From the President’s Desk
Welcome to Vision Health month! This year is particularly significant, as the National Eye Care Strategy (Bill 284) passed into law in October 2024. The CCB team along with our many vision partners have begun the process of working through the strategy to send a very comprehensive document to Health Canada. Thank you to our team for the progress up to date, as well as their commitment into the future, knowing the work has just begun.
May traditionally brings the Atlantic Sports and Recreation Weekend (ASRW), and this year being hosted by the amazing City of Moncton, New Brunswick.
We thank the City of Moncton, and the organizing committee, and most importantly the participants from all Provinces in Atlantic Canada. We wish all athletes the best in their participation, knowing this event brings many peers and friends together annually
I would be remiss if I did not wish all the moms a Very Happy Mothers Day (May 11), and a big thank you from the Council to All Mothers across Canada!
On behalf of the National Board, Staff, and many volunteers, we thank everyone for their continued support and integral role everyone plays in ensuring our Members across Canada are involved in our many events and programs we continue to offer. Please remember, as we celebrate Vision Health month, take the time to get your eyes checked regularly.
Jim Tokos,
National President
Member Spotlight:
Introducing Stella Walsh from the CCB Queensland Chapter in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Stella Walsh has been a dedicated member of the CCB since 1976, marking nearly 50 years of involvement. As the President of the CCB Queensland Chapter, Stella has been instrumental in fostering a close-knit community, despite its small size. She finds joy in meeting with members during the monthly meetings and organizing social events like card games and bingo when possible.
Outside of her CCB activities, Stella has embraced new challenges and hobbies. Last fall and winter, she learned to swim for the first time at a local pool with an instructor. Her love for water inspired her to take up swimming, proving that it’s never too late to learn something new. Through para sport, Stella participates in various activities, including tandem bicycling in the summer, joining a social walking club, and attending a balance class. She also keeps active by going to the gym once a week.
Stella’s roots are in the western part of Prince Edward Island, specifically the Evangeline Region, known for its Acadian heritage. She is bilingual, with French being her first language. Stella has two children and three grandchildren, though her husband is deceased.
In addition to her leadership role in the CCB, Stella has helped fundraise for the Atlantic Sports Weekend, organizing bake sales and selling chocolate bars. She has also played goalball for many years, competing in national tournaments despite being vision impaired since the age of eight due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
Stella Walsh’s story is a testament to her resilience, community spirit, and unwavering commitment to staying active and engaged.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Register Now: 2025 Vision Health Month Conference – In Person or Online
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
10:00 am – 2:00 pm (EDT)
Eastern Daylight Time.
The 2025 Vision Health Month Conference will feature a powerful mix of personal stories, expert insights, and national perspectives—all centered around this year’s theme: Together We Thrive – Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges.
You will hear from speakers with lived experience, academic researchers, and key leaders in the vision loss community as they explore:
- The importance of social inclusion and community support
- How technology and holistic care are improving lives
- Legislative updates on Bill C-284 and the national eye care strategy
- A collaborative panel on strengthening social supports for people with vision loss
Enjoy meaningful networking opportunities during our working lunch, and leave with take-home messages that inspire action and connection in your community.
Registration Link in person:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf_pee3UYRCJ1MPQ96qqTuMpzHgPmBXTP0a0OUqH6GE1iPygw/viewform
Registration Link Virtually:
https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tOuFgpnUQ-2FXSKAhQQI_A
CCB Men’s Group:
CCB’s “Men of CCB” monthly meetings are an opportunity for members to discuss issues relevant to topics of particular interest to this group. It has been in existence for a few years now and is held from 7:00 to 9:00pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Over the last couple of months, Jim Hamilton has taken over the hosting duties for this group, after about a 7-month gap between the previous host’s departure, and Jim taking up the mantle, attendance has been down – but on the rise in the last couple of months. So, we would encourage those, who are interested in this kind of experience, to join these monthly discussions.
To provide a taste of what’s to come, upcoming topics include:
– talking books, as well as “apps” to access music, sports programming, TV, and movies,
– cooking, including finding recipes, etc.,
– general mobility skills, including apps, techniques, and equipment/navigational aids,
Most importantly, there is an incredibly supportive atmosphere among group members. It is a monthly opportunity to chat with peers. As such, lots of non-specific topics also come up in discussion. Naturally, “confidentiality” is, and has been, especially important in this context.
If you wish to join this group, please contact Jim Hamilton at jim.hamilton@rogers.com
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.
I’m not a genie, but I grant your wish,
With just one tap—no need to swish.
I don’t wear glasses, yet help you see,
Through someone else’s eyes, virtually!
I’m not an app, but I make one run,
Faster than Siri out for a jog in the sun.
You made me smart, and now I behave—
What am I, oh tech-savvy brave?
Answer:
An iPhone Shortcut to Be My Eyes, your digital seeing sidekick in disguise!
We would like to invite you to submit a tip that you find helpful when using your iPhone or Windows computer. Make sure your tip is not too long or complicated and we will mention your name as the contributor.
Thank you for your submissions. Send them to
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
Certificates of Insurance for ‘Ongoing’ Events and Meetings:
A Reminder About Certificates of Insurance
The Canadian Council of the Blind provides Certificates of Insurance for chapters who need them. Insurance is provided by The Co-operators. Our contract is renewed every June.
Many certificates are issued for special events. Some certificates of insurance cover on-going activities and events, such as monthly chapter meetings, lending libraries and continuous fundraising initiatives. Some special events are held in June and may take place during the annual renewal period.
In order to make sure that your chapter has continuous insurance coverage during our renewal period, it is very important to contact CCB if:
-your chapter has a continuous requirement for insurance
-your chapter is planning an event that will take place in June, during the renewal period.
Please let us know if there is to be any changes or updates with your request, for example, a new schedule, venue, contact person and chapter contact.
Once we have received your request for continuous coverage, we will contact the Co-operators, they will update and re-issue your Certificate of Insurance for the coming year.
Please do not hesitate to contact CCB if you have any questions or need more information. We can be reached at 1-877-304-0968 or ccb@ccbnational.net
CCB BC-Yukon Division has a New Division Board of Directors:
In April, the CCB BC-Yukon Division held their Triennial AGM with elections. Announcing the new CCB BC-Yukon Division Board of Directors for the next three years.
President Ann McNabb
1st Vice President Bill Conway
2nd Vice President Terry Pipkey
3rd Vice President Fraser Hiltz
Director Bob Gallaugher
Director Caroline Markel
Director Arthur Monkman
Director Iris Thompson
Past President Pat Chicquen
Thank you to those who put their name on the slate; with special thanks to Vern Short for his six years of service on the Division Board and Rose Pokeda for her service of more than three years.
Submitted on behalf of the Division’s Board of Directors
Ottawa Set to Host The 2025 Canadian Para Bowls Championships:
It’s official! Bowls Canada Boulingrin (BCB) is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Canadian Para Bowls Championships will be held August 5–10, 2025, at the beautiful Nepean Lawn Bowls Club in Ottawa, Ontario!
We know you’ve been waiting for this announcement — and we thank you for your patience. Great things take time, and we are excited to finally share that Canada’s top para bowlers will gather in the nation’s capital this summer for a week of unforgettable competition, sportsmanship, and celebration.
BCB will organize this prestigious event, with the incredible support of Nepean Lawn Bowls Incorporated and its dedicated members, whose passion and commitment will help bring this championship to life!
A Championship for Every Champion
The Canadian Para Bowls Championships provides a national platform for bowlers with physical or visual impairments to showcase their talents, determination, and love for the game. In addition to the competition itself, athletes will also have the opportunity to undergo official Para Bowls classification on site, ensuring fair and inclusive play for all. Learn more about the Para Bowls classification process here.
This year’s event builds on the success of previous championships, continuing to raise the profile of para bowls and highlight the talent across Canada.
A City That’s Ready to Celebrate
With its vibrant summer energy, historic landmarks, and passionate bowls community, Ottawa is the perfect backdrop for this year’s Para Bowls Nationals. The Nepean Lawn Bowls Club, known for its welcoming atmosphere, is ready to roll out the green carpet for competitors, supporters, and fans alike.
Join Us!
Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information about registration, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved. Whether you’re competing, cheering, or lending a hand behind the scenes, the 2025 Canadian Para Bowls Championships promise an inspiring, action-packed week you won’t want to miss.
For more updates, visit www.bowlscanada.com.
From Behind the Wheel to Leading with Courage and Finding her way to CCB’s GTT-Venice Rose’s Journey with Vision Loss:
When Venice Rose lost her sight suddenly in September 2008, life changed in an instant. For most of her professional career, she had enjoyed full vision, working as a financial consultant, a job that demanded precision, client meetings, and a fair bit of driving. That all ended one day as she was heading home.
“I was just a couple of blocks from home when everything started to sparkle,” she recalls. “At first, I thought maybe the streetlights had gone out. But I realized it wasn’t the lights—it was me.”
With just a sliver of peripheral vision remaining, she carefully made her way home and called her daughter, who took her to the hospital. Despite many tests, her sight never returned. Doctors determined she had suffered a stroke in the optic artery of her right eye. Tragically, the next day, her left eye was affected as well in what they described as a “sympathetic reaction.” Today, she can only perceive vague shadows.
“I traded in my car for a white cane,” Venice said with a calm resilience. “Driving was the only thing I really missed.”
The transition was daunting, but she didn’t stay idle for long. Following her ophthalmologist’s advice, she registered with CNIB, where she not only received support but also became an ambassador for others navigating sight loss.
“I wanted to learn everything I could to stay independent,” she said. That desire led her to the Get Together with Technology (GTT) program, where she connected with fellow participants and learned how to use her phone and computer with accessibility tools.
Although her first visit to the CCB didn’t resonate, a later connection through a former support group member led her back to the community—this time with a renewed purpose and focus on technology training.
Despite the sudden and profound change in her life, Venice has remained remarkably upbeat. “There’s so much I can do—I just have to do it differently,” she said. She reads (though not as much as she’d like), enjoys word games like Kanuckle, and keeps active at a local senior centre three times a week.
“I have to go to exercise classes to keep my legs strong. Sitting for too long during meetings makes me stiff. I just don’t have time for everything anymore,” she laughs. “Even the games I love, I have to limit.”
As she prepares to move to a new home, her spirit remains as determined as ever. “I may not drive anymore, but I’m still going places.”
Interviewed and written by the GTT Team with the assistance of AI
BLC’s Braille Symposium – Five Years Strong!
Braille Literacy Canada looks forward to our 5th Annual Braille Symposium on Friday, June 13, 2025. We are pleased to be offering 5 different presentations;
· Using Tactile Images to Make Astronomy More Accessible for Blind and Visually Impaired Learners (concurrent)
· Dans le sillage de trois personnages emblématiques mis à l’honneur au musée Valentin Haüy – Paris (concurrent) This presentation will be in French: Valentin Haüy workshop
· e-Braille; A Reality for Everyone across the World
· Braille Challenge; Celebrating the Challenge of Braille
· Marrakesh and the Accessible Books Consortium: The Benefits and Access for Readers.
For more information and to register go to 2025 Braille Symposium. We would like to thank our sponsors: Beyond Print, Canadian Assistive Technology, Crawford Technologies and Humanware.
Plan to join us for a braille-centric afternoon!
IN THE NEWS
International Blind Ice Hockey Series leads to Montreal for the first time ever!:
Canadian Blind Hockey is thrilled to announce that the 2025 Canadian National Blind Hockey Team earned its sixth consecutive championship and defended its title against Team USA in Montreal from April 25 – 27, 2025, in partnership with Défi sportif AlterGo.
This year’s National Team featured 20 players representing seven different provinces spanning the country from BC to Newfoundland.
“We’re thrilled with the level of talent on the 2025 National Team and so proud of all the hard work these players put in to training to represent our country; it wasn’t an easy decision as the caliber of skill keeps levelling up,” explains GM of the Canadian National Blind Hockey Team, Luca DeMontis. “We want to thank Défi sportif AlterGo for welcoming our organization to host our tournament during their 42nd celebration and we were happy to put on a great tournament for all the spectators in Montreal!”
This is the first time since 2011 that Blind Hockey was featured during Défi sportif AlterGo.
“During the sports first appearance at Defi sportif in 2010 leaders from across the then very small Blind Hockey community held the founding meeting for what would eventually become Canadian Blind Hockey,” explains Matt Morrow, Executive Director at Canadian Blind Hockey. “It’s incredible to be here 15 years later to celebrate the growth of the Para sport across Canada and around the world, and to be able to host the 6th International Blind Ice Hockey Series. Thank you to all our partners who have helped us get here, especially the CNIB Foundation for supporting Blind Hockey across Canada.”
The Para sport of Blind Hockey is played by athletes who are blind or partially sighted using an adapted puck that is larger than a traditional puck and makes noise. At the international level players must be classified under the same system used in the Paralympics and have 10% vision or less. The Para sport is played in 13 cities across Canada as well as the USA, England, Finland, Sweden, and Russia. Currently only Canada and the USA have national teams however Canadian Blind Hockey is working with international partners to grow the game with the hopes of establishing a World Championship and creating a pathway to the Paralympics.
“The talent on this National Team is unmatched across the board and I’m proud of everyone for showing up and training hard this season,” said head Coach Paul Kerins. “This 2025 team is going to take this Para sport to the next level, and I was so excited to coach the players in Montreal.”
All games were broadcast live on Canadian Blind Hockey’s YouTube, and you can visit the below link for a short video by CBC on Blind Hockey:
National Educational Association for Disabled Students (NEADS) Building Employment Pathways Project, Sustainable Livelihoods Job Coaching. Free personalized support for employment exploration!
What do we offer?
– Up to 20 hours of FREE virtual coaching
– Personalized support based on individual goals and needs
– Flexible scheduling that works with your life
– Holistic approach using asset mapping to explore all areas impacting employment
– Accommodation guidance for workplace success
Who is eligible?
We support current post-secondary students and recent graduates who:
– Self-identify as having a disability, mental health condition, and/or are neurodivergent
– Are within 5 years of graduation
– Are legally entitled to work in Canada
What makes us unique?
The Sustainable Livelihoods approach to job coaching looks at the participant holistically and provides support in six key areas. Click this link to learn more about each area: https://slcanada.org/the-framework/
How do I get started?
1. Complete the Expression of Interest form
2. Get connected with a coach & set up your first meeting!
3. Access up to 20 hours of FREE virtual coaching at your own pace
How can I help?
Do you work with students or new graduates who could benefit from this program?
Connect with the NEADS team to learn about opportunities to receive promotional materials, host an information session or establish a formal partnership agreement!
Expression of Interest form: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=RTaWYGGkp0mPI4qshfgBUBbJhDSlysZCj0p5xqPF28xUOVZUVDMwV01ST1g2RlVMQkRKUUlQR1ZUUi4u
Learn more!
This webinar is available on the NEADS YouTube channel. It explains the program & introduces some of our Sustainable Livelihoods job coaches. Click on the link to access it on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUl7RGH-JrI
Researching the 3Ds of Audio Description:
What can the UniD project do for you?
Established in 2014, The UniDescription Project is a university-based research initiative. That means it is entirely funded by grants and supplemented by support systems at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa, the U.S. National Park Service, the American Council of the Blind, and our many other partners around the world.
Our prime directive is to support the building of more accessible public places, and communities related to those public places, especially for people who are blind or who have low-vision.
We do that foundational place-making work through empirical and constructivist research methods aimed at improving Audio Description processes and products. More specifically, that means we …
Refine Audio Description Composition Techniques (aka, Visual-to-Audio Translation): If you want something to be heard that otherwise only can be seen (such as a photograph, a painting, a poster, a statue, a map, etc.), UniD can help you to learn how to do it and also give you the open-access tools to produce and share your work.
Train People (For Free) to Audio Describe: You can learn how to audio describe here. Whether you need the support of a template, as a way to get started, or an overview of Audio Description genres, or a style guide, or best practices, or any other number of helpful learning resources, UniD provides open-access online training and resource lists.
Collect and Openly Share Scholarly Resources: This is the place to deeply dive into Audio Description’s research literature, scholarly documents, and sets of laws, standards, and best practices. As an information hub, UniD acts as an open public library of key resources in this field.
Create and Openly Share Project Management Tools: If you need a way to manage and organize your Audio Description – by projects, by themes, by locations, etc. – UniD is designed for (and with) people who are blind or who have low-vision to precisely meet accessibility needs in organizational contexts.
Engage Deeply and Directly with the Communities We Serve: We don’t just build it, and hope “they” will come. UniD can help connect you and your resource with communities of people who are blind, low-vision, and/or Deafblind. Making your media accessible really is just the beginning of building relationships within these communities, which also include family and friends of people who cannot see or cannot see well. Audio Description is the first step to show you care.
Provide Production Services for Those Who Want or Need the Direct Help: For those who want accessible media and want it now, our Service team at UniDescription.com can jump into any situation and not only ensure legal compliance but also follow the spirit of accessibility laws to provide useful, engaging, and fully accessible media.
Are you interested in making the world a more accessible place? The UniDescription Project is led by Dr. Brett Oppegaard, a Professor at UH, in the College of Social Sciences, in the School of Communication and Information, who has been collaborating with colleagues in the UH Center on Disability Studies (and elsewhere). Our big-picture goal is simple and straightforward: Audio Describe the World!
Tips on Buying Canadian:
With all the talk of tariffs in the news lately, we thought it would be a good idea to give our readers some tips on how to identify Canadian products.
What is meant by “Canadian product”?
Product of Canada means the processing and labour are Canadian and a significant amount of the ingredients are Canadian. Look for the words “Product of Canada” on food products. There is no official logo. The maple leaf can be included but is not required.
What is considered a product of Canada?
Under the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, a “Product of Canada” label means at least 98 per cent of the total direct costs of producing the item were incurred in Canada.
What is the difference between made in Canada and Canadian Product?
“Product of Canada” claims are subject to a higher threshold of Canadian content (98%), while “Made in Canada” signifies at least 51% of product is Canadian or labour was done in Canada.
Look at the label!
The following apps for your Smart Phone can Help you Buy Canadian
*Maple Scan is a free iOS app designed to help consumers identify and support Canadian-made products. By simply scanning a product with your iPhone’s camera, Maple Scan analyzes the brand’s ownership and history to determine its Canadian affiliations. If the product isn’t fully Canadian, the app suggests local alternatives, empowering users to make informed purchasing decisions that bolster the Canadian economy. To download the app, search the app store for maple scan. The app is accessible.
Is this Canadian? (works with screen readers):
Snap a photo to verify if a product is Canadian made.
https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/is-this-canadian-scan-check/id6741718092?platform=iphone
Buy Beavers app created in Montreal
Shop Canadian app created in Alberta
These apps read the barcode and give Canadian content.
Products to look for:
Snacks:
*Hard Bite, Old Dutch, Miss Vickie’s, Hawkins Cheezies and Ruffles are Canadian
*Lays chips owned by PepsiCo worlds largest food producers, but these are packed and made in Cambridge Ontario with Canadian potatoes
*Doritos, Cheetos, Tostitos are made in Canada by Frito-Lay Canada, which is a subsidiary of PepsiCo
*Breton Crackers made by Dare Foods is Canadian
*Laura Secord and Purdy’s Chocolates are Canadian
Condiments:
* Frenchs and Heinz are bottled in Ontario (ketchup, mustard, relish)
*Hellmann’s Mayonnaise is Canadian
* Miracle Whip is made in Montreal with Canadian ingredients by Canadian Workers by the Canadian division of Heinz-Kraft
Cereal:
*Quaker Oats has a factory in Peterborough Ontario
*Cheerios, Harvest Crunch are manufactured in Canada.
*Kellogg’s is an American company, although it also has a significant presence in Canada
*Frosted Flakes are manufactured in Canada
Dairy:
*For milk, butter and cheese, look on the label for prepared and/or canned in Canada
*Chapmans Ice Cream is Canadian
Maple syrup is purely Canadian.
Toilet Paper
*Royal, Purex are made in Canada
* Kirkland toilet paper and paper towels at Costco Wholesale are made in Canada
*Manufacturing of Charmin toilet paper occurs in the United States, primarily in Pennsylvania, but a significant portion of the raw materials, including wood pulp, is sourced from Canada, particularly from the boreal forest; Therefore, Charmin is not made in Canada, but it relies heavily on Canadian resources for its production
Other notes:
*Ivory is Procter & Gamble manufactured in the States
*Kraft peanut butter and Kraft dinner is made in Canada
*Costco peanut butter is Canadian
*Cadbury is made in Canada and is British
*Nestle is Swiss with manufactures around the world including Canada
*Tim Hortons is now Brazilian
*Campbell’ brands are American
*Western Family or President’s Choice are made in Canada
*Jamison and Webber Natural vitamins are Canadian
*Environmentally friendly products from All things being eco and true Earth are Canadian
*Dove is British
*Kraft and Swanson are American, but products are manufactured in Canada
*Mr. Noodle is Canadian
Pet Stores:
*Buckerfield’s, Global Pet Foods, Ren’s Pets, Pet Valu, Pet Max Bone & Biscuit, TailBlazers, Zen-imal
Grocery and food stores:
* Bulk Barn, All Co-ops in Federated Co-op Group
*Loblaws Companies, Dominion, Extra Foods, FreshMart, No Frills, Provigo Real Atlantic Superstore
*Real Canadian Superstore, SaveEasy, Shoppers Drug Mart
*SuperValue, T & T Supermarket, Valu-mart
*Your Independent Grocer, Zehrs Markets Metro
*Food Basics, Super C Metro Plus Quality Foods
*Rabba Mike, Dean Local Grocer, Save-On-Foods
*Sobeys, Farm Boy, Foodland
*FreshCo, IGA, Longo’s, Pete’s, Fine Foods (formerly Pete’s Frootique)
*Safeway, Thrifty Foods
Remember American companies in Canada employ Canadians!
www.ccbnational.net 1-877-304-0968 ccb@ccbnational.net