On October 9, the CCB hosted its national conference in Toronto under the powerful theme \u201cAct Now, Act Together.\u201d This inspiring event brought together advocates, leaders, and community members from across Canada in a shared mission to advance accessibility, inclusion, and vision health.
It was my honour to serve as Master of Ceremonies, and a privilege to hear from all our remarkable speakers. Their insights and lived experiences reinforced a central truth: when we unite and work together, we can achieve so much more, building a Canada that is truly inclusive for all. Thank you to everyone who joined us in person and online. Your presence made this event unforgettable. You can read more about the event later in this newsletter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connecting the Dots<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n It was a pleasure to attend the Connect the Dots forum held by the CNIB in Toronto on Oct 23, 2025. The theme of \u201cOne Community, A Future in Focus\u201d, emphasized unity and forward-thinking strategies for accessibility and inclusion. The sessions included inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on demonstrations, and panel discussions exploring emerging tools and strategies in education, technology, and employment. For those who attended in person or via zoom, I hope you enjoyed it as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Honouring Remembrance Day<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n As November 11 approaches, we reflect on the sacrifices of veterans, especially those who returned home with vision impairments and other disabilities. For CCB, Remembrance Day is both a moment of solemn remembrance and a call to action: to honour service by ensuring equitable access for all Canadians. Through advocacy, education, and remembrance, CCB continues to build a more inclusive Canada where the legacy of service is matched by a future of accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Leslie Yee <\/p>\n\n\n\n We would like to introduce Yvonne Marie Garvey from the CCB Peterborough Chapter in Ontario.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning to see differently:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n At 37, I was running my own business, driving my car, and juggling life like a semi-functional adult \u2014 emphasis on semi. I thought I had everything mostly under control. Then one routine eye appointment led to many more, and the plot twist I never saw coming unfolded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou have Retinitis Pigmentosa,\u201d the doctor said gently. \u201cYou\u2019re legally blind.\u201d It didn\u2019t make sense. I was still managing clients, meetings, and errands \u2014 all the things sighted people do without thinking. I laughed, because what else can you do when your world flips upside down in a single sentence? Shock doesn\u2019t even begin to cover it. At first, I convinced myself everything would be fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, alcohol became my coping strategy \u2014 my little \u201cvision aid.\u201d It blurred the fear and grief, making the world feel manageable. I told myself I was relaxing, not unravelling. But I was slowly disappearing behind the bottle, one drink at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The truth is, I was an alcoholic long before my RP diagnosis. But when I lost my driver\u2019s license, my drinking escalated. There wasn\u2019t much room for it to get worse, but somehow, it did. My world grew smaller by the day \u2014 both literally and figuratively. When my health began to fail and I faced liver failure, I made a desperate choice to live. I got sober.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting sober was messy, awkward, and at times, hilarious \u2014 usually in hindsight. I learned to navigate both my world and my emotions differently. It took almost two years of sobriety before I had enough clarity and courage to join the CCB Peterborough chapter as both a member and volunteer. It was one of the best decisions I\u2019ve ever made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I met people who navigate the world with humour, strength, and grace. They reminded me that blindness isn\u2019t an ending; it\u2019s an invitation to see life differently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grateful for a second chance, I wanted to give back. I began offering my company\u2019s communication services to CCB Peterborough \u2014 helping with social media, rebuilding the website, and creating a Case for Support. With my background in fundraising and promotions, planning educational and fundraising events with the team has been both rewarding and fun. In return, I\u2019ve gained something far greater \u2014 community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As someone with a degenerative eye disease, the future can be uncertain and, at times, scary. But by connecting with others who truly understand, I know I\u2019ll be okay. I\u2019m kept informed, supported, and inspired by people who continue to live full, joyful lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Living with RP as a sober alcoholic has been a rollercoaster. There are moments of peace and moments of grief. Author Andrew Leland describes it perfectly in his memoir The Country of the Blind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe progression of retinitis pigmentosa \u2014 gradual, narrowing tunnel vision that usually ends in blindness, at an unknown date \u2014 is a powerful engine of ambiguity\u2026 RP, like life itself, is a process of continual adaptation, of learning to see differently, to feel one\u2019s way forward in the dark.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n That quote stopped me in my tracks because that\u2019s precisely what it feels like \u2014 learning to see differently, to feel your way through uncertainty, and to trust that grace will meet you somewhere in the dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition to being part of the vision loss community, I\u2019m an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous, a yoga instructor, meditation coach, and Reiki practitioner. The skills I honed running my business translate well into these roles, and one thing has become abundantly clear: community is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Connection is the light that guides me. My memoir will be available in both print and audio. To learn more, visit www.ymgcreations.com<\/a>. Because if I\u2019ve learned anything, it\u2019s that you don\u2019t need perfect vision to see beauty, hope, and a second chance right in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The CCB Comox Valley White Cane Chapter recently celebrated the monumental birthday milestone of Florence Robertson, who was born in Montreal on the 22nd of September 1922.<\/p>\n\n\n\n She came to the Comox Valley 13 years ago and has been an active member ever since then as a support person for a good friend losing her vision. Florence now has age related Macular Degeneration but still has some vision and is sharp as a tack. The photo below shows a celebration with a birthday cake and her daughter in attendance at a recent Comox Valley White Cane Chapter luncheon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Submitted on behalf of the Comox Valley White Cane Chapter, by President Pat Chicquen<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n For several years, the CCB has worked out an arrangement with AIRA for special pricing for our members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Below is updated info for members who would like to subscribe to AIRA for their services:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aira Metal Plans (USD)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Silver Plans<\/p>\n\n\n\n Gold Plans<\/p>\n\n\n\n Platinum Plans<\/p>\n\n\n\n Special Offer for CCB Members:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n CCB members receive a 10% discount on any Aira Metal plan when they let them know they are a CCB member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact AIRA\u2019s Customer Care team at support@aira.io<\/a> or by using the below phone number: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Accessible Navigation Has Arrived at CF Rideau Centre!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re excited to share some great news for our community in Ottawa!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thanks to a new pilot program, in partnership between CCB, CNIB, Cadillac Fairview, and GoodMaps, accessible indoor navigation is now available at CF Rideau Centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n GoodMaps is a free smartphone app that provides accurate, real-time, turn-by-turn directions to help you find stores, services, and points of interest inside the mall. GoodMaps empowers everyone\u2014whether you\u2019re blind, low vision, living with a disability, or simply visiting for the first time\u2014to navigate the mall independently and with confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is an important step toward creating an inclusive, accessible shopping experience for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In February, members of Ottawa\u2019s Blind and Low-Vision community, including CCB members, had the opportunity to test the GoodMaps indoor navigation app. And for a full recount of their experience, please refer to the March 2025 Visions newsletter<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s CCB\u2019s Annual Membership renewal season. As a reminder, here are some important dates:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Early Bird Draw:<\/span> Send in your chapter\u2019s memberships before the deadline for a chance to win back the memberships paid before this date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PLEASE NOTE: Due to the ongoing delays with Canada Post, the Early Bird Draw has been extended. Once a new draw date has been determined, it will be announced to all chapters.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Chapter Rebate:<\/span> CCB is offering a rebate for your chapter’s membership dues of $5.00 per member plus an additional $1.00 for each member\u2019s unduplicated email address provided. This includes any members that have identified as members of your chapter when paying online before the deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Early Bird Draw Deadline \u2013<\/strong> To Be Announced These dates refer to the time that the memberships arrive in our office either by mail, or online. https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/membership\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n If you renew your membership or become a new member of a chapter online, please contact someone in your chapter to let them know that you have registered\/renewed for 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n White Cane Week Orders Due \u2013<\/strong> Monday, December 8, 2025 If you have any questions or need more information, please contact our national office at ccb@ccbnational.net<\/a> or 1-877-304-0968.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n On Thursday, October 9th, 2025, we joined people around the globe in celebrating World Sight Day, an awareness day established by the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). This year\u2019s theme encouraged us to bring eye care to the heart of decision-making and to recognize that every story counts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cut to CCB’s National event, \u201cAct Now, Act Together,\u201d which began as an idea to unite partners, sponsors, and the public to share perspectives and blossomed into an eye-opening learning experience. Where else could we gather such a diverse group of vision health professionals, all in one room, all in one day?<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the National Strategy for Eye Care Act underway, we are at a pivotal moment in Canada\u2019s vision health journey. Collaboration has never been more critical. So, let\u2019s continue to Act Now, Act Together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n We began the day with a warm welcome from Leslie Yee and Jim Tokos, Vice President and President of the CCB. They set the tone perfectly for what would become an inspiring and informative day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Our first speaker, Fran\u00e7ois Couillard from the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO), delivered a powerful reminder: people living with vision loss must be consulted at every stage of policymaking related to the national strategy. Fran\u00e7ois and his team at the CAO continue to work tirelessly to improve the vision health landscape for all Canadians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Next, we had the rare opportunity to hear from Dr. Hiba Mannan of Specsavers, who presented highlights from the newly released Canada Eyecare Report 2025, a study conducted by the Angus Reid Group and sponsored by Specsavers. The findings \u2014 on Canadians\u2019 attitudes and barriers to eye health \u2014 could not have come at a better time. We encourage everyone to read the full report at the following link: https:\/\/www.specsavers.ca\/eye-health\/eyecare-report?srsltid=AfmBOor6ZzqUVlmlheyeP2PSRCEccCOB49mAlQ5UqyH8aAI_j5sVuxQS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Andrew Galster, Executive Director at CNIB Ontario, then spoke passionately about the urgent need to increase eye awareness among youth. Andrew not only shared compelling data but also offered practical strategies to enhance the uptake of eye care among young people today and in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Larissa Moniz from Fighting Blindness Canada followed with an engaging presentation that made complex research and emerging therapies in vision science accessible and inspiring. Her clarity and enthusiasm remind us of the vital importance of research to the future of sight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We closed our day with Melanie Marsden, who shared deeply personal and professional insights as a blind Indigenous woman and social worker. Melanie\u2019s heartfelt message \u2014 that mental health matters \u2014 reminded us of the importance of honesty, vulnerability, and connection in shaping our futures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors \u2014 AbbVie, Accessible Media Inc., Astellas Pharma, Bausch + Lomb, Bayer, Johnson & Johnson, Roche, and Specsavers \u2014 for making this event possible through your continued support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Together, we are creating a stronger, more inclusive vision for a healthy landscape that benefits all Canadians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you didn’t have the chance to watch the conference, you can do so here: https:\/\/youtu.be\/_Qax5f1IOkY?si=fPwbH71oJPM4EWxg<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1st Vice President, Canadian Council of the Blind<\/p>\n\n\n\nMember Spotlight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I blinked. \u201cWait, what?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That journey \u2014 through addiction, blindness, and grace \u2014 led me to put pen to paper and tell my story. I wrote a memoir, Stumbling Blindly Toward Grace \u2014 a raw, unflinching, and darkly funny account of my descent into addiction, heartbreak, and the slow unravelling of my vision \u2014 and the unexpected beauty that came after. Writing it was healing, a way to shine light on everything I once tried to hide.<\/p>\n\n\n\nANNOUNCEMENTS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Happy Birthday!:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAIRA Pricing Plans for CCB Members:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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US: 1-800-835-1934<\/p>\n\n\n\nGoodMaps Launch at CF Rideau Centre in Ottawa:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
CCB Membership Renewal Reminder:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Chapter Rebate Deadline \u2013<\/strong> Friday, December 12, 2025
All 2026 Memberships Due \u2013<\/strong> Wednesday, December 31, 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n
White Cane Week Insurance Requests:<\/strong> If your chapter is holding an event during White Cane Week, please submit your Requests for a Certificate of Insurance as soon as possible. This will help to make sure that the Certificate will be ready in time for your event.
White Cane Week 2026:<\/strong> Sunday, February 1, to Saturday, February 7, 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWorld Sight Day: Act Now, Act Together:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n