APSEA

10/15/2026

Today is White Cane Day! The white cane is a symbol of independence, confidence and accessibility for people who are blind or have low vision. At APSEA, we recognize the importance of orientation and mobility skills in helping learners navigate their surroundings safely and independently. White Cane Day is also a reminder of the importance of creating accessible and inclusive communities for everyone.

10/13/2026

APSEA staff Chrissy MacNeil (DHH Mentor), Frank O'Sullivan (ASL Specialist), and staff interpreter Pam Scott spent time in Newfoundland and Labrador, visiting schools and connecting with learners who are Deaf or hard of hearing, families, school staff, and members of the Deaf community.

Along with supporting learners and schools, staff took part in International Week of Deaf People activities, including a flag raising at Confederation Building, events with the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of the Deaf, and an APSEA family event at The Rec Room. It was a great opportunity to celebrate Deaf culture, strengthen connections, and support learners in areas such as ASL, communication, and self-advocacy.

10/09/2026

Wishing our APSEA community across Atlantic Canada a wonderful long weekend. 🍂🍁

10/07/2026

Did you know you can order amplification batteries and accessories directly through APSEA using our online order form? Visit our website to learn more and to submit your request.

Parents/Guardians in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island can use this form to order amplification batteries and accessories through APSEA.Requests will only be processed once payment has been received. If you require alternative arrangements, please let us know when calling to make....

10/05/2026

As part of Deaf Awareness Month, APSEA was pleased to take part in the Atlantic Signfest Expo in Dartmouth on Saturday, September 26.

The event drew a great turnout and offered many opportunities to connect with members of the Deaf community. APSEA team members Rebecca Cyr, Sherri Stevens, Brian Foran and Melina Kennedy, along with Melina’s daughter Abigail, enjoyed representing APSEA and being part of the day.

09/30/2026

Today, APSEA recognizes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We honour Survivors, remember the children who never returned home, and acknowledge the lasting impacts of residential schools on First Nations, Inuit and Métis families and communities. Reconciliation is an ongoing responsibility, one that calls on us to listen, learn and act with care. Every Child Matters. 🧡

09/28/2026

We are delighted to celebrate Melanie Wilson who works in Nova Scotia as an Education Support Teacher for Students who are Blind and have Low Vision. She has reached 15 years with the APSEA team!

APSEA truly appreciates your dedication, commitment and hard work, Melanie. Congratulations!

09/23/2026

Today we celebrate International Day of Sign Languages and the power of sign languages to connect, communicate and create belonging. At APSEA, we’re proud to support accessible communication and celebrate the Deaf and hard of hearing communities we serve.

09/21/2026

Save the date! The Teaching to Diversity Conference is taking place in Halifax on April 28 and 29, 2027.

Designed for professionals who support individuals with diverse learning needs, the conference will share practical ideas and strategies to help strengthen learning, independence, participation and success. Topics will include supporting autistic and neurodivergent individuals, learners who are blind or have low vision, learners who are Deaf or hard of hearing, and others who may experience barriers to learning and participation.

More details and registration information coming soon!

09/17/2026

Congratulations to Lesley Anthony on being awarded the 2026 Council of the Federation Literacy Awards by the province of New Brunswick. Lesley recently retired from APSEA, but during her 25 years as part of the team she made a significant impact improving literacy access for students who are blind or have low vision. The full release can be read here: New Brunswick literacy champions receive Council of the Federation Literacy Awards - gnb.ca

Congratulations to Nicole Poirier and Lesley Anthony, recipients of the Council of the Federation's 2026 Literacy Award for their dedication to learners of all ages.

Nicole is a Learning Support Teacher at Abbey-Landry School in Memramcook. A published children's author, she works closely with families and community partners to foster a lasting love of reading and writing, and to promote the French language across the province.

Since 2001, Lesley has been transforming literacy access for students who are blind or have low vision. As part of Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA) in Woodstock, she has championed braille instruction, assistive technology, and virtual initiatives that connect learners across Atlantic Canada.

Every New Brunswicker deserves the chance to build strong literacy skills, and it takes dedicated educators to make that possible. Thank you to Nicole, Lesley, and everyone across our province who shares their commitment to advancing literacy.