White Cane Week is just around the corner!
Did you know that in Quebec, the use of white canes has been legally regulated since the 1970s? It’s not a new development!
The law on the white cane (C-6) was the first to be adopted. It defined the term blind, specified the profile of people authorized to use a white cane and mentioned the sanctions applicable to offenders. This law was repealed in February 1979. Since then, the Act to ensure the exercise of the rights of disabled persons with a view to their academic, professional and social integration has been in force. Article 76 specifies the framework for the use of white canes and guide dogs.
It is therefore true to say that people living with a visual impairment or dual sensory impairment have been legally authorized to use a white cane for more than four decades. The cane contributes to safety when getting around and to inclusion.
White Cane Week takes place every year, in the first week of February. Happy White Cane Week 2025!
Mark your calendars! On February 19, from 9 to 10 a.m. (Montreal time), join us for an exchange activity for members of the Community of Practice in Deafblindness!
The virtual meeting will focus on the Technological Watch on Devices for Clients with Sensory Impairments (V-TeDDS). Sylvie Cantin, planning, programming and research officer at the INLB’s Research and Innovation Department, will present a behind-the-scenes look at V-TeDDS. Concrete situations will be described to illustrate how the directory is useful to clients and professionals specializing in deafblindness. During this meeting, members will have the opportunity to discuss and ask Ms. Cantin questions.
Zoom link to participate in the meeting: https://santemonteregie.zoom.us/j/61014727672?pwd=ihlf2aFZkvjeIQD3pLfbEYb80Vmvd8.1
User ID: 610 1472 7672
Code: 957081
Visit the Web platform of the Community of Practice in Deafblindness at any time to access the directory of publications on deafblindness. Please use the email address of the community of practice to share publications or to volunteer to present a clinical tool at an upcoming exchange activity.
Subscription: cdpsurdicecite.org
Email: cdp.surdicecite.inlb@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
A research project leading to practical tools!
A research project has generated several useful tools for parents, caregivers and professionals working with deafblindness and other severe complex disabilities. It was conducted by several specialized European institutions, including INSEI, CRESAM and the Moscow Center for Curative Pedagogy.
Structured protocols for assessing the perceptual abilities of children based on their behavioral responses have been developed, taking into account the experience of parents, professionals and researchers. One of the main innovations is the creation of an assessment method that takes into account the wide variability of the needs of children.
The practical tools developed, such as guides and an online platform, take into account the child’s perceptual needs in communication and education. They improve the quality of life for children and those around them. The research project also promotes closer collaboration between families and professionals for more effective inclusion.
Consult the scientific research report, the online platform, guide 1 and guide 2 by visiting the following website: https://www.firah.org/progressions-pedagogiques-personnalisees
Moreau, C., Khokhlova, A., Treffé, C., Calvez, V. L., Minor, L. L., Boutet, C., Prosvetova, E. (2024). Identification des spécificités de la perception et progressions pédagogiques personnalisées pour les enfants en situation de surdicécité et autres handicaps complexes sévères (IS4P) [online]. Suresnes: INSEI.
A guide for parents available free of charge online!
Several experienced professionals specializing in deafblindness from the CIUSSS Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal and the CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre have designed the guide Vivre au quotidien avec un enfant sourd-aveugle (Living day-to-day with a deafblind child) for parents so that they can develop and maintain a quality relationship with their child.
Establishing emotional communication is essential to promote the overall development of the child. The guide offers practical advice adapted to the pace and sensory abilities of each child. It is a valuable tool to support families on this journey. It is available free of charge online.
CRESAM newsletter
Looking for a great way to stay up to date with the latest news from the National Resource Center for Rare Disabilities (CRESAM) in France?
Check out CRESAM’s newsletter, published twice a year. It is available online for free and in several formats. The website that hosts the newsletter also publishes the calendar of activities, such as webinars, training sessions and coffee meetings about deafblindness.
We apologize for the delay in publishing the February news. We had a problem with the translations on the platform. The problem has now been resolved.
Translated by DEEPL