Sir Frederic Fraser School Atlantic Provinces Resource Centre
The Sir Frederic Fraser School Atlantic Provinces Resource Centre (official business registration number 119150852RR0001) was a Canadian educational institution serving children and youth with visual impairments. Established under the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA) in 1984, the centre replaced the Halifax School for the Blind (originally named the Halifax Asylum for the Blind), which operated from 1872 to 1983[1][2][5]. The school’s namesake, Sir Charles Frederick Fraser, served as superintendent of the Halifax institution for 50 years, pioneering accessible education and vocational training for blind students in Atlantic Canada[1][5].

History
The Halifax School for the Blind, founded in 1872, became a public institution in 1975 under APSEA[2]. After its closure in 1983, APSEA established the Resource Centre in 1984, expanding services to include early intervention, specialized curricula, and assistive technology[1][4]. The centre retained Fraser’s legacy by emphasizing independence through academic instruction, mobility training, and vocational skills such as music and chair caning[1][2].

Programs and Impact
Under Fraser’s leadership, the original school prioritized comprehensive education, including mathematics, geography, and trades like piano tuning[2][5]. The Resource Centre continued this mission, supporting students across Atlantic Canada with tailored programs to prepare them for employment and self-sufficiency[1][4]. Fraser’s advocacy led to legislative changes, including the 1882 Free Education for the Blind Act in Nova Scotia, which secured public funding for blind education[2][5].

Legacy
The institution’s influence extended beyond visual impairment services, with APSEA later integrating deaf education programs by the mid-1990s[4]. Fraser’s innovative approaches, such as hiring blind teachers as role models and public fundraising campaigns, set foundational practices for modern special education in Canada[1][5]. The Resource Centre’s operations remain affiliated with APSEA, which continues to oversee specialized educational services in the region[1][4].

**Note**: For current operations, see the **Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA)** at www.apsea.ca.