NB 746
June 11, 2007
FREDERICTON (CNB) - One hundred notebook computers will be provided to francophone students with learning disabilities, Education Minister Kelly Lamrock announced today.
"If we want to have the best public education system in the country, there is an urgent need to improve our support services for students with learning disabilities," Lamrock said. "These additional notebook computers are in response to the MacKay report, which recommends the use of technology to favour the inclusion of students with learning disabilities."
Living up to the promise of inclusion and giving educators the tools to innovate and lead are two key commitments of the government's plan for public education, When Kids Come First.
Each notebook computer will have text-to-voice software that allows students with dyslexia to read everything that appears on the screen, as the computer reads it aloud.
"The computer is a marvellous tool for students with dyslexia," said Fabienne McKay, vice-president of the Learning Disabilities Association of New Brunswick. "Experience has shown that educational computer programs give them the desire to study again and to pursue post-secondary education."
The province's five francophone school districts will be responsible for distributing the computers among students with dyslexia, in co-operation with the resource teachers.
During the week of Aug. 6, 2007, teachers, resource teachers and teaching assistants will be able to take training on how to use the text-to-voice software so they can be ready to introduce students to this tool.
07/06/11
MEDIA CONTACTS: Angélique Binet or Jason Humphrey, communications, Education, 506-444-4714.
07/06/11
