Message from the Editor
Summer has finally arrived! As we all settle into the season, I hope everyone is taking the opportunity to recharge and enjoy some well-deserved time with family and friends over the coming months. This special summer edition of the newsletter is here to keep you connected until September, when CCB Chapters pick up full momentum again.
Enjoy the read, and have a wonderful summer—Mike Potvin, Editor.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Women of CCB:
(Description of image: A graphic shows three women sitting at a table and smiling at the camera. There are candles on the lower left side and glasses on the lower right side of the picture.)
As we wrap up another wonderful season together, we want to thank each and every one of you for making our Women of CCB meetings such a welcoming, supportive, and enjoyable place to connect. The friendships, laughter, and conversations we’ve shared throughout the year have made our group truly special.
We hope your summer is filled with sunshine, relaxation, new adventures, and time spent with family and friends.
Whether you’re travelling, enjoying your garden, reading a good book, or simply taking it easy, we wish you a safe and happy summer.
Our meetings will take a break over the summer months, but we’ll be back in September with more engaging discussions and opportunities to reconnect. Until then, take care of yourselves and know that we’re already looking forward to seeing everyone again this fall.
We are always welcoming new members to our group so should you or a friend like more information or our monthly joining Zoom link, please email Heidi White at hwhite@ccbnational.net
Beep Baseball “Try It” Event a Great Success:
(Description of images: The photo on the left shows a group of people, with two individuals centered in the frame. One is wearing a baseball cap, raising his left arm while holding a white ball. The other is wearing a white shirt with short blue sleeves over a long-sleeve black shirt, with the number 10 on the back. The photo on the right shows a woman and a man in the center of a room, with other people and chairs along the wall in the background. The woman is blindfolded and holds a white ball in her left hand and a baseball bat in her right hand. The man beside her, wearing a white shirt with short blue sleeves over a long-sleeve black shirt, is guiding her by holding her left arm and helping position the ball.)
Arthur Pressick, who started the Toronto Blind Jays, Canada’s first blind baseball team, along with Blind Jays members Joey and Sung, came to Delaware on May 23 to demonstrate the fundamentals of Beep Baseball. In the past, Arthur and the Blind Jays competed at the National Beep Baseball World Series. We are so thankful for their support.
Lucky for us, the Municipality of Middlesex Centre, one of our partners, gave us full use of the Delaware Community Centre to hold the event inside the gym, as we had a rainy day.
(Description of image: Two men stand posing for the camera, each with an arm around the other’s shoulder. The man on the right is holding a baseball bat in his right hand. Both are wearing white shirts with short blue sleeves and a circular logo in the center that reads ‘Toronto Blind Jays.’ Both are also wearing black baseball caps.)
Everyone who participated had a great time, and there were smiles all around!
The families, along with the Melbourne and Delaware Lions/Lioness clubs, were able to practise hitting, running, and defensive moves. The balls beep and the bases buzz, so you have to listen carefully.
The beauty of Beep Baseball is that it is an adapted sport that can be played at either the recreational or elite level. Sighted and visually impaired people can play together.
The pitcher, catcher, and spotters are sighted. There are different levels of vision loss, and to level the playing field, all other players are blindfolded.
The hot dog barbecue provided an opportunity for everyone to socialize with Arthur and the Blind Jays, which made the experience more personal and added to the fun!
If you are interested in finding out more about Beep Baseball, you can contact Donna. Her email address is:
districtsight@gmail.com
The Canadian Council of the Blind’s Beyond the Diagnosis Virtual Series:
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Receiving a diagnosis of an eye disease can be overwhelming. Questions about treatment options, daily living, employment, technology, advocacy, and the future often follow. The Canadian Council of the Blind’s Beyond the Diagnosis Virtual Series was created to help answer one important question: “You’ve been diagnosed with an eye disease—now what?”
This free virtual series brings together individuals with lived experience, professionals, advocates, researchers, and community leaders who will share practical information, personal stories, and valuable resources to help participants navigate life beyond the diagnosis.
Whether you have recently received a diagnosis, have been living with vision loss for years, or are supporting a family member or friend, these sessions are designed to inform, inspire, and connect.
Featured sessions include:
Alison Motluk – July 7 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Alison is an accomplished freelance journalist whose work has appeared in CBC, The New York Times, The Atlantic, and many other publications. Her investigative reporting on cataract surgery and privatized healthcare has shed light on how patients can be misled into paying for services that may already be publicly covered. This session will focus on understanding your eye-care rights, navigating provincial healthcare systems, and avoiding unnecessary out-of-pocket costs.
Anne Mok – July 13 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Anne spent years advocating for answers before being diagnosed with cone-rod dystrophy, a rare inherited retinal condition. Following additional health challenges, Anne transformed her experiences into a platform for storytelling, advocacy, and empowerment. As the founder of Purpose in View, published author, and professionally trained voice actor, Anne inspires others to embrace new possibilities after diagnosis. This session will focus on finding purpose, resilience, and confidence after vision loss.
Ingrid Palmer – July 21 at 3:00 p.m. ET
Ingrid is an award-winning speaker, best-selling author, social justice consultant, and founder of Focus On Ability. Diagnosed as a teenager with Retinitis Pigmentosa and PCOS, Ingrid has dedicated her life to advancing inclusion, challenging stereotypes, and creating spaces where everyone belongs. This session will focus on overcoming barriers, embracing identity, and advocating for inclusion and belonging.
Ben Fulton – July 28 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Ben is a lawyer, accessibility advocate, and champion for restorative justice. Called to the bar in 2019, he brings a human-centered approach to law, conflict resolution, and community empowerment. Throughout his career, Ben has worked to improve accessibility and create opportunities for people with disabilities. This session will focus on self-advocacy, accessibility rights, and building confidence through community engagement.
Dr. Parnian Arjmand – August 7 (time to be announced)
Dr. Arjmand is a retina specialist practicing in the Greater Toronto Area with expertise in retinal diseases, patient education, and knowledge translation. Her clinical and research work focuses on helping patients better understand their eye health and treatment options. This session will focus on understanding your diagnosis, communicating effectively with your healthcare team, and asking the right questions during medical appointments.
Technology and Community: The CCB’s Get Together with Technology Program featuring David Greene, Nolan Jenikov, and Shelley Ann Morris – August 11 at 11:30 a.m. ET
Technology can open doors to greater independence, employment opportunities, social connection, and everyday accessibility. Members of the CCB team will explore the role assistive technology plays in daily life while highlighting the support and learning opportunities available through the CCB’s Get Together with Technology (GTT) program. This session will focus on building confidence with technology, learning new skills, and connecting with a supportive community.
Why Attend?
Participants will:
- Learn from experts and individuals with lived experience.
- Gain practical strategies for adapting to vision loss.
- Better understand treatments, healthcare systems, and available supports.
- Discover assistive technologies and community resources.
- Connect with others who understand the journey of vision loss.
- Leave feeling informed, empowered, and supported.
Attendance is free, but registration is required. Reserve your spot today and join us for an engaging series designed to help you move beyond the diagnosis and toward a future filled with knowledge, confidence, and connection!
Click the link below to register for the series:
Register Here
Birding Beyond Sight at Cooper Marsh:
(Description of image: Two small birds in shades of blue, orange, brown, black, and grey stand on a white rope. The bird on the right has its mouth open.)
Members from the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) in Cornwall, Ontario headed to Cooper Marsh to participate in the Birding Beyond Sight initiative created by Bird Friendly Cornwall. Traditionally, bird watching has focused on visual identity, however, Birding Beyond Sight encourages visually impaired persons to participate in identifying birds by their birdsongs.
Lissa Deslandes, Regulations Officer with the Raisin Region Conservation Authority (RRCA), explained that birds are more often heard before being seen, with many preferring to remain hidden amongst the trees and shrubs. With each bird having its own song, many that resemble words such as “Chick-a-dee-dee-dee”, people can identify the various species flitting from branch to branch. Birdsongs and calls serve the purpose of attracting a mate, warning of danger and establishing their territory.
Deslandes introduced the Merlin App for smartphones, which helps identify birds through its Sound ID capability. The App listens to the sounds and suggests the type of bird that might be singing, and since the Sound ID doesn’t require WIFI to function, bird calls can be identified anywhere, anytime.
Canadian Council of the Blind members Sylvie Théoret, Neil Butters, Barbara & Hubert Champagne, Jean Lalonde, Heather McGill and Desneige Miseferi explored pathways and trails while Mike Chegrinec encouraged birds to come out of hiding with his amazing repertoire of bird whistles, as Dr. Robin Poole stayed with other while the yellow warblers, cardinals and blue jays flew around them.
Angela Parker, Sustainability Project Coordinator with the City of Cornwall, arranged the visit.
Bird Friendly Cornwall includes the River Institute, the RRCA, the City of Cornwall, Citizens for Marshland Conservation and SDG Birding.
The Birding Beyond Sight event timed perfectly with the migration of birds as they follow the St. Lawrence River on their way to the Boreal forest. Cooper Marsh provides a migratory stopover site so the birds can rest among the marshes. It was enchanting to be right among the birds as they flew from trees to shrubs, singing their beautiful bird songs.
By Kim Burton-Schram, Seaway News.
Empower Arts 2.0 Summit:
(Description of image: The backs of audience members are visible in the foreground, facing a stage where a person is performing. The stage is illuminated with blue lighting.)
The Empower Arts 2.0 Summit took place in Ottawa in June 2026 as part of National Accessibility Week.
This year’s theme, “Beyond Access: Reimagining the Stage Through Disability Leadership,” brought together artists with disabilities, arts and culture professionals, advocates, and community members to collaborate, learn, and imagine possibilities beyond minimum accessibility standards. Through adaptability, creativity, and innovation, participants explored disability-led approaches to creating, producing, and experiencing the performing arts.
The Summit took place at the National Arts Centre (NAC) in collaboration with Blurring the Boundaries Arts (BTBA), the Research Centre for Music, Sound and Society in Canada at Carleton University, the Canadian Accessible Musical Instruments Network, and the International Institute for Critical Studies in Improvisation. Generous support was provided by the NAC and Long & McQuade Musical Instruments.
In addition to the NAC’s welcoming approach, attendees were invited to identify their accessibility requirements during registration. A carpet was literally rolled out as a wayfinding aid, while detailed pre-event information provided comprehensive descriptions of the venue and navigation routes.
Attendant support services and a dedicated team of volunteers were on hand to assist with personal support and sighted guide assistance. Live American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation and Live Audio Description were provided during the keynote address, panel discussions, performances and opening/closing remarks. The NAC’s assistive listening systems were available for attendees with hearing impairments and for listening to Audio Descriptions.
Program materials were offered in braille, digital, standard-print, and large-print formats. A designated quiet space was available throughout the day. Lunch and refreshments accommodated a variety of dietary needs. Ramps ensured that everyone could access the stage and share the spotlight. Recognizing that registration could be challenging for some participants, additional support was provided to assist those who required help completing the process.
The afternoon’s activities were emceed by Gift Tshuma of Blurring the Boundaries Arts, Panel discussions were moderated by Anna-Karina Tabunar, Founder of Talent Untapped Group.
Music and Access Workshop
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The workshop Music and Access was led by Dr. Diane Kolin, Founder and Director of ArtsAbly. The presentation showcased a wide range of disability-led approaches to music creation, performance, and accessibility.
Participants explored how musical instruments can be adapted to meet diverse needs, including instruments designed for one-handed performance. The workshop also highlighted the growing role of technology in enabling musicians of all abilities and genres to pursue and participate in music-making.
Arts Leaders: Accessibility Initiatives in Ottawa
A leadership panel featuring representatives from Ottawa’s festival and entertainment sector included Petr Cancura (Ottawa Jazz Festival), Rachel Weldon (Pique Festival), Amelia Rose Griffin (Propeller Dance), and Julian Armour (Music and Beyond).
The discussion focused on how disability leadership and accessibility can help shape the future of live performances and cultural events. The phrase “Nothing About Us Without Us” was referenced repeatedly, underscoring the importance of involving people with lived experience from the earliest stages of planning rather than treating accessibility and inclusion as an afterthought.
Panelists emphasized the need to challenge traditional practices and promote leadership and mentorship opportunities with people with disabilities at both board and management levels. They also noted that many musicians, particularly in classical music, experience injuries or disabilities that affect their ability to perform. Aging often brings new accessibility considerations for artists and audiences alike.
Although significant progress has been made in improving accessibility for audiences, panelists agreed that more work is needed to support artists with disabilities. While accessibility initiatives are sometimes viewed as expendable budget items, some speakers highlighted practical, low-cost, and no-cost measures that organizations can implement to create more inclusive environments. It is hoped that future Empower Arts Summit panel discussions will feature even more representatives from the disability community as they increasingly take their places as industry influencers, event and festival managers/directors, board members and other significant leadership roles.
Artists’ Perspectives on Disability
(Description of image: A graphic illustration shows four individuals in yellow, purple, pink, and light blue. The person on the far right is holding up a camera to take a selfie, while the other three pose for the photo. One individual is in a wheelchair. The background is beige with a light green ground.)
A second panel, Artists’ Perspectives on Disability, featured performers with lived experience of a variety of visible and non-visible disabilities. Panelists included Bruce Petherick (pianist, composer, and Artistic Director of the White Rock City Orchestra), Diane Kolin (singer, music instructor, and Executive Director of ArtsAbly), Xi Li (pianist, DMA candidate at Western University, and workshop facilitator), Lucas Haneman (guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, and one half of The Blind and the Beautiful alongside Megan Lawrence), and A.N. (Ado Nkemka, singer-songwriter, guitarist and performer).
The artists spoke candidly about barriers they encounter in their professional lives, including sensory overwhelm, performance spaces that are difficult to navigate with mobility impairments, and the challenges of networking at industry events when visual cues are limited. They discussed practical considerations such as the differences between performing while standing versus performing from a wheelchair, and raised questions about incorporating accessibility accommodations directly into performers’ riders.
The panel also highlighted challenges associated with inaccessible grant applications and online systems that may not work effectively with screen readers or magnification software, creating additional barriers for artists seeking opportunities and funding.
A Vision for an Inclusive Future
Audience members were invited to imagine what performing arts could look like in a truly barrier-free environment where everyone could participate fully. The vision came to life through an all-artist rendition of the classic song Summertime, followed by performances of original works inspired by the artists’ lived experiences with disability.
The day concluded with a discussion on translating ideas into action. Participants reflected on ways to challenge misconceptions, strengthen collaboration across diverse communities, remove both physical and attitudinal barriers, and create more inclusive spaces throughout the arts sector.
While acknowledging the progress made in recent years, attendees recognized that new opportunities and challenges continue to emerge. Advances in technology, including artificial intelligence, evolving social media platforms, changing funding landscapes, increased accountability, and growing awareness of disability and accessibility all have the potential to contribute to a more welcoming and inclusive arts and culture sector.
The Empower Arts 2.0 Summit demonstrated that accessibility is not simply about removing barriers—it is about implementing innovation, valuing lived experience, and ensuring that artists, audiences, and cultural organizations can succeed together.
By Shelley Ann Morris.
CCB Mississauga VIP Chapter Hosts Informative Zoom Call with iBUG Leaders:
(Description of image: On a wooden table, a large turquoise mug sits on the left, and an open laptop is on the right during a Zoom call. Several participants appear in small rectangles on the laptop screen.)
On June 10, 2026, the CCB Mississauga VIP Chapter welcomed members and guests from other CCB Chapters, as well as people from across Canada and the United States for a special Zoom presentation featuring Michael McCulloch, Founder and President of iBUG (iBlind Users Group), and Sandhya Rao, Vice President of Training and Special Events.
The meeting opened with Michael and Sandhya sharing personal stories about their interests and achievements. Michael spoke about his passion for outdoor adventure, describing how he uses sighted guides and hiking poles while climbing and hiking. Sandhya shared her experiences as a pianist, explaining how she reads braille music and memorizes pieces despite hand injuries. The conversation also touched on emerging technology, including autonomous vehicles, with Michael describing his positive experiences using Waymo and Lyft services. The discussion concluded with Michael recounting his recent successful ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro as part of a record-breaking team of blind climbers.
About iBUG
Based in Houston, Texas, iBUG is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting independence, social integration, and educational development within the blind and visually impaired community through accessible technology training.
Michael and Sandhya explained that iBUG began in 2011 as a small group of individuals learning to use accessible features on the iPhone. Since then, the organization has grown significantly and now offers 27 monthly events, including 12 technology training sessions focused primarily on Apple products.
They discussed the evolution of iBUG’s programs, from monthly workshops to the highly successful weekly iBUG Buzz calls, which have now surpassed 738 sessions. The iBUG Buzz provides real-time troubleshooting and technology support, while the iBUG Café, held on the second Sunday of each month, offers in-depth explorations of apps and accessibility features. The Mini Buzz, held on the second and fourth Tuesdays, focuses on hardware-related questions.
All training sessions are recorded and made available through iBUG’s website, YouTube channel, and podcast, ensuring participants can access valuable learning resources at their convenience.
Training Programs for Mac and Android Users
Michael and Sandhya highlighted several specialized training opportunities for Mac and Android users.
MacBuzz sessions are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month and provide one-hour question-and-answer support sessions. The Mac Introductory Training Program is a comprehensive 12-week course designed to provide in-depth instruction with strict attendance for participants. Currently there is a waiting list due to strong demand.
For Android users, Android Insight offers a monthly discussion and training session focused on the Google Android platform. Plans are being explored to expand Android training opportunities in the future.
Jump Start Mentoring Program
One of iBUG’s most impactful initiatives is the Jump Start Mentoring Program, a 12-week course that provides 24 hours of VoiceOver instruction for beginners. The program is designed to help individuals build confidence and independence in using accessible technology.
Michael emphasized that all iBUG services are offered free of charge and are made possible through the dedication of volunteer facilitators and mentors. Since its founding, iBUG has grown to serve more than 7,000 participants worldwide, with members joining from locations as far away as Estonia.
Building Community Through Social Events
In addition to technology training, iBUG places a strong emphasis on social engagement and community building.
Sandhya outlined several popular monthly activities, including Trekkie Talk on Thursdays, Book Club on the second Thursday of each month, iBUG Unplugged on the first Saturday of the month, and Virtual Movie Night. She also highlighted upcoming events, including iBUG’s Got Talent on August 1.
Michael encouraged attendees to visit iBUG’s website and social media channels for complete event information and updates.
Accessible Movie Nights
The presenters described iBUG’s movie night program, where members can suggest films for future screenings. Past selections have included recent Oscar-nominated films as well as movies that explore disability-related themes.
Sandhya noted that participants recently enjoyed Project Hail Mary and will be watching Creed at an upcoming event. Several attendees expressed interest in joining future movie nights.
The presenters also explained how audio-described movies work, allowing blind and visually impaired audiences to enjoy films through narration that describes visual elements integrated into the movie soundtrack.
Live Demonstrations of AI Applications
The session concluded with an engaging discussion and live demonstrations of artificial intelligence applications. Participants shared their experiences using tools such as Oorion, OKO, and AI-powered video applications in everyday situations.
Michael and Sandhya encouraged attendees to consider becoming future presenters and sharing their own technology experiences. They also discussed previous demonstrations, including accessible rideshare applications and live street-navigation demonstrations.
While iBUG does not specifically focus on services for newly blind individuals, the organization provides accessible technology training and serves as a welcoming support network for people adapting to vision loss.
The presenters noted the strong Canadian presence within iBUG, with members participating from Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, British Columbia, and other provinces across the country.
For more information about iBUG and its programs, visit iBUGToday.org.
(Description of image: The iBUG logo with black lettering, a red ladybug in the ‘g’, and Braille dots under each letter. Below reads “iBlind Users Group”.)
About the Presenters:
Michael McCulloch, Founder and President, iBUG
Michael McCulloch is the founder and president of iBUG Today and a retired aerospace engineer. A graduate of Rice University with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Electrical Engineering, he spent more than three decades supporting NASA’s Space Shuttle and International Space Station programs through The Boeing Company’s Space Exploration Division at the Johnson Space Center.
After losing his vision due to glaucoma, Michael continued his successful career through the use of adaptive technology and became legally blind in 2006. Since founding iBUG in 2011, he has dedicated his efforts to expanding accessible technology training and empowering individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Michael has received numerous awards for his leadership and advocacy, including the prestigious Dr. Jacob Bolotin Award from the National Federation of the Blind and the Care Award from the Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities.
An avid adventurer, Michael enjoys mountain hiking, climbing, kayaking, skiing, tandem cycling, and other outdoor activities. His accomplishments include completing the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, demonstrating that determination and teamwork can help overcome even the most challenging obstacles.
Sandhya Rao
Vice President, Training and Special Events; Secretary, iBUG
Sandhya Rao is a staff attorney with the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has served in that role since 1995. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rice University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and later received her Juris Doctor degree from Stanford Law School.
Blind since infancy due to a rare bone disease, Sandhya has devoted her career to both the legal profession and advocacy within the blind community. She serves in leadership roles with numerous organizations, including the Lighthouse of Houston, the Houston Council of the Blind, and the Braille Revival League of Texas.
A classically trained pianist, Sandhya regularly performs at hospitals, nursing homes, and community events. Through her work with iBUG and other organizations, she remains committed to helping individuals who are blind or visually impaired gain the skills and confidence needed to achieve their full potential.