The efforts of a Wallaceburg student are being highlighted for her help in promoting inclusion among her peers.
A Grade 5 student at A.A. Wright Public School, Legacie Shipman-Rogers, leads the school’s Braille Club by connecting with fellow students each week during lunch hour.
Shipman-Rogers, who is legally blind, leads engaging sessions where students learn Braille, participate in hands-on activities, and use Brailler machines through the Blind/Low Vision department. Most recently, the program was expanded to include a sign language component, providing participants with the opportunity to practice signing.
The initiative has continued to grow in popularity, encouraging students to learn a new skill while embracing inclusion.
Julianne Vandernaalt, a teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/Blind and Low Vision with the Lambton Kent District School Board, said the Braille Club has become a vibrant part of the school’s culture. She also praised Shipman-Rogers’ leadership style, saying, “Once you meet her, you won’t ever forget her.”
January 4 is World Braille Day, dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of Braille as a means of communication for individuals who are blind or have low vision.