From the President’s Desk
Awakening this morning to brilliant sunshine and warmer temperatures aligns us better with the Month of June. It is understood, although May has been a very busy month, it has been somewhat uncomfortable in Southern Ontario, where Mother Nature has stalled her efforts to welcome Spring into fruition.
While many of our Members and Committees prepare to wrap up activities to take advantage of the summer months, we wish to thank the many for the efforts in growth within CCB. This includes membership, roles in advocacy, and the key role we continue to play with our vision partners on the National Eye Care Strategy.
While returning recently from the CCB Vision Month Conference and Celebration, we wish to thank the organizing team for going above and beyond this year to elevate this event, with the theme “Together We Thrive.”
A special thanks to 1st Vice President Leslie Yee for an outstanding job as Master of Ceremonies.
It was with great honour I was present to join our CNIB friends in celebration of Charles Mossop, in receiving the Arthur Napier Magill award. On behalf of the CCB, we are so proud of Charles’ recognition and support to the Vision loss community. (see more on this below).
The CCB is also very proud of The Atlantic Sports Weekend (ASRW), and the Organizing team from Moncton, New Brunswick for a wonderful event.
I would be remiss if I did not congratulate our newest Chapter, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Welcome to the Council, and it was so great to speak to everyone in Sydney, Nova Scotia.
I wish to thank all of our cherished Members of our CCB community and wish each of you and your Families a very enjoyable and safe summer as many take the time to enjoy activities outside of the realm of CCB; knowing our Board will continue planning for the upcoming season beginning in September.
On behalf of the National Board, CCB Staff, and our many sponsors, donors and vision partners, we thank you for your ongoing support.
“Together We Thrive,” and please remember to get your eyes checked.
Jim Tokos,
National President
Member Spotlight
Building a Local Legacy Through Technology and Community: A Conversation with Gerry Chevalier
In a recent conversation, I had the pleasure of speaking with Gerry Chevalier, co-coordinator of the GTT (Get Together with Technology) Edmonton chapter, a role he shares with his colleague Carrie Anton. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Gerry has been instrumental in building and sustaining a supportive, peer-led community focused on assistive technology and independence for individuals with vision loss.
Gerry’s involvement with GTT dates back to 2015, when Kim Kilpatrick from the CCB reached out with a vision to expand GTT programming across Canada. Accepting the call, Gerry helped establish the Edmonton chapter, choosing to partner with Carrie—who is low vision—to ensure a diverse range of experience and perspective. “I didn’t want to do it alone without a low vision expert beside me,” Gerry explained.
Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa, Gerry’s vision had been declining since birth, eventually leading to total blindness in the early 2000s. His career journey is just as compelling.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in Computing Science from the University of Alberta in 1975, Gerry spent over two decades as a self-employed software developer, specializing in front-office systems for medical clinics and small businesses. In 2004, as technology rapidly evolved, Gerry joined HumanWare as a product manager for the Victor Reader line of talking book players—a role he held until his retirement in 2013.
Since then, Gerry has devoted much of his time to GTT Edmonton, fostering a community rooted in mentorship rather than formal training. “We’re not professionals like those at CNIB or Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada,” he said. “But we provide peer support and help each other figure out how to use tech to stay independent.” The group meets monthly via Zoom and maintains a strong local focus.
“We’ve had guests like representatives from the City of Edmonton speak about accessibility,” Gerry noted. “Keeping it local gives our meetings a unique flavor.”
While not a social club per se, GTT Edmonton thrives on a sense of community. “That’s the only reason we’re still going strong 10 years later,” Gerry said. “People find value in connecting with each other.”
For newly blind individuals, Gerry emphasized the importance of finding both mentorship and professional guidance. “We’re here to help people get started, but when someone needs more in-depth support—like home setup or daily living skills—we refer them to vision loss professionals,” he added.
As we wrapped up our conversation, Gerry expressed appreciation for the national GTT and CCB teams. “It’s good to know that when we reach the limits of what a peer group can do, there are broader resources available through the national office.”
In a world where technology is often isolating, Gerry and Carrie have helped turn it into a bridge—forging connections, fostering independence, and building community one Zoom call at a time.
By [the GTT Team], with the assistance of AI.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Atlantic Sports and Recreation Weekend (ASRW) in Moncton: A Reunion of Friendships and Community:
The ASRW, held in Moncton, New Brunswick, from May 16-18, 2025, was more than just a gathering—it was a celebration of friendships, inclusion, and shared experiences.
Hosted by the CCB Moncton Chapter, this annual event brought together participants from across Atlantic Canada for a weekend filled with warmth, camaraderie, and spirited competition.
From the moment attendees, including myself arrived, the atmosphere was welcoming and familiar, as old friends reunited, and new connections were formed. The weekend featured a variety of sports and recreational activities, allowing participants to showcase their skills while enjoying the support and encouragement of their peers.
Whether it was bowling, washer toss, horseshoes, javelin or a competition of the card game of Bridge, every event was marked by laughter, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Beyond the games, the weekend was a testament to the strength of the CCB community, highlighting the importance of accessibility, inclusion, and the joy of coming together.
The ASRW committee and the Moncton host chapter worked very hard to make sure every detail was thoughtfully planned, creating an environment where everyone felt valued and celebrated.
Evenings were filled with music, dancing and laughter. Whether it was a planned activity like the talent night or a pop-up jam session, the CCB community showcased their marvelous singing voices and musical talents.
As the event concluded with a wonderful dinner and awards ceremony, participants left with cherished memories, a sense of pride and belonging and renewed friendships, already looking forward to next year’s reunion, me included.
The ASRW continues to be a beacon of connection and empowerment, proving that sports are not just about competition—they are about community, resilience, and belonging.
By Leslie Yee.
Tech Tip from Eva Van Dyk:
Do you need to read small print on boxes or prescriptions? Snap a photo with your iPhone or iPad and zoom in manually. I also use my iPad to take photos of my eye to check if my scleral lens is in correctly. You can even view the images on your TV for a larger view.
News from the CCB Chatham Chapter :
The CCB Chatham Chapter hosted the CNIB mobile hub at our downtown location at 100 King St. W. where the CNIB demonstrated and discussed their programs such as DBS deaf, blind services VLR vision, loss, rehab, rehabilitation and technology. This is one of our many partnerships in long lasting relationships we’ve built over the years.
Moving forward, we hope to build on this with hosting different events with the CNIB at our local CCB hub.
Submitted by the CCB CK executive
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
Congratulations!
The Arthur Napier Magill Distinguished Service Award has been given to Charles Mossop:
In recognition of outstanding accomplishment in service to Canadians who are blind or have sight loss.
Charles Mossop is celebrated as an innovative force whose enduring commitment has reshaped the landscape for the blind and low vision community. With more than 20 years of volunteer leadership and a distinguished 42-year career in education, his lifelong dedication to service stands as testament to his commitment to the blind, Deafblind and low vision community.
Throughout his career, Charles has embraced pivotal roles – from serving as Chair of CNIB’s Board and BC Division Boards to his current leadership as Chair of the BC Gaming and Grants Board. His forward-thinking contributions on committees, including the Governance Committee, have been vital in securing essential funding and spearheading initiatives that empower nearly 27,000 Canadians with sight loss.
Charles’s influence transcends national boundaries. As a former Regional President for the World Blind Union’s North America Caribbean Region, he has forged meaningful alliances with communities in Africa and the Caribbean, expanding advocacy and creating pathways for equal education and robust HIV/AIDS awareness programs in over 20 countries.
Facing the personal challenge of a Stargardt’s Macular Dystrophy diagnosis at 19, Charles has transformed adversity into an enduring source of strength. His resilience has not only propelled his own journey but has also inspired countless individuals as a mentor, educator, volunteer, and advocate.
Colleagues and community members alike attest to his insightful leadership and collaborative spirit – qualities that have redefined volunteerism and fostered a shared vision of inclusion and empowerment. His visionary impact, unwavering integrity, and passionate service continue to uplift our community, setting a high standard for future generations.
Congratulations, Charles, from everyone at CCB!
CCB Has a New Conference Line for Our Chapters:
Some of our chapters have been using a conference call line through CCB to hold meetings. The company that provided it has decided to suspend its operation.
We were able to find a new company that offers a very similar teleconferencing system, allowing chapters who prefer to meet by conference call to continue to do so.
Scheduling a conference call will be the same. Chapters can request a conference call by contacting the CCB National office.
Please provide: The time and date of your teleconference, and an approximate length of the meeting.
Once we have this information, your teleconference will be scheduled. The CCB member who made the request will receive an email confirming the time and date of the conference, as well as the phone number to call and the code to access the meeting.
Please note, conference calls are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information, or to schedule a teleconference, please contact:
Shelley Ann Morris
1-877-304-0968
Special Discounts from Wireless Service Providers on Accessibility:
During a consultation with wireless service providers, one of the topics that came up during the session, especially from folks participating for the first time, is that they didn’t know about lots of the options available by service providers that were discussed at the meeting and especially if there are any special plans, discounts, and add-ons available for people with disabilities.
So, this is to simply share with you some information directly.
The wireless accessibility discount for Rogers gives: A $20 monthly discount on the mobile line; an extra 20 GB of data per month on the line (applicable only for plans with voice & data); and Voicemail-to-text feature (a calling feature that converts voicemails to text messages). The discount can be added to most types of mobile plans and applies only to the qualifying person’s line.
On Fido, which is their related brand, it is the same features, but the discount is $10/month. The links have information about the discount and how to apply if you already have a mobile plan with Rogers, including what types of documentation our members can use to support the application. There are multiple ways to apply but the easiest way is to use the discount form link, because it allows the applicant to request the discount directly from their online account.
This is helpful because one needs to already have an account to apply. For individuals that are not with Rogers they should first explore the right plan for their needs via the mobile plans page or connect by phone or in stores to choose the right plan.
Rogers has an accessibility feedback process that is described at their main Accessibility webpage which allows people to share their feedback on any barriers to accessibility as well as about their multi-year accessibility plan and progress reports, which you’ll find on the same link.
Participate in a Survey:
If you or someone you know has Geographic Atrophy (G.A.) and would be willing to speak with a survey company, who is looking to get experiences from people who have G.A. please read on.
-A survey company, Covostra, is looking to complete a survey by talking with individuals who have Dry Macular Degeneration/Geographic Atrophy (GA).
-An interviewer will contact the individual to explore their experience of living with GA.
-The interview will last approximately one hour.
-They will use the term geographic atrophy to begin the conversation and ask what terms the patient uses to describe their condition. They will ask who is caring for them medically and at home.
-They want to know about the symptoms being experienced and how you are able to cope with daily living.
-The purpose of the interview is to gain information on how Canadians are coping with GA. There is potentially a new medication that could be available as a treatment for GA and information such as this help towards making it available in Canada.
-Please provide your name, email address and phone number to Louise Gillis, Past President at CCB and she will submit this information to Covostra survey company. It will not be shared with anyone else.
-The survey company will contact you directly.
Louise Gillis – lgillis@ccbnational.net or 902-304-1276.
IN THE NEWS
This darts league is a bull’s-eye for some in Windsor’s blind community: Organizers say, to their knowledge, they are the only blind darts league in Canada.
A new darts league in Windsor, Ont., is bringing blind and partially sighted people together — offering both a sense of inclusion and joy.
“It gives all of us an opportunity to feel like we just belong,” said organizer Peter Best, a longtime disability advocate who is blind.
It started with a suggestion at the local Royal Canadian Legion Branch 255 months ago as they brainstormed possible activities for the local blind community, given that there aren’t many available to them, Best explained.
“I said, ‘Why don’t we play darts?’ And they said, ‘Well wait a minute. You’ve got blind, visually impaired people throwing sharp objects around a crowded room?'” Best chuckled.
“I said, ‘It sounds perfect.'”
‘We do it very safely’
Best and fellow organizer Sharron Jarvis got the green light from the legion, which offered them complimentary use of the space, and started up the league back in February.
While there is a blind darts team in the United Kingdom, Best says that to his knowledge, the Windsor league is the only blind dart group in Canada.
The Windsor league has about nine players, and volunteer score keepers and guides who support the process.
A volunteer will line up players who need guidance at the regular line eight feet away from the dart board, make sure they’re centred, facing the right direction, hand them the darts, and then make sure the area is clear before anyone throws the darts.
“We do it very safely… Nobody’s been injured and everybody keeps coming back,” Best said.
Best’s cousin Gary Best has been volunteering as a guide since the league began.
“I’ll tell you; they have improved since the beginning and they’re getting better,” he said, also pointing out that they’re using real darts, not plastic ones.
“They’re starting to hit the board really good now.”
They also compete in different categories based on how much vision different players have: B1 for individuals who are totally blind, B2 for those with light perception and some shadows, and B3 for those with partial sight.
Carole Beaulieu, one of the players who is blind and plays in the B1 category, says the league is all about “having fun.”
“I had never played darts before and I just thought that it would be a really nice social thing to do,” she said.
Beaulieu says she enjoys connecting with other individuals who have the same type of life skills and experiences that she has — and that the league has really filled a need since the pandemic because there hasn’t been much available in terms of community activities for blind and partially sighted people.
“We still have something to offer and we’re enjoying it, and the legion has been so welcoming, so we just feel as if we belong,” she said.
It’s exactly that feeling of “camaraderie” that motivated Sharron Jarvis to work with Peter Best to help organize the league.
Jarvis is legally blind with partial sight but can’t see detailed objects.
“It’s been a wonderful learning experience because we all have our coping mechanisms, and I’ve learned a lot through other people that have disabilities the same as I do, how to cope,” she said. “And so that’s been great.”
Best says it’s all about inclusion.
“It also demonstrates that when you have a disability, you know, you can find a way to get things done,” he said.
The group wrapped up its season in May but plans to start back up in the fall.
By Katerina Georgieva, CBC NEWS
Ontario won’t claw back federal disability benefit:
Advocates are relieved, but say more work needs to be done.
Amid growing concern from Ontarians with disabilities and their advocates, the province has announced it will not claw back the incoming Canada Disability Benefit (CDB).
The CDB was passed in 2023, and the government committed $6.1 billion to it in the 2024 federal budget. Beginning in July, eligible recipients can receive up to $2,400 per year, or a maximum of $200 per month.
In a news release this month, the province announced it will be exempting the federal benefit as income. That means recipients won’t have money deducted from their provincial social assistance payments or entitlements such as the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).
Since the CDB’s passage, advocates have feared the provinces and territories may claw back the benefit. As of this March, at least seven have promised not to do that, but Alberta has announced it will claw back the benefit under certain circumstances.
“It was a huge concern that this was not going to make it to the people who deserve to see this benefit,” said Ron Anicich, co-chair of the ODSP Action Coalition.
Advocates relieved, but wary.
Rabia Khedr, national director of advocacy group Disability Without Poverty (DWP), said the news from Alberta stoked fear and disappointment within the disability community.
But Khedr said the Ontario government has previously taken “steps in the right direction,” including its decision to increase the ODSP exemption from $200 to $1,000, giving her hope that the province would do the right thing.
“I always felt strongly that, because they had committed to an earnings exemption, that there is no way they could justify clawing back a $200 federal benefit,” she said. “So, I’m glad that they have confirmed that today.”
Advocates say they still have other concerns about the benefit program, however.
In order to be eligible for the CDB, recipients must be approved for the disability tax credit, and for that they must receive certification from a medical practitioner.
“What we’re seeing now is people scrambling to sign up for the disability tax credit,” said Anicich. “Which is fine when people have family doctors, but there are two million people in this province that do not have family doctors who are just unable to access this benefit.”
To Khedr, the answer is to “simply cut red tape.”
“The folks that are in the provincial system who have already filled out medical forms and have already attested to their disability shouldn’t have to complete that kind of scrutinizing process again,” she said.
Instead, many disability advocates have been calling for the federal government to make recipients of provincial programs such as ODSP automatically eligible for the CDB.
In an email to CBC, a spokesperson for Ontario’s Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services said it’s also calling on the federal government to change the Income Tax Act to align those eligibility requirements.
“We believe people who already access the Ontario Disability Support Program and meet the other eligibility criteria should automatically qualify for the CDB, rather than be required to pay $200 under the program as it is presented,” the spokesperson wrote.
Concerns over amount
Despite the good news on clawbacks, Khedr and Anicich still regard the CDB’s maximum monthly payment of $200 as inadequate and are calling for an increase.
“Ontarians with disabilities on ODSP and who qualify for the candidate disability benefits still will be well below the poverty line,” Khedr noted. “And living with a disability costs at least 30 per cent above the poverty line.”
Khedr said recipients desperately need the financial help and will use it to improve their lives.
“It means that maybe they can buy healthier food or supplements, maybe they can buy over-the-counter painkillers to manage their day so that they can even consider searching for work and improving their quality of life,” she said. “It is money that will be spent on necessities of daily living.”
Khedr and Anicich are also calling for better collaboration among people with disabilities and their advocates and demanded a say when decisions affecting their lives are made.
“There’s nothing like lived experience — ‘nothing about us without us,'” Khedr said. “If they have us at the table, we will make it so easy for them to get policy right.”
By Nkele Martin, CBC News
World Blind Union (WBU) Celebrates Election of Fernando Riaño as Chair of the International Disability Alliance:
The World Blind Union is proud to announce that our First Vice President, Fernando Riaño, has been elected Chair of the International Disability Alliance (IDA) for the 2025–2028 term.
Fernando’s election is a significant event for WBU and the broader blind community. His leadership, vision, and commitment to advancing disability rights make him exceptionally well-suited to guide IDA in this crucial role. We are confident he will bring strength and clarity to global efforts for inclusion and accessibility.
We would also like to extend congratulations to the rest of the newly elected IDA leadership:
IDA General Assembly Leadership
President: Nawaf Kabbara
Vice Presidents: Sanja Tarczay and Juan Angel De Gouveia
Secretary of the General Assembly: Jacqueline Garou
IDA Board
Chair: Fernando Riaño
Treasurer: Lim Puay Tiak
General Board Members (without portfolio):
Latoa Halatau-Talagi
Bridget Snedden
Joseph Murray
Bobbi Beth Scroggins (Independent)
Tim Gadd (Independent)
The World Blind Union looks forward to continuing its strong collaboration with IDA with Fernando as Chair. His new role provides an excellent opportunity to ensure that the voices of blind and partially sighted people are represented and respected at the heart of international disability advocacy.
Please join us in congratulating Fernando and all newly elected leaders.
www.ccbnational.net 1-877-304-0968