From the President’s Desk
Happy White Cane Week!
It is that time of year where we as proud persons with vision loss celebrate our abilities not disabilities. Our chapters and members across Canada will be showcasing this through public education and awareness campaigns.
White Cane Week has been a tradition during the first full week of February, and we thank our BC-Yukon division for their annual kick off, taking place February 2nd in the afternoon.
Following a brief pause, the Council welcomes back its Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship (CVICC), taking place this year in beautiful Sydney, Nova Scotia. We thank our hosts this year, knowing traditionally this event was held in Ottawa for many years. Sydney is no stranger to major curling events, as last year Sydney was host to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, the Canadian Women’s Curling Championship.
We are so proud to have Sydney hosting our CVICC, knowing that the many volunteers and supports are very well adept and experienced at holding such an event. This year we welcome a new team to our Curling Family, from nearby New Brunswick. We wish everyone good curling!
February is also AMD awareness Month, and we thank our partners from Fighting Blindness Canada, for holding an important educational event on AMD on February 4th. The Council also wishes all Families a wonderful Family Day, taking place on February 17th, across Canada. This day encourages Families to get out and enjoy the outdoors as winter begins to wind down.
The Council is very proud of its traditional White Cane Week events across Canada, and we encourage all Chapters and Communities to relay their events to our staff team at our National Office, as well as our Visions Newsletter. Remember, this is YOUR newsletter!
On behalf of The National Board, staff, sponsors, and our many wonderful volunteers across Canada, we wish everyone a very successful White Cane Week in whatever you may endeavor. Please remember to get your eyes checked regularly.
Jim Tokos
CCB National President
Member Spotlight:
We would like to introduce Janet Bowman from the CCB Sydney Chapter in Nova Scotia.
Janet lives in Antigonish, and has been involved with CCB since the 1980’s. She currently belongs to the Sydney Chapter.
Janet was born with Congenital Cataracts, and went for her first eye operation in 1964, but unfortunately, the Cataracts kept growing back. She attended the Halifax School for the Blind from 1966 to 1978, where she learned braille and made some great friends.
After graduating, Janet took a course in Retail Management at a local college and from 1980 to 1990, she lived and worked in Halifax. In 2001, she opened her own business, called “Janet’s Canteen”, which was in the St. Martha’s Regional hospital in Antigonish. She ran the canteen for 20 years, however, was forced to shut it down in 2021, due to the COVID pandemic. Janet is now a Patient Sitter in the hospital, where she sits with patients who may have dementia or other ailments, and makes sure they have what they need.
While she was working in Halifax, Janet started attending CCB meetings, and she met members and made new friends. Over the years, she has participated in several chapters such as the Glace Bay Club and the Sydney Chapter.
Janet has been participating in the Atlantic Sports and Recreation Weekend (ASRW) ever since she joined CCB, and really loves the social aspect as well as the competition. She is currently on the organizing committee for next year’s ASRW, representing the Sydney Chapter, and is looking forward to another fantastic event, which will be taking place in Moncton, New Brunswick.
“It’s always such a fun weekend,” says Janet. “I’m a very active person, so the Sports Weekend gives me a chance to shine!”
And she’s not kidding! Aside from participating in the ASRW, Janet also enjoys a number of local activities such as bowling, singing and playing guitar. She belongs to her Church choir, and even took part in the CCB Idol contest, which also takes place during ASRW.
“When it comes down to it, I just really enjoy the CCB and all the interesting activities it has to offer,” she reflects. “I’m a very social person, so it’s great for me to be with people who enjoy doing things like I do.”
ANNOUNCEMENTS
White Cane Week 2025:
Get ready for a fun and exciting awareness week from February 2 to 8. This year’s events will include lots of local activities. Please visit the CCB website to keep yourself updated on the many exciting events that will be taking place this year across the country. And stay tuned for reports on events in upcoming newsletters!
Cape Breton to Host Top Vision Impaired Curlers as National Championship Begins:
The Louise Gillis-skipped team from the Sydney Curling Club will host rinks from across the country for the 2025.
Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship, February 3-7.
Louise Gillis and her teammates know they’re about to be part of Cape Breton curling history. Gillis and Team Nova Scotia will host the annual Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship at the Sydney Curling Club, the first time the five-day tournament has ever been held outside of Ottawa.
“One of the main reasons I wanted to get the tournament here was to try to increase our membership in curling for the vision impaired and those who have challenges,” said Gillis.
“Curling is a sport that’s open for all ages seven and up and is available to every ability, so bringing the tournament to a community where there haven’t been any teams except our own little team, it widens the gap to try to get it more established and get more people curling.”
The eight-team tournament will feature the host Nova Scotia as well as representatives from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Team Canada, the defending champions.
The event, put on each year by the Canadian Council of the Blind, first began in 2007. The Gillis team hit the ice for their first tournament in 2008 and for 10 years were the only all-female team competing in the championship.
Since 2008, the Gillis rink has won four medals at the national championship including a gold medal in 2019. The team also has a silver medal and two bronze medals at the event.
Gillis said having the chance to host the tournament while being part of island curling history makes the event even more special.
“We’re all very excited about it,” she said. “It’s the first of its kind outside of Ottawa and if it’s successful then next year it could be in another different city in another part of Canada, which would open things up in those communities as well.”
Vision impaired curling is essentially the same as the game played by sighted people. The difference between the two is that each team has a sighted guide to assist the players in their delivery.
The guide describes the location of the rocks in the house as well as the type of shot the skip has requested. The guide can then assist each player in delivering his or her rock along the line that is necessary to make the shot.
In preparation for the tournament, the Gillis rink has been on the ice every Monday competing against fully sighted teams.
“We do quite well against them,” said Gillis. “They have the benefit of seeing where the rock is going at the other end of the ice, where we don’t have that.
“It gives us a lot of thinking and strategy and different things to work around. We’re able to work with the other teams and they’re all really great to work with. Everyone has been very supportive.”
Francis, who has been the coach of the Gillis rink for the last seven years, said while the Sydney Curling Club team would like to win the tournament, it’s not all about winning for them.
“It would be nice to win, but I just want to see the team do well,” he said. “As long as they’re having fun, that’s the main thing for me.”
Francis was part of the championship team six years ago and recalls the special moment.
“I enjoyed it,” said Francis. “I was so happy to see them win and do very well. Hopefully, history can repeat itself here next week.”
“Many people don’t understand that people who are totally blind and partially sighted can be on the ice and play,” said Gillis. “This is a chance for them to come to the club and watch us and see our abilities and not our disabilities.”
By Jeremy Fraser, Cape Breton Post
For more on this year’s CVICC, listen to Louise Gillis on CBC News at the following link. Have a listen and share. (You do not have to log in):
Calling all Women of CCB!
Please join us for an hour zoom call every 2nd Tuesday of the month, at 4:00 Pacific, 7:00 eastern, 8:00 Atlantic.
This casual hour allows us to discuss issues that are important to the Women of CCB. Our successes, hopes, dreams, travel plans, mental health, vision services and of course, many stories or laughs about living with vision loss.
We often will have a guest speaker on topics you are interested in, so join us and share your thoughts with your peers.
To join us, please email Heidi at hwhite@ccbnational.net
and join our mailing list to receive the zoom link.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Heidi and Leslie
It’s back!! CCB’s Next Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast Bistro Night Will be held on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025:
(please adjust for your time zone):
7:30pm-9:30pm Atlantic Time
6:30pm – 8:30pm Eastern Time
The zoom room will open 15 minutes before the starting time.
Just as before, the evening will begin with a brief meet and greet followed by music, music, music.
As always, the Bistro night will feature singing, piano and guitar and so much more! Music will be in English and some French as well.
We encourage performers to register as soon as possible as there are limited spots.
Come along, listen, tap your feet to the beat, and have a fun time while sipping on your favorite drink.
Please e-mail Louise at lburley@ccbnational.net for more information.
The CCB GTT Program: A Lifeline for Learning and Connection:
My journey with vision loss has spanned over the past ten years, but it began to worsen significantly six years ago. As a retired senior, navigating the challenges of sight loss was daunting, but discovering the GTT (Get Together with Technology) program changed everything.
.I first learned about GTT through a volunteer at the CNIB, and I am incredibly grateful for that introduction. Before joining, my knowledge of high-tech devices was quite limited. However, GTT has been a game-changer, providing valuable information on a variety of assistive gadgets that help me in my daily life. Thanks to this program, I have grown confident in using what I now call my “magical device”—my iPhone. I’ve mastered many apps that allow me to live independently, proving that age is no barrier to learning.
Beyond the technical support, GTT is a community—a source of encouragement, emotional support, and motivation. It connects visually impaired Canadians from coast to coast, uniting us in our shared experiences and determination to live fulfilling lives.
I urge the CCB to continue running this invaluable program. It has given me, and so many others, the tools and confidence to embrace technology, remain independent, and stay connected.
Thank you, GTT!
By Petro Neborskij
Exciting Announcement: Accessible Shopping Page Presentation:
The GTT program is thrilled to announce that a representative from Innosearch.ai will be visiting to introduce an innovative accessible shopping page!
This platform brings together products from multiple companies, all designed with accessibility in mind. It offers an inclusive shopping experience tailored for individuals using assistive technology, ensuring a seamless and empowering journey for everyone.
Event Details:
What: Demonstration of the Accessible Shopping Page
When: Monday February 10, 2025, 1:00 PM EST
Where:https://zoom.us/j/9839595688?pwd=N01yeERXQk4rWnhvNCtHTzZwdXcwQT09
Join us to learn how this cutting-edge tool makes online shopping more inclusive, efficient, and enjoyable for all. Bring your questions and explore a new era of accessible online shopping!
For more information on GTT and contact info, please visit the GTT blog at www.gttprogram.blog
Webinar Invitation – Accessible Gaming with Physical Disabilities by Pretorian Technologies:
Join us and Bob Sagoo from Pretorian Technologies in the UK for a fun and informative webinar in accessible video gaming solutions to allow more people to participate in gaming!
When? Feb 24th, 2025, 9:00AM Pacific, 12:00PM Eastern
Where? On Zoom
Register for This Webinar at the following link:
CCB’s GTT Tech Tips:
Each month we will be highlighting a tech tip that is intended to make your life a little easier! These may include tips on such things as smart phones, apps and websites.
More Text Editing with Your iPhone:
Learn Text Editing Shortcuts for Precision and Speed
Text editing shortcuts in VoiceOver make it easy to move the cursor, select text, and make edits without relying solely on gestures.
How to Use the Rotor:
The Rotor is a virtual dial that you “turn” with a gesture. To use it:
Place two fingers on the screen.
Rotate them as if you’re turning a physical dial, either clockwise or counterclockwise.
VoiceOver will announce each option as you turn the Rotor (e.g., “Characters,” “Words,” or “Text Selection”).
Once the desired option is selected, use swipe gestures to navigate or adjust settings.
How to Navigate and Edit Text:
Moving the Cursor:
Use the Rotor to set navigation by “Words” or “Characters” for finer control.
Swipe up or down with one finger to move by the chosen unit, such as a word or character.
Selecting Text:
Use the Rotor to switch to “Text Selection.”
Swipe up or down with one finger to choose the selection granularity, such as by character, word, or line.
Swipe right or left to expand or shrink the selection.
Editing Text:
Use the Rotor to navigate to “Edit.”
Swipe up or down to select “Cut,” “Copy,” or “Paste.”
Double-tap to perform the selected action.
Why It’s Useful:
These tools make editing emails, documents, or messages much faster and give you precise control over text without excessive gestures.
And for Android fans out there, the CCB GTT group also has an Android users’ group that meet monthly as well!
CCB’s GTT is highly active and has many types of meetings that you are welcome to join each month to learn about new assistive technology. Whether you are a beginner, or an advanced user, there’s always something new to learn!
If you would like assistance with your smart phone or computer, as well as a complete list of GTT contacts and meetings, please visit the GTT blog at www.gttprogram.blog
Disability With Possibility – The Podcast:
Disability With Possibility is a must-listen podcast that amplifies the voices of disabled Canadians. Each episode delves into the unique experiences and challenges faced by people with disabilities, highlighting their strength, creativity, and determination. By offering a platform for these stories, we aim to reshape the conversation around disability.
Join us for engaging conversations, as we build a community of support and inclusivity. Plus, we make sure to have a lot of fun along the way! Whether you’re looking for motivation, education, or just a good laugh, Disability with Possibility is the podcast for you. Check it out!
IN THE NEWS
Did Your Kid Get Glasses Post-Pandemic? Study Says Myopia Rates are Soaring Around the World:
New research shows the rate of myopia among children and teens worldwide has tripled over the past three decades, with a particularly steep increase noted since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
A paper in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, which reviewed 276 studies published to June 2023 from around the world, concluded that more than one in three of all children and teens are nearsighted, triple what it was in 1990.
“Emerging evidence suggests a potential association between the pandemic and accelerated vision deterioration among young adults,” states the report, published in September.
The authors forecast that if the current trends continue, about 740 million children and teens — more than half globally — will be myopic by 2050.
The paper estimates the current rate of myopia among children in Canada at roughly 25 per cent. That number is lower than the international average but it’s still a significant increase from the prevalence of 17.5 per cent, concluded by University of Waterloo researchers in a paper published in early 2018.
“Myopia has increased dramatically during the period of COVID,” said Lisa Christian, associate director of clinical practice at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry.
Lisa Christian is associate director for the clinical program at the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science. (Turgut Yeter/CBC)
Christian said the research suggests the trends are linked to kids spending more time indoors doing what’s known as “near work,” such as looking at books, computers or phone screens. The strain this puts on the eye muscles can cause myopia.
“When we’re indoors, we’re focused on near work most of the time, we’re looking at one spot,” Christian told CBC News in an interview. “When we’re outside, we’re looking far away, so we’re relaxing our eyes.”
Benefits of being outside
Successive studies have shown how myopia is related to too little time outdoors in childhood.
The 2018 University of Waterloo study, which focused on children aged six to 13, found that one additional hour of outdoor time per week could lower the child’s odds of developing myopia by 14 per cent. “Time spent outdoors was the only child activity to have a significant impact on myopia,” it stated.
Similar conclusions were reached by other research teams. A 2021 study from Australia found that spending less time outdoors during childhood was associated with a higher risk of myopia in young adulthood, while a 2022 study from Germany found myopia in children was significantly associated with less frequent outdoor activity.
According to Christian, the research suggests that children should spend one to two hours per day outdoors to protect their eyes against the onset of myopia.
And that time does not need to be consecutive — shorter periods of outdoor activity, like walking to school, being outside at recess and lunchtime, and playing outdoors after school all add up.
Being outdoors not only provides eye muscles with a needed break from near work, there is also evidence that the quality and intensity of outdoor light can protect against myopia, said Dr. Asim Ali, ophthalmologist-in-chief at SickKids Hospital in Toronto.
“Outdoors in sunshine or even on an overcast day, the lighting is much brighter than what we can do indoors,” he said in an interview.
The reasons behind the increased prevalence of myopia are “definitely more than just screens,” Ali added. He says when children are indoors, it’s important to provide bright light to ease the strain on the eyes.
A study published in January 2024 looked at the increase of screen use among school-age children and teens between 2018 and 2021 — that is, before and after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared in March 2020. Its findings noted that the proportion of youngsters using screens in excess of four hours per day jumped significantly in 2020 and remained high.
Problem is bigger than glasses
Dr. Stephanie Dotchin, a pediatric and adult ophthalmologist in Toronto, says myopia should not be dismissed as a trivial matter that can simply be corrected with glasses.
“As your prescription gets bigger and bigger, you are at risk in your lifetime of other health issues related to the eye,” Dotchin said.
She says people with severe myopia — a prescription of -6.00 or higher — have an increased risk of developing cataracts at an early age, as well as glaucoma and retinal tears.
All of these can result in permanent vision loss, she said.
“There is now a push in North America to treat [myopia] not as just a condition but as a disease because of the increasing prevalence,” Dotchin said.
Is your child’s eyesight getting worse? It could be due to online learning, experts say.
She advises parents to encourage their kids to take frequent breaks when they are inside doing near work with their eyes, such as reading, homework or looking at a screen.
The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends children have at least one eye exam before they start school, and have their vision checked annually from age six onward.
By Mike Crawley, CBC News
Updates on the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB):
What Does Prorogation Mean for the CDB?
Originally, Parliament was set to return on January 27, 2025, but the prorogation delays this until March 24. Here’s what this means:
Prorogation ends the current parliamentary session, suspending the House, the Senate, and formal committee operations. All pending bills and motions, including those tied to the CDB, are terminated unless reintroduced in a new session.
Proposals from the 2024 Fall Economic Statement, such as making the CDB tax-exempt and implementing automatic tax filing, are no longer valid.
Meanwhile, Cabinet can still pass regulations and allocate previously authorized funds during prorogation. Yet, any delay in publishing the CDB regulations could jeopardize the promised July 1 rollout – a setback people with disabilities cannot afford.
When Parliament resumes, the government must deliver a Throne Speech outlining its agenda. However, this could trigger a non-confidence vote from opposition parties, potentially leading to a spring election.
How You Can Help: #GuaranteeTheBenefit
If the government falls before the CDB regulations are finalized, there’s a very real risk that no payments will be issued on July 1. We cannot let this happen.
DWP, alongside a coalition of allies, is launching the #GuaranteeTheBenefit campaign. This initiative focuses on urging Cabinet to finalize and publish the CDB regulations before Parliament reconvenes.
Take Action Now
Visit this link to learn more and participate in this critical advocacy effort:
Time is of the essence. Join us in the fight to #GuaranteeTheBenefit because Canadians with disabilities cannot afford further delays.
www.ccbnational.net 1-877-304-0968