The Minister of Education applauded the efforts of three Island children who are included in the braille anthology of stories and poems that was launched today in conjunction with the first-ever National Braille Day.
"These students are to be commended for their imagination and enthusiasm," said the Honourable Chester Gillan, Minister of Education. "I extend my congratulations to these children and APSEA staff who helped launch the anthology National Braille Day 2000: Student Essays. Projects such as these make all Islanders aware of the world of braille."
The anthology contains 21 selections from across Atlantic Canada. It is published by APSEA - Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority. Each selection in the publication is available in both braille and print.
"Sighted family members and others will have the opportunity to enjoy the work of these three hard-working students," said Jennifer Shields, PEI Provincial Supervisor for Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired. "We are very pleased with the participation of Islanders this year and hope to see an increase in participation in National Braille Day activities next year."
The three students featured in the publication are sisters Megan and Mallory Atkinson and Sonja Walker.
Megan, 14, is a Grade 8 student at East Wiltshire Intermediate School. Her selection is "Friend to the Rescue." Her sister Mallory, 10, is a Grade 5 student at Eliot River Elementary. Her selection is entitled "Memories." Their parents are Richard and Kelly Atkinson, of Meadowbank.
Sonja Walter, 3, attends Waterview Early Learning Centre in Charlottetown. Her selection "Our Trip to the Mall" was written in conjunction with her APSEA itinerant teacher, Joanne Hodgins, after a visit to a local shopping mall. Her parents are Cynthia and Robert Walker, of Charlottetown.
Copies of the anthology are available at the libraries of participating students, at the APSEA office located at St. Jean Elementary in Charlottetown and at the school libraries of other participating braille students in Atlantic Canada.
For more information, contact Jennifer Shields, PEI Provincial Supervisor, Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority, (902) 368-4694.