From the 1st President’s Desk
Hi everyone, my name is Leslie Yee, 1st Vice President and it is my pleasure to write the report for March.
February has shown us how windy it could be in B.C., record low temperatures in our prairies, and moving East, snow, snow, and more snow! I am sure some of you are still shoveling your way out.
February saw the Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championships hosted by the Sydney Curling club. Congratulations to all eight teams for your participation and showing everyone the wonderful sport of Blind Curling. There is lots of information in this month’s newsletter on the curling, so please read on!
Chapters from coast to coast participated in many different ways for White Cane Week. Some chapters hosted online zoom calls with guest speakers, many participated in education and awareness tables and others got together for a celebratory lunch or a piece of delicious cake. Whichever way you celebrated white cane week, Congratulations. It is always a good time to advocate, spread the word about our white Canes and share stories about our vision loss.
So, now we welcome March, the beginning of Spring. Daylight savings time will begin on March 9th. International Woman’s Day on March 8 and The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day 2025 is Strength in every story.
This year’s theme highlights the importance of amplifying the voices of all women, particularly those who continue to face barriers to success. Creating opportunities for women and girls unlocks their potential and drives innovation, supports Canada’s economy, and helps ensure a sustainable future for all.
Every woman’s story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of opportunity. This International Women’s Day, celebrate the women and girls in your life and share their stories.
Saint Patrick’s Day is on March 17th and will be an exciting time to pull out your green shirts and hats and enjoy some fun, laughter, and for some of you a green beer or two. If you are feeling the winter blues, join in to Bistro night via zoom for fabulous music and of course the women of CCB or the men of CCB zoom evenings for some laughs and friendship.
And don’t forget your tech. We all have great opportunities to learn new techniques with our GTT programs. Join one or more of the many monthly meetings and sessions.
On behalf of the National Board and staff, Happy March everyone. Spring is just around the corner!
Leslie Yee
CCB 1st Vice President
ANNOUNCEMENTS
White Cane Week in Sydney Nova Scotia! The Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship:
Wow, what an incredible White Cane Week we celebrated in Sydney, NS. Our CCB Sydney Curling Chapter Hosted the Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship (CVICC) at our Sydney Curling Club (SCC).
The curlers and out of town guests arrived at various times from Jan. 31st. to Feb 2nd. Those arriving by air were met by the local welcoming committee at the airport and transported by the volunteer drivers to the Simon Hotel.
Curlers from seven provinces including BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia participated in the event, The returning champions from Edmonton, were invited back as Team Canada to fill out the 8th spot.
The event began on Sunday Feb. 2nd where all 8 rinks (teams) had some practice time followed by a “meet and greet” social event welcoming all participants. The curlers were introduced to the event umpire and Draw Master, Yvon LeFort. who did an exceptional job throughout the event.
The competition began in earnest on Monday morning, Feb. 3rd and continued with 2 draws a day until Thursday when only one game was needed to complete 00the round robin.
Thursday afternoon, Feb 6th was reserved for potential tie breakers (not required) so instead some participants attended a meeting on the future of blind curling while others stayed at the rink for some extra coaching and/or practice.
Friday morning, Feb 7th it was playoff time and when the dust had settled, 4 rinks remained in the hunt for the three top honors. Friday Afternoon the rink from Prince George BC played the home team from Sydney Nova Scotia for the Gold metal, while the rink from Winnipeg Manitoba faced Team Canada from Edmonton for the bronze.
Congratulations go out to the Eric Rosen Rink from Prince George BC who won the Gold, the Louise Gillis rink from Nova Scotia who won Silver and the Natalie Morin rink, Team Canada from Edmonton, who won Bronze. (see the article below titled “Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship 2025 Results” for more details)
Following the medal games, it was a hasty turn around from the rink to the Pensioners Hall where everyone enjoyed a short windup banquet and awards presentation.
The majority of the curlers departed Sydney the following day on Saturday, however the guests from Alberta and Ontario were given an extra day of Cape Breton hospitality after their departing flight on Saturday was cancelled.
Despite the somewhat frosty weather conditions, the event and week turned out to be a great success. The organizing committee would like to publicly thank the following for their time, support and generosity.
Sydney Curling Club for providing the facility for six days and huge thank you to Benito DeLorenzo and his volunteers for amazing ice all week.
Yvon LeFort, our umpire, draw master and banquet MC extraordinaire, who did an outstanding job!
John Marusiak did a great job arranging ground transportation for the curlers and guests, to and from the Airport, rink, banquet and even a little shopping / sightseeing, Thanks Drivers!
Thanks to all those who helped at the rink with the Meet and Greet pizza night, lunch distribution, and 50/50 sales.
A special thank you also goes out:
to the management and staff at the Simon Hotel and there in house “Trio” Restaurant for your kindness and hospitality.
to Lori Hysert (Edmonton) for the Braille menu and event schedule production.
to Olivia Nicholas (CCB Staff) for the awesome social media updates and production of the event program.
to Carol Ann Marusiak, our event photographer and Jody Oakley Catering for providing the lunches at the rink between draws.
to the various Local and National media outlets for covering the event and giving the athletes the coverage they rightfully deserve.
And to all the other sponsors and supporters who played a role in helping us with the event.
Last but not least, to the athletes, the curlers. You are the rock stars of the event. Thank you for your competitive spirit, participation and dedication to the sport. Thank You for making this White Cane Week event a tremendous National success!
White Cane Week 2025, CCB Chatham Chapter Report:
During this year’s WCW, our chapter members spent some time at our Saint Clair College campus here in Chatham Kent. It was nice chatting with the visitors, and we even got a new volunteer! Not only is she volunteering with the chapter, but she is also getting her volunteer hours in as well, so that was a plus.
On Saturday, we hosted our games day in our brand-new location at the downtown Chatham Centre, otherwise known now as 100 King West. We have a space there that was donated by the malls management, and it was exciting to host an event in the new space. On Sunday, we ended the weeks events with a trip to London for a day of tubing at BULLER Mountain.
All in all, we believe the chapter had a great week celebrating white cane week awareness.
Submitted by Markus McCracken
Opportunity to Participate in a Research Study on Smoking:
Greetings! My name is Stuart. I am a postdoctoral research scientist studying smoking cessation with INTREPID Lab at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto and am myself visually impaired. I have just begun an exciting new research project at the frontiers of nicotine dependence and vision loss. I want to learn what tools, motivators, and approaches have most helped visually impaired individuals successfully quit smoking. I also want to learn of any challenges or barriers and how they were overcome.
The ultimate goal of this research is to co-create, alongside people with lived experience of smoking and vision loss, a gold-standard guide for people with vision loss to quit smoking. Built on a foundation of lived experience, it will offer visually impaired people who smoke the best-ever chance of successfully and permanently quitting smoking.
Are you interested in being a part of this research effort? If you are a person with lived experience of vision loss, and smoke or used to smoke, here is how you can help:
Share your own lived experiences with INTREPID lab by completing a brief online survey.
Based on survey results, work with INTREPID researchers and people with lived experience to co-develop a guide to quit smoking specifically for people with vision loss.
For more information or to take part, email Stuart at Stuart.MatanLithwick@camh.ca
The only way that we will reach this goal is if we do it together!
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
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.
One Finger Double Tap and Hold with the iPhone:
A one finger double tap and hold on the second tap, brings up a context menu where you can choose things like copy, cut, paste. You can also do a one finger triple tap to perform the same action.
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
Visit to the Rideau Center testing Good Maps: Ottawa’s Blind and Low-Vision Community Tests GoodMaps at CF Rideau Centre:
On February 4-5, members of Ottawa’s Blind and Low-Vision community had the opportunity to test the GoodMaps indoor navigation app at the CF Rideau Centre. Navigation in large, multi-level shopping malls can be challenging for everyone, but particularly for those with visual impairments. This event provided valuable insights into how well the app functions for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
GoodMaps representatives, in collaboration with CCB and CNIB, invited participants to test the app and provide feedback on its accessibility and effectiveness. Three staff members from the CCB took part in the testing, all of whom use VoiceOver on their iPhones. One participant, a low-vision user, also had high-contrast mode enabled.
GoodMaps operates similarly to outdoor GPS but is designed for indoor use. To navigate, users hold their phone’s camera outward to ‘see’ the surroundings and receive turn-by-turn guidance. During the testing, representatives from GoodMaps and CNIB provided training and assistance, actively listening to feedback from participants to identify areas for improvement.
The app is user-friendly, with built-in tutorials that make it easy to get started. Users simply type the name of the store or service they are looking for, and the app provides a detailed map with step-by-step directions. An alphabetical directory makes it even easier to locate specific destinations within the mall.
For low-vision users, the app overlays green chevrons on the map for visual guidance, while VoiceOver provides spoken directions. One suggestion from testers was to increase the contrast of these chevrons to make them more visible. The app also offers precise guidance; if a user veers too far left, haptic feedback and VoiceOver alerts, such as “Eleven O’clock,” help them correct their course. A similar response occurs when veering too far right, with “One O’clock” providing auditory feedback.
A key feature of the app is ‘panning,’ which involves slowly moving the phone’s camera from left to right to help the app determine the user’s location and plan the best route. However, it is important to note that panning is only necessary at the beginning of a journey and infrequently during a trip if the app loses track of the user’s position. GoodMaps includes a tutorial to assist users in mastering this essential function.
Accessibility for users with mobility challenges is also a priority. The app allows users to plan routes that avoid stairs and escalators, a feature that developers plan to make even more prominent and user-friendly.
One challenge encountered during testing was poor cellular reception in certain areas of the mall, requiring users to log in to the Rideau Centre’s Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, the login process was not fully accessible, highlighting the need for organizations to collaborate with the blind and low-vision community to ensure seamless access.
Safety concerns were also discussed. Holding a phone in an upright position for navigation may not be ideal in busy public spaces, where it could be bumped or knocked from the user’s hand. Additionally, those using white canes, guide dogs, or wheelchairs may find it difficult to hold their phone while navigating. Testers emphasized the need for creative hands-free solutions to enhance safety.
Overall, GoodMaps has the potential to greatly improve navigation at the CF Rideau Centre. For individuals with ‘tunnel vision,’ for example, locating a specific store while navigating can be extremely difficult. The app’s organized directory reduces the need for aimless searching and allows users to discover new shops and services they might otherwise miss.
A User’s Perspective – David Greene’s Experience:
As someone with only light perception, I found GoodMaps both helpful and intriguing. The Rideau Centre is a place where I typically struggle to navigate independently. During testing, I successfully located three different destinations on separate floors without difficulty.
However, I did notice that the app consumes significant battery power, especially when holding the phone vertically and using the panning feature. Additionally, in crowded areas, there is a risk of the phone being knocked from my hand. I would recommend gathering as much information as possible before starting a journey and using the app only when necessary to conserve battery life. Despite these concerns, I highly recommend GoodMaps for situations where navigation is particularly challenging or when no other options are available.
A User’s Perspective – Nolan’s Experience:
As a wheelchair user who is also blind, I found GoodMaps to be both highly accurate and very useful. However, I quickly realized that having a strong cellular or Wi-Fi connection is essential, as the app constantly checks the visual information gathered from the phone’s camera against its online map while navigating. This means that users may need to plan ahead and ensure a stable connection, particularly in areas with poor reception.
I was particularly interested in how GoodMaps’ feature that avoids steps would work for wheelchair users. While I anticipate a positive experience, I am eager to hear from others in the community about how well this feature functions in practice and whether they encounter any challenges.
Overall, I was very excited to try out GoodMaps, and I believe it shows a lot of promise. I highly encourage others to test it and share their feedback. To further practice using the app, I plan to visit the mall during a less busy time to refine my navigation skills.
One consideration I need to explore further is how to carry my phone while navigating. Since both of my hands are occupied when moving, I may need a good chest mount to hold my phone securely. However, I also want to ensure that I can still feel the haptic vibrations from the app, as these provide crucial feedback—such as when I veer off course or when the absence of vibrations confirms that I am on the correct path.
GoodMaps is currently available for use at the CF Rideau Centre and its LRT station. We encourage members of the community to try it out and share their experiences!
By Shelley Ann Morris, David Greene and Nolan Jenikov.
Art Without Limits: ‘Migration’ Celebrates Accessibility & Nature:
The John M. Parrott Art Gallery located in Belleville, Ontario, proudly presents ‘Change and Challenge: A Journey through Migration,’ an inspiring solo tactile art exhibit by award-winning artist Lynda Todd.
Soaring Sunset is a flock o five black silhouetted birds in flight against a vibrant sunset backdrop. The sky transitions from deep pink at the top, through shades of orange, to a bright yellow closer to the horizon, suggesting the glow of a setting sun. The birds add a dynamic element to the serene and colourful scene.
Known for her tactile artistry, Todd has gained acclaim for blending accessibility with environmental storytelling, making her art both inclusive and impactful.
The exhibit runs from March 1 to April 2, 2025, at 254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville (3rd floor), with the Opening Reception on Saturday, March 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. Meet the artist, explore the exhibit, and engage with the meaningful stories behind each piece.
Todd, a visually impaired and colour-blind artist, has created an inclusive art experience allowing attendees to engage her work through touch—a rare opportunity in art.
The exhibit features textured depictions of wolves, elephants, whooping cranes, whales, and butterflies, spotlighting the critical challenges of habitat loss and climate change.
“Art connects us to the natural world and to one another. Through this exhibit, I hope to spark meaningful conversations and inspire action to protect endangered species and their fragile habitats”. Todd states.
This exhibit was created with the support of the Ontario Arts Council and the Government of Ontario.
Located in an accessible venue, the gallery ensures all visitors can fully engage with this unique exhibit. Every artwork is paired with large-print and braille labels and audio descriptions, ensuring an inclusive experience for all visitors.” In ‘Change and Challenge: A Journey through Migration,’ touching the art is not just allowed—it’s encouraged.”
Following its debut in Belleville, Todd’s art will appear at the Cobourg Library Gallery, Campbellford Gallery, and Toronto’s Tangled Arts Gallery. Internationally, her work will also be featured in Japan’s Khaki Takatsuki City Museum of Art catalogue.
For more information, please visit www.lyndatodd.com
Feature Film Casting Call Out:
CCB was recently contacted by the casting office for a new Feature Film from Apple Studios and the Oscar winning writer/director of CODA, Siân Heder. The film tells the story of Disability activist Judy Heumann leading over a hundred Disabled people to take over the San Francisco Federal Building in 1977, kicking off a 28 day sit-in.
They are currently conducting an international search for individuals with Disabilities to portray various characters who join the fight for accessibility and in particular they are looking for the character of CHARLIE who is Black and Blind in his 20s or 30s.
They are looking for anyone who would like to audition or be considered. No experience necessary!
Here is a link to the casting website for more information:
https://app.castittalent.com/Radical
Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship 2025 Results:
After a four-year absence the elite of Vision Impaired Curling from across Canada were brought together in Sydney Nova Scotia, during White Cane Week, for the Canadian Vision Impaired Curling Championship (CVICC),
The event, hosted by the CCB, has traditionally been held in our Nations capital where the CCB’s National office is located. Based primarily on input from the curlers, it was decided that by moving the event around the country it might help enhance both the visibility and growth of the sport while at the same time give the athletes a chance to be a part of the unique cultural experiences within the different regions of Canada.
So, our first venture away from Ottawa was Sydney Nova Scotia, and wow was that a good choice! The Cape Breton hospitality and support of the locals played a key role in making the event the resounding success it was. A special thanks goes out to The Sydney Curling Club for hosting the event and for the GREAT ice the curlers enjoyed all week.
8 Rinks (teams) from 7 provinces, and the returning CVICC 2020 champions, Team Canada from Edmonton, participated in a full round robin event. The win loss results were:
British Columbia (BC)
Eric Rosen rink from Prince George, 7-0
Team Canada (CAN)
Natalie Morin rink from Edmonton, 5-2
Nova Scotia (NS)
Louise Gillis rink from Sydney, 5-2
Manitoba (MB)
Norm Lyons rink from Winnipeg, 4-3
Alberta (AB)
Bruce Macdonald rink from Edmonton, 3-4
Ontario (ON)
Lloyd Pike rink from Toronto, 3-4
New Brunswick (NB)
Denis LeBlanc rink from Moncton, 1-6
Saskatchewan (SK)
Darcy Sherbrook rink from Saskatoon, 0-7
Based on a rink’s placement in the round robin competition, playoff positions were established. On Friday morning we saw the following match ups and results
(BC automatically moved on to compete in the Gold).
NS 5 vs CAN 4 (NS moves on to Gold, CAN moves to Bronze)
MB 11 vs AB 4, (MB moves on to bronze, AB finishes 5th)
ON 12 vs NB 4, (ON finishes 6th, NB finishes 7th).
In the afternoon both the gold and bronze games were played yielding the following results
Gold Final
BC 7 vs NS 3 (BC wins Gold, NS wins Silver)
Bronze Final
CAN 9 vs MB 1 (CAN wins Bronze, MB places forth)
Congratulations to the members of the Prince George BC rink for winning gold and finishing the event with a perfect record.
Skip, Eric Rosen
Third, Fraser Hiltz
Second, Russell Gervais
Lead, Terry Pipkey
Coach / Guide, Leona Gervais
Sweeper, Victor Santos
Another first for the event was the fact that we “Live Streamed” the final games. Close to 600 people were able to watch and/or listen to the event finals “live” and at the time of this writing the number of views has increased to over 1400. In case you missed it the file can be viewed at the Sydney Curling Clubs YouTube channel at the following link.
https://www.youtube+.com/watch?v=qv3VRFjBicU
At the evenings windup banquet several other awards were handed out, Congratulations to the following recipients.
CVICC All Star Team
Skip, Natalie Morin, (CAN)
Third, Fraser Hiltz, (BC)
Second, Bill Liggins, (MB)
Lead, Mary Campbell, (NS)
Sweeper, Ian Van Schaick, (NB)
Coach/Guide, Kirsten Rowe, (SK)
00Most Improved player award
Darcy Sherbrook, (SK)
Most Improved team award
The Denis LeBlanc rink, (NB)
Rose Barber Memorial Award winner
Miriam Frozley-Hesselbart (MB)
Michael Hayes Sportsperson Award
Michael Vrooman, (NS)
Congratulations go out to everyone involved in this extremely successful event. A special “thank you” goes out to all the curlers, sweepers and coaches. You were truly the stars of this event.
We look forward to CVICC 2026!
www.ccbnational.net 1-877-304-0968