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STORIES FROM FORMER STUDENTS
The goal of the École oraliste is to help students forge their own paths and become successful not just academically, but personally. We were able to get in touch with five former students to see how they’re doing today. Like all people, they each ended up on different journeys. And it’s wonderful! As the founder of the École oraliste, I couldn’t be happier!
DE QUÉBEC POUR ENFANTS SOURDS Andrée Boisclair
Professor Emeritus and Founder of the École oraliste de Québec pour enfants malentendants ou sourds
William Renaud 18 years old “The École oraliste made it easier to interact with people and helped me find a student job at a nearby grocery store. The school’s teaching approach really meets students where they’re at. It gave me all the tools I need to continue my education and succeed so that I can have a career. It also encourages us to develop better speaking skills by having us do things like put on plays at the Théâtre La Bordée. I’m extremely proud of my hard work and I’ll always be grateful to the school.” Antoine Mallette 19 years old “My life has changed because of the École oraliste. While I was there, I made a lot of good friends and became more self-confident. I’m currently studying at the adult school to finish my highschool education. After that, I want to study to do electrical work. I’ve had a student job as a grocery clerk at Super C for more than two years now. I also take on lawnmowing jobs. I love traditional music and I’m on the board of directors of the Association québécoise des loisirs folkloriques. I also livestream accordion and violin shows on Facebook.”
Pascale Desrochers 26 years old “Hi, I’m Pascale Desrochers. I have a cochlear implant and studying at the École oraliste de Québec improved my quality of life, because it helped me develop self-confidence and comprehension skills. I’m learning and taking on new challenges every day. And I don’t give up. I have a college diploma and an accounting job at Qualinet. I’m able to talk with clients, insurance experts, contractors, and other companies on the phone easily. I’m very proud of my accomplishments and I love my work.”
Émilie Bélanger 24 years old “My name is Émilie Bélanger and I’m 24 years old. I’m completely deaf from birth and received a cochlear implant at the age of 4. I started school at the École oraliste and attended until I was 18. After that, I took my general education exam at the Maison des adultes before entering the job market. I have a job that I love—I’m an educator at La p’tite ZONE famille daycare. I also love my family; I have a husband and a 2-year-old son. I’m very proud of my success in my personal and professional life despite my disability.” Samuel Lanouette 29 years old “I received an amazing education at the École oraliste. It helped me discover my passions and aspirations, and it let me set goals that I thought I’d never achieve until I entered high school or university. I’m passionate about education and history; I never stopped studying, even after getting jobs as a massage therapist and at the Ministry of Culture and Communications. I’m currently starting my master’s degree in Secondary Education so that I can achieve a goal inspired by this school: to become a teacher.”
