Regional Highlights (2021–2024 and Current Quadrennium)

Between 2021 and 2024, ICEVI NAC contributed to inclusive education and rehabilitation by collaborating with local organizations, families, and professionals across North America and the Caribbean. The region’s efforts focused on strengthening early childhood development, teacher training, and family engagement, especially in underserved Caribbean contexts where localized approaches are essential.

ICEVI NAC played a supporting role in regional capacity-building initiatives, contributing technical input and helping to expand access to professional development for educators. In collaboration with national stakeholders, ICEVI NAC helped co-develop hybrid teacher training workshops and family-centered programming, with particular attention to the needs of small island developing states.

The region also contributed to the growth of a parent-led advocacy movement by supporting leadership development and facilitating peer mentorship across national contexts. Collaborations with the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) and the World Blind Union (WBU) supported broader knowledge exchange, cross-sector dialogue, and advocacy for systemic change.

ICEVI NAC emphasized the importance of inclusive, multilingual communication by supporting resource translation into Spanish and French. These efforts improved access to tools and information for educators and families in linguistically diverse communities.

Looking Ahead (2025-2028)

ICEVI NAC will continue to work with national partners, civil society, and regional networks to advance inclusive education and rehabilitation systems. Planned contributions include:

  • Supporting hybrid teacher workshops, including the upcoming training in Jamaica (2025)
  • Expanding a Caribbean mentorship program for educators and family advocates
  • Collaborating with AER on regional conference alignment and technical exchanges
  • Contributing to accessibility and inclusion advocacy campaigns across the region
  • Promoting multilingual resource development to support inclusive practices in Spanish- and French-speaking contexts

These efforts will build on existing partnerships and align with ICEVI’s global mission to promote equitable, inclusive systems that reflect community priorities.

Impact

ICEVI NAC contributes to system-level change by strengthening local leadership, supporting technical learning, and fostering regional collaboration. Its work complements national strategies and broader disability rights efforts, helping to ensure that learners with visual impairment have access to inclusive education and rehabilitation services that respond to their specific needs.

By engaging in coalitions, contributing expertise, and supporting grassroots advocacy, ICEVI NAC helps create environments in which families, educators, and learners are active participants in shaping inclusive systems. These contributions—often delivered in collaboration with organizations such as AER and WBU—help align practice with policy and promote sustainable, locally grounded solutions.

The North America and Caribbean Region of the International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI) includes the following countries:

Regional Leadership (2025–2028)

ICEVI Regional President North America and Caribbean

North America and Caribbean

Dr. Michael J. Bina

Regional President, North America and Caribbean, ICEVI; Former President, Hadley School for the Blind and Maryland School for the Blind, USA.

Dr. Bina is a highly respected educator and advocate for learners with visual impairment, with a career spanning decades in leadership, assistive technology, and expanding educational access.

Deputy President – Canada

Dr. Adam P. Wilton

Provincial Resource Center for the Visually Impaired & Accessible Resource Center-BC, Canada.

Deputy President – Caribbean

Ms. Carey Phillipps

Trinidad and Tobago.

Deputy Vice President – USA

Ms. Belinda Rudinger

East Texas A&M University, USA.

Immediate Past President

Ms. Susan LaVenture

First Vice President, ICEVI; President, International Association of Parents of Children with Visual Impairments (IAPVI), USA.

Susan brings deep expertise in family advocacy, parent engagement, and public policy, working to strengthen family-centered support systems and advance the rights of children with visual impairment.

Organizational Member Delegate

Ms. Suzanne Decary-van den Broek, CVRT

Vice President, Central Canada, CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), Canada.

Organizational Member

Mr. Kenneth Suratt

Executive Officer, Trinidad & Tobago Welfare Association, Trinidad & Tobago.

International Partner Member

Mr. Todd Reeves

CEO & President, Overbrook School for the Blind, USA.