Visually Impaired Student Receives Bursary

Domenico Albanese is a soon-to-be graduate from Distance Education for All Learners (DEAL). This 22-year-old student has been visually impaired since birth. He first registered with DEAL in October 2015, and with the support of the Connections Program at Innovation Youth, has found great academic success. Prior to attending DEAL, Domenico was told that he did not have the competencies to graduate from the special needs high school that he was attending.

Domenico was awarded a $1,000 bursary from SOFAD Distance Learning. He accepted this bursary, delivering a moving speech to hundreds of people at the AQIFGA Convention where he expressed his appreciation towards the SOFAD books and how DEAL gave him the opportunity to achieve his many accomplishments.

Domenico completed his courses using PDF versions of SOFAD books, enabling him to download the books and use readers to hear his required reading. Eager to further his education, Domenico will attend Vanier College next year, with interests in Communications and Broadcasting, and Travel and Tourism.

“It is not every day that I work with a student with such passion and motivation. Domenico is definitely an exceptional student,” said. Raquel Di Tirro, a DEAL Counsellor in re-education. “His outstanding grades, work ethic and positive outlook on life are truly inspirational.”

The High School of Montreal Adult Centre offers Basic English and Academic courses. DEAL boasts over 1,000 students from all walks of life. Students enroll in the program in order to obtain high school credits or prerequisites for further education without attending classes. Students receive books and materials to learn at home, at their own pace. They must complete specific homework assignments before being permitted to write a final exam. To enroll, students must be over the age of 16 as of July 1. DEAL welcomes on-going students with specific learning needs, be it a physical disability, visual impairment, anxiety, autism, dyslexia, and other learning differences. These students are offered accommodations when writing their final exams. For information, visit distanted.ca.