The white cane week 2014 Magazine has been released. You can view a copy by clicking here, download a copy by clicking here, download an audio copy by clicking here, or by contacting the CCB.
Vocal Eye
Vocaleye descriptive arts society
is a non-profit organization located in vancouver, bc. we describe theatre, arts and culture for those with vision loss.
Click on a newsletter at the left to read.
About Live Audio Description
VocalEye’s Live Audio Description Program is the first of its kind in Canada. Originally a program of Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture, our professionally trained describers provide the visual details of live theatre performance to blind and low vision audiences in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey and Victoria, BC.
Theatre patrons with vision loss are given a personal receiver with a single earpiece and volume control that allows them to hear both the show and our live audio description at the same time. Our live transmission begins ten minutes before curtain with brief descriptions of the set, characters and costumes. Once the show begins, our describer transmits pertinent physical action and visual information between the lines of dialogue. Short program notes and additional description for the second act may be provided at intermission.
Mandate & Mission
VocalEye Descriptive Arts Society exists to serve individuals of all ages with vision loss in our community by:
~ providing accessible description of live theatre and other arts and cultural events
~ lowering barriers to participation in theatre, arts and cultural events
~ promoting access to theatre, arts and cultural events through education and outreach
Our Services
- Described theatre performances for adults and young audiences in Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey and Victoria, BC
- Advance description, program notes and plot synopses in accessible formats
- Touch Tours: guided tactile experiences of the production’s sets, props and costumes
- Theatre Buddies: volunteer guides to and from the theatre
- Sighted Guide Training: workshops in guiding techniques
- Live Audio Subtitling
- Described Performance Training
- Equipment rental for description or translation purposes
For more information on our descriptive services, training or equipment rental, please submit your enquiry to [email protected]
In Development
- Live Audio Description of Dance, Opera and Festivals
- Verbal Description of Visual Art for public art tours, galleries and museums
- Vancouver Beyond Sight: Verbal Description of Landmarks and Architecture
- Community Workshops in Arts and Culture for those with vision loss
For updates on all our activities and events, please join our mailing list by completing the form in the sidebar under “Subscribe” or please send an email to [email protected] with “subscribe” in the subject line.
History
The first Live Audio Description program in Canada (called “EarSighted”) was launched by Kickstart Disability Arts and Culture at the Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company’s production of The Miracle Worker in 2009. The following year, the team was invited to describe a number of performances for the 2010 Vancouver Cultural Olympics, including Robert LePage’s Blue Dragon.
The program was renamed “VocalEye” in 2011 and following two successful seasons became a separate non-profit society in 2012 and a Chapter of The Canadian Council of the Blind BC/Yukon, a registered charity, in 2013. VocalEye Descriptive Arts continues to provide a full season of described theatre performance in Vancouver, the Lower Mainland and Victoria. Other descriptive services and programs serving the blind and partially sighted community are currently in development.
Studies
Occasionally the Canadian Council for the Blind produces studies to accompany programs or projects.
Mobile Eye Clinic Pilot Study
Follow-Up Responses from Parents of School-Age Children in Four Eastern Ontario Schools.doc
Life after vision loss
Life after vision loss
Louise Gillis begins third term as president of national organization, represents Canada at international level
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As president of the Canadian Council of the Blind, Louise Gillis is busy throughout the year attending meetings across the country and dealing with council business and responding to emails from her home in Sydney. LAURA JEAN GRANT – COMMUNITY POST |
BY LAURA JEAN GRANT
COMMUNITY POST
SYDNEY — “There is life after vision loss.”
It’s a statement that Cape Bre- ton’s Louise Gillis not only strong- ly believes, it’s something she’s demonstrated day in and day out for decades.
Originally from Skye Glen, Inverness County, Gillis has called Sydney home for the last 40 years. About two years after settling in Sydney, where she was working as a nurse, Gillis’ eye troubles first developed….. Read the Rest by downloading the PDF
White Cane Magazine 2015
The white cane week 2015 Magazine has been released. You can view a copy by clicking here, or by contacting the CCB.
White Cane Magazine 2014
The white cane week 2014 Magazine has been released. You can view a copy by clicking here, download a copy by clicking here, download an audio copy by clicking here, or by contacting the CCB.
White Cane Magazine 2013
The white cane week 2013 Magazine has been released. You can view a copy by clicking here, download a copy by clicking here, download an audio copy by clicking here,or by contacting the CCB.
This edition of the magazine contain articles on.
CCB 2013 President’s Award
2012 Curling Championship Recap
How the blind are reshaping the iPhone
Braille is Thriving in a high-tech world
The Canadian Council of the Blind is the Voice of the Blind™ in Canada. Extend accessibility. The white cane is a symbol of ability not disability… of independence, not dependence. Changing what it means to be blind. A lack of sight is not a lack of vision. Most people don’t know what it’s like to be blind. Just close your eyes. FOREVER. Accessibility promotes ability not disability. We’re changing what it means to be blind.
White Cane Magazine 2012
The white cane week 2012 Magazine has been released. You can download a copy by clicking here. or by contacting the CCB.
This edition of the magazine contain articles on.
CCB 2012 person of the year
2012 Curling CHampionship
New Assistive Technology
Tactile Approach to the Guitar
The Canadian Council of the Blind is the Voice of the Blind™ in Canada. Extend accessibility. The white cane is a symbol of ability not disability… of independence, not dependence. Changing what it means to be blind. A lack of sight is not a lack of vision. Most people don’t know what it’s like to be blind. Just close your eyes. FOREVER. Accessibility promotes ability not disability. We’re changing what it means to be blind.
White Cane Week Magazine 2011
The white cane week 2011 Magazine has been released. You can download a copy by clicking here. or by contacting the CCB.
This edition of the magazine contain articles on.
CCB 2011 person of the year
2011 Curling CHampionship
Triathlon Team
Lack of Vision No Longer a Barrier for Fitness
The Canadian Council of the Blind is the Voice of the Blind™ in Canada. Extend accessibility. The white cane is a symbol of ability not disability… of independence, not dependence. Changing what it means to be blind. A lack of sight is not a lack of vision. Most people don’t know what it’s like to be blind. Just close your eyes. FOREVER. Accessibility promotes ability not disability. We’re changing what it means to be blind.
White Cane Week Magazine 2010
The white cane week 2010 Magazine has been released. You can download a copy by clicking here. or by contacting the CCB.
This edition of the magazine contain articles on.
- CCB person of the year
- Team Canada Awards
- Embassy Day
- Kitchens of the world
- Cross Canada Journey
The Canadian Council of the Blind is the Voice of the Blind™ in Canada. Extend accessibility. The white cane is a symbol of ability not disability… of independence, not dependence. Changing what it means to be blind. A lack of sight is not a lack of vision. Most people don’t know what it’s like to be blind. Just close your eyes. FOREVER. Accessibility promotes ability not disability. We’re changing what it means to be blind.