The Government of Alberta is investing 5 million dollars to support students with low-incidence disabilities.
Low-incidence disabilities can be defined as individuals who are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, deafblind, or individuals with complex communication needs.
These disabilities affect around 7,500 students in Alberta, which is one per cent of the student population.
“With this funding, schools will be able to hire more specialists to help students with low-incidence disabilities. Alberta’s united conservative government firmly believes in protecting and supporting our vulnerable students,” says Alberta’s Minister of Education, Demetrios Nicolaides.
“As a result of this funding, schools will be able to cover the costs of services and equipment that is needed to help those who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, deafblind or with other complex communication needs.”
The Low Incidence Supports and Services (LISS) funding will allow schools to hire and train specialized professionals, and provide equipment and educational resources for students.
Funding will be provided directly to public, separate school boards, public charter, and francophone authorities that identify the need for additional support.
The amount of funding each school will receive will depend on the students who meet the criteria for eligibility to ensure appropriate funding for rural and remote communities.
LISS can be used on the school-based learning team which can include teachers for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired, psychologists, orientation and mobility specialists, among many more.
The school boards can also use LISS to purchase assistive technology, resources, materials, and environmental modifications to assist the students in their specific needs, as well as professional training and workshops for the specialized staff who directly support the students.