers and made it possible for him to participate in the residency programs in Halifax. He argues that virtual programs are not a suitable alternative and questions how blind children can learn skills like navigating snowbanks through a screen they can’t see.
APSEA, which is primarily funded by provincial government grants, has faced criticism for other changes to its programming as well. Among the concerns raised is the discontinuation of education assessments by an in-house psychologist, which are meant to help classroom teachers cater to the needs of visually impaired students with additional learning disabilities. The lack of these assessments has left parents like Rick Mamye struggling to find appropriate resources to support their children’s educational needs.
While APSEA maintains that their new service delivery model aims to ensure students continue to gain the necessary skills, parents and students argue that the changes have created gaps in support. Nova Scotia’s Department of Education and Early Childhood Development has acknowledged the concerns raised by former students and families but has stated that APSEA’s leadership will monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the new model.
As the blind and visually impaired youth in Atlantic Canada continue to advocate for the return of in-person programs, the debate surrounding the accessibility and effectiveness of virtual offerings remains ongoing. The push for provincial governments to intervene and address these concerns highlights the importance of providing adequate support and resources for individuals with visual impairments, particularly during these challenging times.
