By: Lui Greco and Shelley Adams
In recent years, and particularly following the pandemic, CNIB has received feedback from families and educators in Atlantic Canada about significant changes in educational supports for students who are blind or have low vision. To better understand how the educational needs of students are being addressed in Atlantic Canada, CNIB launched an anonymous survey in December 2024.
The survey collected 78 responses, representing 16% of the blind and visually impaired (BVI) student population and covered the nine key areas of the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), including Individual Education Plans (IEPs), skill development, access to educational support, and social integration.
Blindness is often one of several disabilities among this population, yet little information exists on how educational services are adapting to meet student needs. CNIB is concerned about the impact of serving a highly diverse student population on the resources available for students with sight loss.
Most survey respondents (59%) said their child had an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), but 32% were unsure or said none existed—despite ECC guidelines emphasizing IEPs as central learning tools. Encouragingly, 86% of families felt like valued members of their child's educational planning team, and 84% were satisfied with TVI or specialist input.
While these findings are largely positive, a common theme was that many respondents answered "I don't know" to questions about accommodations and instructions provided at school. CNIB is interested in further exploring this theme with parents.
More frequent IEPP updates and better family engagement are needed –especially in underserved or remote areas. Ongoing investment in trained specialists and meaningful parental involvement remains key to student success.
A summary of survey results will be shared with parents for feedback to help inform the direction of CNIB's future advocacy efforts.If you would like a copy of the report or would like to get involved, please contact Shelley Adams, Manager, Advocacy Atlantic Canada at shelley.adams@cnib.ca.