On January 4th, Canada celebrated World Braille Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of Braille as a means of communication for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Not only does Braille provide an opportunity for literacy, but it also enables access to information, promotes independence and social inclusion. At A.A. Wright Public School in Wallaceburg, this message of inclusion is lived out every week through a remarkable initiative: the Braille Club.
Led by Grade 5 student Legacie Shipman-Rogers, alongside Julianne Vandernaalt, Teacher for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing/Blind and Low Vision with the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB), the Braille Club has become a vibrant part of the school’s culture. Legacie, a bubbly and confident student who is legally blind, has turned her life experience into an opportunity to connect with her peers. Each week during lunch hour, she leads engaging sessions where students learn Braille, participate in hands-on activities, and even get to experience using the incredible Brailler machines through the Blind/Low Vision department.
What started as a small initiative has grown in popularity, attracting students eager to learn a new skill while embracing inclusion. Recently, the program expanded to include a sign language component, giving participants the chance to practice signing and deepen their understanding of communication diversity.
Julianne Vandernaalt’s dedication to this program runs deep. With lived experience as a CODA (Child of Deaf Adults), with both her parents being profoundly Deaf, and a child having low vision, this initiative is one incredibly close to her heart. She praises Legacie’s leadership style, saying: “Once you meet her, you won’t ever forget her.”
That sentiment is clear to anyone who has the pleasure of meeting Legacie. Outside of class time, when she’s not leading Braille club, she can be found stopping to chat with her favourite staff and fellow students, or introducing school visitors to the school’s resident fish, Gary. Her enthusiasm has made Braille Club more than just an activity, but a symbol of acceptance, inclusion, and working together to make the school and community a welcoming place for all.