The summer is finally here! CCB has just completed our annual AGM, and as the country shifts into summer mode, I hope all members are re-charging their batteries and getting to spend some relaxing time with family and friends over the next couple of months. This is a bonus summer newsletter edition to tie our members over until September, when CCB Chapters really get back into the swing of things!
Enjoy the read, and have a wonderful summer!
Mike Potvin, Editor.
Announcements
About the Goodmaps APP:
The Good Maps Indoor APP Is going Live Starting the week of July 15.
CCB has been working with Via Rail around the testing of the Good Maps Indoor APP. We just put it through another beta test and starting mid-July until January 2025 the APP will be available to use if you travel to the Ottawa Via Rail Station.
Over 70 locations in the station are included and you can find directions to these locations.
Via Rail encourages you to test the app and to share info with your friends and family.
Submitted by Leo A. Bissonnette, Ph.D.
CCB 2nd Vice-President
Women of CCB – monthly meetings:
Join the Women of CCB Group every second Tuesday evening of the month. Our group comes together to enjoy fun and engaging times. Whether we’re discussing a themed topic or just chatting casually about our lives, we create a friendly and safe space where everyone can be themselves and support one another.
If you’re interested in joining our fun and inclusive group, please feel free to reach out to:
Heidi: hwhite@ccbnational.net
Leslie: lyee@ccbnational.net
A Look Back:
Our holiday-themed discussions are always a hit! Here are some highlights from the last few months:
– St. Patrick’s Day: We shared folklore stories, favorite green drinks, and cool Irish songs.
– Valentine’s Day: Love was in the air as we exchanged delicious and mouth-watering chocolate recipes.
We also discuss what’s happening with our CCB chapters across Canada, including general activities, White Cane Week, and the Atlantic Sports and Recreation Weekend. We love hearing what is happening in your areas.
Guest Speakers:
We always love bringing in our guest speakers like Pamela Van Nest, an emotional confidence coach. She inspired us to be self-accepting with her “Flip the Switch Before You Flip Your Lid” presentation.
Collaborative Chats:
Sometimes, the Men of CCB join our group for fun collaborative chats. Our last joint meeting was at Christmas, and it was a delightful and joyous evening of laughter and fun conversations.
Looking Forward:
As we are now into Summer, we hope all of you will enjoy the beautiful sunshine. We will be taking a little break ourselves to soak in some rays and we will resume our meetings in September.
We cherish our Women of CCB group and look forward to catching up every month. We love hearing from all of you and hope to continue our wonderful meetings as we move forward and don’t forget if you want to join in our monthly meetings please reach out as we love having new ladies join us.
We hope you all have a safe and beautiful Summer!
Your hosts Heidi and Leslie
CCB Members! We want to hear from you!:
Your unique experiences and stories are what make the Canadian Council of the Blind such a vibrant and impactful community. In his recent presentation at the CCB Vision Month Conference, Kelly McDonald shared his story of becoming a member of the CCB. We invite you to share why you became a member of the CCB and what makes your Chapter unique.
Whether it’s a memorable event, a personal achievement, or the everyday efforts that make a difference, your stories are invaluable. By sharing them, we hope to use our national voice to better promote the important work that each and every member and Chapter does every day.
Please reach out to us with your stories and experiences. Together, let’s highlight the incredible work and dedication within our community.
If you are interested in sharing your experiences with the CCB please email Braydin Frizell at: bfrizell@ccbnational.net or call: 613-292-5384.
Ontario Web Accessibility Survey:
The Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility is responsible for ensuring that organizations comply with the requirements of the Integrated Accessibility Standards Regulation (IASR) under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA). One of the most complex and critical requirements under the IASR addresses web accessibility.
To allow the Ministry to prioritize the most critical elements of website compliance, it needs to better understand the current challenges and experiences of people with disabilities when trying to access websites and web content. The ministry has developed a short survey to achieve this goal.
The survey contains 5 questions and may take between 5 and 15 minutes to complete.
The ministry will use the information gathered in this survey to develop processes to assess web accessibility.
The survey link will be available between July 10th and July 31st, to allow sufficient time for the link to be shared broadly, and to allow recipients to respond.
You can find the survey link here:
https://survey.alchemer-ca.com/s3/50265173/Web-Accessibility-User-Survey
Design of Public Spaces Consultation, Improving accessible built environment standards:
Below is the link to read the recommendations the Committee made, as well as to provide feedback on the initial recommendations.
There are several recommendations specifically geared toward blind and low vision pedestrians including:
Pedestrian signal pole placement, Tactile indicators at crossings following construction, Accessible controls such as thermostats in public buildings and hotels, making recreational trails more accessible, increasing the amount of guide dog relief areas in a wider range of buildings.
I encourage you to submit feedback to help make the standards better.
Closing date for feedback is August 29, 2024.
It is truly appreciated.
Here is the link.
https://www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-improving-accessible-built-environment-standards
Exciting Camp Bowen Summer Retreat Opportunities for All Ages:
This summer, CCB’s Bowen Island Chapter, in partnership with the Canadian Organization of the Blind and DeafBlind (COBD), is hosting a series of summer camps designed specifically for blind, DeafBlind, and low vision children aged eight to twelve, youth aged thirteen to eighteen, and adults from across Canada. These camps aim to provide a fun and inclusive environment where participants can learn new skills, make lasting friendships, and build confidence.
The camps, located on beautiful Bowen Island, offer a wide range of activities tailored to the needs and interests of blind, DeafBlind and low vision campers. From outdoor adventures to camps focusing on music, cooking, travel, or technology, our programs are designed to be both fun and educational, providing a unique opportunity for personal growth and development.
We have funding from the Government of Canada to help families cover the camp fees and travel expenses associated with sending those 8 to 30 to camp. In BC, we have additional funding from other sources to cover partial camp fees for those over 30.
We are pleased to be extending this invitation to your family and would appreciate you forwarding it to any other families you may know of, to ensure no child, youth, or adult is missed out.
Find information on our Community Exploration Camp, Foundations of Independence Camp (Teen Edition), the Linda Evans Memorial Music Camp, Music Lovers Camp, and Adult Retreat on our website at:
We’re more than happy to provide more information about the summer camps by phone or email as well. Please do not hesitate to reach out to our team by phone at: +1 (800) 264-2623 extension 100 or email: <campbowen@cobd.ca>.
We believe that every blind, DeafBlind, and low vision Canadian deserves the chance to participate in these enriching summer experiences, and we hope to hear from you soon and welcoming you or your blind, low vision, or DeafBlind child or youth to Camp Bowen.
Submitted by: CCB Bowen Island Chapter
Inspire Democracy: Web site and Electoral participation toolkits update:
We’ve recently updated our Inspire Democracy website, including our three Inspire Democracy toolkits. The website, and the toolkits in particular, are valuable resources to help you engage with your communities.
The toolkits are designed to reduce barriers in the three main ways Canadians can participate in the electoral process:
1. Running as a candidate in a federal election
This toolkit is for Canadians who are interested in running for office but are unsure what is involved or how to begin this journey. It includes information on what someone running as a candidate should do before, during and after a federal election, as well as things to consider for their campaign.
2. Working at a federal election
This toolkit explains what working at a federal election is like, and the places election worker jobs are available during the election. Not only are they paid positions, but we offer paid training sessions and accommodation measures for workers with disabilities.
3. Registering and voting in a federal election
This toolkit aims to reduce barriers to registering and voting in a federal election. It also explains the ways for proving identity and address, as well as the accessibility tools and services available for electors during the election.
The Inspire Democracy website can be found here:
https://www.inspirerlademocratie-inspiredemocracy.ca/index-eng.aspx
Inspire Democracy toolkits can be found here:
We invite you to take some time to read through these three important resources and to share them with your communities however will best meet their needs.
Submitted by Elections Canada
Para Bowls Championship August 17-22, 2024:
The 2024 Canadian Para-Bowls Championships will take place at the Brampton Lawn Bowling Club from August 17-22, 2024. The event is open to any visually impaired or physically impaired lawn bowler who belongs to an affiliated club in Canada.
For more information on the Para Bowls Championships, please visit the information page, which can be found at the following link: https://bowlscanada.com/en/championship/2024-para-championships/
Pharmacare bill passes in the House of Commons, heads to the Senate:
The Liberals’ pharmacare bill is headed to the Senate after passing third reading in the House of Commons. The bill was the result of careful and lengthy negotiations between the Liberals and the New Democrats as a key element of their political pact to prevent an early election. The legislation would see the federal government offer first-payer coverage of some contraceptive and diabetes medications and sets the stage for a future full-fledged universal pharmacare program. It’s not yet clear exactly what drugs will be covered, since they will be the subject of negotiations with provincial and territorial governments. Once the bill is passed, Health Minister Mark Holland can begin those formal negotiations with provinces and territories to deliver the program, which is expected to cost $1.5 billion over five years. The goal is that Canadians will be able to access the contraceptive or diabetes drugs or supplies by showing their health card, whether they have insurance coverage or not. Read more.
Used White Canes:
The following is a website that organizes donations of used White Canes to Visually impaired persons in countries where they are too expensive or just not available. We wanted to share the link for everyone’s awareness.
It is an American site, and they refurbish and deliver old White Canes.
The You Cane Give Initiative (YCG) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that provides canes, mobility training, and assistance to individuals all over the world.
Men, women, and children in over 30 countries have been impacted by YCG. Thank you for supporting our mission!
Learn More about YCG here: https://youcanegive.org/about/
In the News
Request from Parks Canada:
Below you will find a message concerning barriers at national parks. This is being shared with you as you may want to consider advocating to Parks Canada concerning improving access and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
We need your help with Parks Canada Accessibility
Parks Canada is promoting their commitment to comply with the accessibility Canada Act. Their core goal is to implement standards for accessibility with a focus on inclusion.
Parks recognizes people living with disabilities often feel excluded from National historic sites and national parks.
Yet with all this promotion Parts Canada is restricting the only leisure scenic route between Banff and Lake Louise for bicycles only between May and June and September. The Bow Valley Parkway. Only 16% of people in Canada ride a bike once a week. 97% of Banff park is wilderness.
This is very discriminatory and excludes not only people with disabilities but the majority of people visiting Banff and is a barrier to experience the National Park.
Parks has an accessibility feedback form if you have time and would like to provide your views how this restriction on this iconic route also called Banff Heritage Drive counters their own priorities.
For more information, please visit:
Parks Priorities
Conservation
Protecting and presenting Canada’s natural and cultural heritage (Banff Heritage Drive is cultural heritage)
Connecting Canadians
Welcoming urban residents, youth, and new Canadians
Visitor experience
Enhancing experiences and expanding visitor opportunities
Accessibility
Allowing everyone to access our destinations and participate in our activities
Diversity and inclusion
Removing barriers, fostering participation, and embracing diversity
The closure is completely unfounded, devoid of sound science, and is catering to a few elite groups
The simple solution is to have the scenic drive restored to what the road was originally created for all visitors to experience Banff National Park and remove all restrictions.
You may also contact the superintendent of Banff Park Sal Rasheed at banff.superintendent@pc.gc.ca to let him know your concerns and Ron Hallman CEO of Parks ron.hallman@canada.ca
The Canada Revenue Agency launches a new disaster relief page to help affected Canadians:
Natural disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, have been occurring more frequently and with greater severity. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) recognizes the challenge this can pose for affected Canadians to comply with their tax obligations. Disasters can have a devastating impact on individuals and businesses, and the primary concerns of those affected are their families, homes, businesses and communities.
To help Canadians when disasters occur, the CRA has launched a new disaster relief webpage: “Managing your tax affairs during or after a disaster.”
The webpage can be found here:
The webpage, managed by the CRA’s Disaster Relief Team, is a dedicated space that provides Canadian taxpayers with resources that may assist them when affected by a disaster, or after a disaster has occurred. The webpage provides information, links, and phone numbers to contact the CRA on the following topics:
·When taxpayers are unable to receive their tax credits or benefit cheques
·When taxpayer books and records have been destroyed
·When taxpayers can’t file or pay on time
·When taxpayers are unable to pay a debt
Additionally, the CRA posts disaster-related information on social media platforms such as encouraging Canadians to sign up for direct deposit, how to apply for relief from penalties and interest, and where to seek help for destroyed records. During active disasters, the CRA may also post tax tips on Canada.ca advising Canadians on relief measures being offered.
National disability benefit in federal budget falls short of what advocates wanted:
Benefit doesn’t cover enough people and does little to help those that are covered, advocates say.
April’s federal budget laid the groundwork for a national disability benefit but the funding falls well short of what advocates were seeking.
The government passed legislation last year, Bill C-22, to introduce the national benefit, which is meant to lift people out of poverty by topping up provincial support funding.
The budget has allocated $6.1 billion over six years toward the new disability benefit, with payments set to begin rolling out in July of next year. The maximum benefit for low-income Canadians with disabilities would be $200 per month, the budget says.
But advocates say the budget commitment doesn’t cover enough Canadians and won’t lift those it does cover out of poverty.
“I’m heartbroken for the people that were waiting with hope,” she said.
Khedr estimates that roughly 1.6 million Canadians with disabilities are living below the poverty line. But Tuesday’s budget says only 600,000 would be eligible for the new national benefit.
“The amount is not adequate. Unfortunately, there’s going to be little money for very few people,” she said.
“I think many in the communities feel that they have been left behind,” he said.
Hetherington suggested that an extra $200 a month for those who do qualify will still leave them hundreds of dollars below the poverty line.
“The average person on disability gets about $1,300 a month. The poverty line is $2,300. So that means at that point they’re only — and I’d say this with a bit of facetiousness — they are only $800 below the poverty line, for individuals who have a higher cost of living,” he said.
Khedr also questioned how much help the benefit will provide to those who qualify.
“It’s maybe going to give them a little more money to buy food, put toward their rent. But they’re still going to be living in significant levels of poverty,” she said.
“We called for an end to legislative poverty for people with disabilities. That’s not in here,” she said.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh — who is in a confidence and supply agreement with the Liberals — said he has concerns about the budget, including the disability benefit. Singh said he wants to hear from Trudeau about those concerns before declaring his support for the budget.
“What’s the plan to address the fact that $200 a month for people living with disabilities is insufficient? What is the plan to address those concerns? I want to hear that from the prime minister before we make a decision,” Singh told reporters on Tuesday.
Both Khedr and Hetherington said they see April’s announcement as a first step and hope the government can be convinced to do more.
“Unfortunately, we’re going to have to keep working and working harder to address disability poverty in this country,” Khedr said.
“You have a million Canadians who have been promised one thing legislatively and are deeply concerned that this is the end of the conversation,” Hetherington said.
“I hope that that is not the case and we’re certainly going to work to make sure that it’s not the end.”
By Darren Major, CBC News
www.ccbnational.net 1-877-304-0968