Quebec school finds creative ways to help students with visual impairments learn

Montreal's Jacques-Ouellette school, specializing in French-language education for visually impaired students aged four to 21, has adopted creative methods to cater to diverse learning needs. Principal Geneviève Blondin explained that each student follows the Quebec curriculum at their own pace, utilizing various techniques such as braille, large print, or touch. The school, funded by Quebec’s Education Department, has 55 students this year and employs around 50 full-time staff members.

With over 10,000 adapted titles, the school library offers a wide range of books in braille, large print, and electronic formats for students with visual impairments. Librarian David Choquette emphasized the importance of teaching braille, as it helps preserve the physical skills needed to read and keeps the language alive. Despite the rise of digital tools, paper braille remains crucial for students who can use it.