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Welcome to that time of year where cold weather and snow become evident across Canada. In Ontario we have had early snowfalls this year, sending the retail business into a Christmas frenzy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Cities across Canada have completed Santa Clause parades, hence decorating downtown areas to mirror the Griswald\u2019s idea of lighting up the festive season. Many of our Chapters across Canada have made arrangements for Christmas parties, a time to celebrate with fellow members and friends. We wish all Chapters the best of celebration during the holiday season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prior to the celebration of Christmas, it is important to recognize December 3rd, as it marks the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Events are being held across Canada in honour of this event, throughout the first week of December, with an event on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on December 2nd, hosted by the Honorable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Families, Jobs, Workplace Development and Accessibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is an important time of year for Families to get together to garner relationships with food, drink, and hospitality sharing the opportunity the Holiday season entails.
Let us not forget the less fortunate, and if possible, a donation of any type to a food bank, the kettles of the Salvation Army, or dropping off an unwrapped gift at a local mall in your area as it makes a huge difference to those struggling to make ends meet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On behalf of the Board, Staff, Donors, Partners, and our many volunteers, we wish everyone a very Happy Holiday season, and the opportunity it brings for celebration to Families across our great Country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Please stay safe, as we bring 2025 to an end, welcoming 2026. I would be remiss if I did not remind everyone to get their eyes checked on a regular basis, at least once a year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enjoy this edition of Visions and have a ho ho holiday!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Jim Tokos
National President<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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This month in Visions, we\u2019re pleased to feature Genevieve Hart, a remarkable young woman whose story combines resilience, academic success, and a creative approach to employment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Genevieve is completing her Master\u2019s in Social Work at Carleton University this December. Her academic journey has been long and determined\u2014beginning in the public school system, continuing through the W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind, and later advancing through Algonquin College, Carleton University, and beyond. What started as a pursuit in psychology eventually shifted toward social work, a field that allows her to blend her education with her passion for helping others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Genevieve was born with a rare eye condition called Wagner\u2019s Disease. She experienced gradual vision loss throughout childhood, losing her remaining sight by the age of 14 after a surgery with uncertain outcomes. Though the adjustment was difficult, Genevieve recalls a sense of relief once she fully transitioned to blindness\u2014no longer in \u201climbo\u201d between partial and full vision, she could focus on adapting and moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the summer of 2023, CCB\u2019s GTT (Get Together with Technology) program had the privilege of working with Genevieve and was impressed by her determination and warmth. Beyond her studies, she has taken on a unique role in Ottawa\u2019s Dining in the Dark, (Dark Fork Restaurant) which opened in September 2024 in the ByWard Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Dining in the Dark, guests enjoy meals in total darkness, guided by blind or visually impaired servers like Genevieve. She describes it as an eye-opening (and sometimes funny) experience for guests, who must rely on senses other than sight. Some arrive nervous, unsure if they\u2019ll manage, while others embrace the novelty right away. Genevieve uses both her social work skills and her lived experience to help people feel at ease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThere\u2019s always laughter,\u201d she shares. \u201cSometimes people panic about paying in the dark, but we reassure them they\u2019ll go back to the light for that! Other times, guests joke about not being able to see\u2014and we just remind them, well, that\u2019s the point!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Genevieve has found the work surprisingly rewarding: \u201cI never thought I\u2019d be a server, but this has been such a fun opportunity. I get to interact with so many different people, and it\u2019s a job that values my perspective.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As she completes her Master\u2019s degree and begins her career search, Genevieve is keeping her options open. Whether in social work or beyond, one thing is clear\u2014her perseverance and positivity will continue to shine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We thank Genevieve for sharing her story with Visions, and we wish her every success in her next chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By the GTT Team, with the assistance of AI.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Once again this year, we will be holding a joint gathering of CCB\u2019s Men\u2019s and Women\u2019s groups, to celebrate the holiday season, and take a well-deserved break from more serious issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will take place on:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, We happily invite you to come prepared to regale us with your favourite seasonal memories, beloved Christmas recipes, and relevant humour, from years gone by – and last week. Of course, tales of difficult travelling conditions, while trying to get home for the holidays, will also be welcome. Come to think of it, one story comes to mind; but it will have to wait until this meeting!<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, be sure to put your best efforts into attending this seasonal favourite CCB get together!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heidi and Jim look forward to seeing\/hearing you ALL at this event. Cheers for now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you would like to join the meeting, please contact the CCB Office at: <\/p>\n\n\n\n CCB National is pleased to announce that the two winners of the 2026 Early Bird Draw are CCB Bathurst Club, NB<\/strong> and CCB Cornwall Chapter, ON<\/strong>. Congratulations!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each of these chapters paid their chapter dues before the extended Early Bird Draw deadline and will be receiving back 100% of their dues to help support their chapter activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All other chapters who have paid thus far, as well as those who pay by the \u201cRebate\u201d deadline of Friday, December 12, 2025<\/strong> are still eligible for the Rebates of 50% of membership paid plus $1.00 per unduplicated email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please encourage your members who are paying individually via credit card, e-transfer or via the CCB website to do so before this deadline so that their payment can be credited to your chapter. Please also ask them to let someone in your chapter know that they have registered\/renewed for 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In any case, ALL 2026 membership dues<\/span> are due by Wednesday, December 31, 2025<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please also take note of the following White Cane Week deadlines:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n White Cane Week Orders Due<\/strong> \u2013 Monday, December 8, 2025 If you have any questions or need more information, please contact our national office at ccb@ccbnational.net<\/span><\/a> or 1-877-304-0968.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Last month our chapter members ventured out on a two-day event at TJ Stables. On the first trip out, the members learned the basics of taking care of the horses from brushing them to leading them for their routine walk around. On the second day, five of our members had an opportunity to ride the horses along a trail. Fun was had by all whom attended! There are future plans for a program the chapter could take part in with TJ Stables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information, you can contact CCB CK Chapter at: <\/p>\n\n\n\n The focus of this article is to justify our St. John\u2019s chapter\u2019s name change. For years our local chapter was known as CCB E.A. Baker chapter<\/p>\n\n\n\n We had decided back in the winter of last year to try to become a little more modern and therefore, wanted to change our chapter\u2019s name to reflect more of what we do and things we support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The article below speaks to who we have named our chapter after as Bill Royle was very instrumental in the creation and executing blind sports within our chapter, city and beyond. Bill Royle bio:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n As a young man, Bill Royle was always interested and involved in sports. In high school, he played softball, soccer, and bowling. As a young adult, he participated in various track and field events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bill was a fairly quiet and unassuming individual who could win your friendship easily with his very persuasive demeanour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even after losing his vision in his early 20s, Bill remained active in sport and convinced many blind and visually impaired individuals to become more active as well. In the early 1970s, he was a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Blind Ice Hockey Association and travelled with the team to Toronto to compete in the Canadian Blind Ice Hockey Tournament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the mid-1970s, Bill encouraged a number of visually impaired individuals to practise for and get involved in the Canadian Games for the Physically Disabled. He travelled to Edmonton, Alberta, in 1977 for the Games and was extremely active in many sports. When the Canadian Games came to Newfoundland in 1978, Bill was again heavily involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout his entire life, Bill actively participated in as many sports as he could and always encouraged others to do the same. Many blind and visually impaired individuals say that Bill Royle had a major impact on their lives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Later in life, Bill became very active in lawn bowling, curling, swimming, and goalball, and he always loved to be on the dance floor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2009, Bill represented Canada in the World Blind Lawn Bowls Competition in Australia. That same year, he was also named the City of Mount Pearl Athlete of the Year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For years Bill was a very active member of the local CCB E. A. Baker chapter and had a huge impact on those active members. He was a great motivator and always supported his CCB peers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bill was an inspiration to many who knew him. He changed the lives of countless people in a positive way. Even though he has passed, his legacy continues to inspire others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For this reason, we have decided to change our local E. A. Baker chapter name to honour Bill\u2019s legacy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ottawa Blind Curling Club is reaching out to anyone who might be interested in trying out the sport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Have you ever thought of playing curling with other people with various degrees of vision loss? Do you only have central vision? No problem! Do you only have side vision? No problem! Are you totally blind? No problem!! Or do you know someone who has serious vision loss and could play curling, share this news with them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Ottawa Blind Curling Club (OBCC) is inviting you to their 2026 Introduction to Blind Curling. There is no cost for you to register and participate. Trained coaches will be in place to show you the basics of curling while providing you with on-ice accommodation you may need. The Sunday afternoon introduction to curling will take place in January 2026. Refreshments will be provided afterwards. Instruction in French will also be available upon request.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This invitation is extended to individuals of all ages, 15 and up. If you enjoyed that afternoon Introduction to Blind Curling and would like to learn more while actually playing curling, you can join the OBCC during their regular weekly games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For more information, please contact Serge Falardeau, Vice-President of the OBCC at serge.m.falardeau@gmail.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Saturday, December 6th, 2025 The Zoom room opens 15 minutes early, so pop in, settle in, and get ready for an evening filled with connection and great vibes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like before, we\u2019ll kick things off with a warm meet-and-greet\u2026 and then it\u2019s all music, music, music!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Expect singing, piano, guitar, and a wonderful mix of English and French tunes. Since it\u2019s December, we\u2019re sprinkling in plenty of cozy, festive, holiday-style music to brighten your night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Performers: Spots fill up quickly, so register soon to secure your moment to shine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Come join us, relax, listen, laugh, tap your feet, and enjoy the magic \u2014 all while sipping your favourite drink from the comfort of home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To register or get more info, email Louise at lburley@ccbnational.net<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t miss it<\/em> \u2014 let\u2019s kick off the holiday season with rhythm, warmth, and coast-to-coast cheer!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Covostra, a human\u2011centred healthcare consultancy that works with pharmaceutical and healthcare organisations, is seeking volunteers for a global project focused on amplifying the unmet needs of people living with late-stage dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are looking for volunteers aged 55 and older who have late-stage dry AMD (also known as Geographic Atrophy (GA), advanced dry AMD, or severe dry AMD) who would like to work with a pharmaceutical company in an advisory capacity. To be eligible, you should not have any wet AMD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The role will require you to explain the impact of your sight loss in the broadest sense \u2013 emotional and financial impacts, any support you may need, and your independence. The team will be documenting how this has developed and continues to change over time. They would like to speak to you for about an hour, yearly for the next three years. These sessions will take place and be recorded online on Zoom. You will be compensated for your time and insight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are interested in being considered, please contact Joey Calder Smith at Covostra by email: joey.caldersmith@covostra.co.uk<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019re excited to share that Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) and the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) were recently awarded the Lorna Stewart Corporate Leadership Award at the Canadian Urban Transit Association\u2019s (CUTA) awards ceremony in Montr\u00e9al. This new award recognizes transit systems and businesses that show exceptional leadership and innovation in creating inclusive, accessible services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Named after Lorna Stewart, a trailblazer for accessible transit who championed inclusivity during her career at ETS and Vancouver\u2019s transit system, the award celebrates efforts that dismantle barriers for riders and provide equitable mobility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n ETS and CNIB partnered on the Get on Board campaign \u2013 part of CNIB\u2019s nationwide advocacy initiative to improve public transit for people who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision. Through secret rider surveys, town halls and ride\u2011alongs, the campaign gathered feedback on transit barriers and worked with officials across Canada.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Based on feedback from Edmontonians, ETS developed an accessibility action plan and implemented tangible improvements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n -Improved announcements: LRT safety announcements now describe emergency button locations and trains announce their line and direction. These actions demonstrate that small, thoughtful adjustments can make a big difference. ETS\u2019s proactive approach \u2013 testing ideas quickly and seeking ongoing feedback \u2013 was highlighted by CNIB as a model for other transit agencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CNIB\u2019s Get on Board campaign continues to roll out across Canada. In 2023 it engaged communities in Corner Brook, Dieppe, Durham, Edmonton, London, Metro\u2011Vancouver, Montreal, Peterborough, Saskatoon, Sudbury, Sydney and Winnipeg. Phase 2 in Spring 2024 expanded to cities like Calgary, Fredericton, Goose Bay, Ottawa, Quebec City, Regina, Toronto and Victoria, while Phase 3 in Fall 2024 added Camrose, Kelowna, Kingston, Portage La Prairie, Prince Albert, Saint John, Sainte\u2011Th\u00e9r\u00e8se and North Bay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Congratulations to Edmonton Transit Service and CNIB for setting a new standard for accessible public transit and for honouring the spirit of Lorna Stewart. Together we are one step closer to ensuring everyone can travel with independence and dignity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n A blind Ontario man has been awarded more than $28,000 in compensation and lost wages after the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario (HRTO) decided a call-centre company took part in \u201cdiscriminatory\u201d action when it did not provide him with the tools needed to do his job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt was a real joy to read the decision, honestly,\u201d said Erik Burggraaf, who has been blind since birth. \u201cI\u2019m happy about the decision. I\u2019m relieved that it upholds the precedents. That\u2019s the really important thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Burggraaf, who lives in St. Catharines, Ontario, said he tried to apply for dozens of jobs in a two-year span nearly a decade ago, but he felt hopeful when he received an interview request from Convergy\u2019s call centre in Welland, ON, for a sales associate position back in 2017.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He claimed that he told the employer in the interview process what he needed as a blind person to do his job \u2014 a Braille display and screen-reading computer software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey committed to providing the tools for work, but you wouldn\u2019t provide the tools for work for a candidate that wasn\u2019t suitable for the job — so at that point, you feel like you have the job because they\u2019re looking at how to build a screen reader into their process,\u201d said Burggraaf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBut then they left a voicemail on my phone and just said we can\u2019t do it — and that was it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the HRTO hearing, the employer had claimed the software was not compatible with the computer systems the company was using at the call centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the October 17 decision, HRTO adjudicator Romona Gananathan said they were \u201c\u2026unable to find based on all of the evidence that the respondents met their substantive duty to accommodate the applicant, because they did not explore alternatives and costs of any programs that could have been adapted to meet the needs of their client and accommodate the worker.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAccordingly, the respondents\u2019 decision not to hire the applicant as a result of his blindness is discriminatory under the Code,” reads the decision.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Burggraaf said the decision upholds the precedent, \u201cbut the big thing that came out of this was that an applicant must be included in the fact-finding and discovery of what is or is not possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n The HRTO awarded Burggraaf $20,000 in compensation for injury to dignity, feelings and self-respect, and $8,472 for lost wages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It also ordered the employers to develop new human rights and accommodation policies specifically addressing the hiring of blind applicants, with a focus on the interview process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most recent data from Statistics Canada says the Canadian unemployment rate for people with disabilities was 8.1 per cent, while the rate for those without disabilities was 5.6 per cent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe unemployment rate facing Canadians with disabilities is not only a national crisis, it\u2019s a national shame — and it continues to this day.\u201d said David Lepofsky, a blind disability advocate and retired lawyer. \u201cThe problem is a merger of barriers in the education system facing students with disabilities. If you can\u2019t get a good education, you can\u2019t get a good job.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTo enforce the human rights code, you\u2019ve got to go to a tribunal yourself and fight your own case — and many people with disabilities won\u2019t,\u201d added Lepofky. \u201cAnd even if you do, you have to wait years and years and years, which is something that is ridiculous.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite his eight-year wait to have his case heard and a decision to come down, Burggraaf hopes his story will inspire other people with disabilities to push back against discrimination in the workplace or during the hiring process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat I want people to do is, is to talk about it and to bring these types of things forward, because it turns out there is actually something you can do about it. And the more people who speak up, the faster we can change the state of things.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n By Kamil Karamali, CTV News<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n For people who are blind or visually impaired, and their families or professionals, a TV isn\u2019t just for watching pictures, it\u2019s for listening, enjoying stories, connecting with others. A standard TV without accessible features can lead to frustration: menus you cannot hear, audio-description tracks you cannot find, remote controls you cannot feel. But when you choose a TV with inclusive design you open up entertainment, social time and independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In recent years manufacturers and broadcasters have improved features like built-in voice guides, audio description tracks and accessible menus. For example the Royal National Institute of Blind People (<\/a>RNIB<\/span><\/a>)<\/a> highlights that many mainstream televisions now include a voice guidance feature that can announce on-screen information for people with sight loss.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n When professionals (educators, rehabilitation specialists) recommend a TV set or streaming set-top box, they should look beyond picture quality and focus on accessibility. In this article, we will walk through key features, setup steps and user scenarios so you can make an informed choice. For a full overview of accessible home entertainment systems, visit our full guide.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Key features to look for in an accessible TV<\/span><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here is a checklist of important features when selecting a \u201cTV for visually impaired\u201d use case:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you keep these steps in mind, you will be setting up more than just a big screen. You’ll be creating a truly usable TV experience that removes the frustration and opens up entertainment for people with sight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n How to compare real-world products<\/span><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you are at a retailer or comparing online, keep these practical tips in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This practical approach helps you move from \u201cnice screen\u201d to \u201cusable, accessible entertainment hub.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Setting up your TV for blind or visually impaired users<\/span><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have chosen a suitable TV, you still need to set it up correctly. Below is a simple step-by-step approach:<\/p>\n\n\n\n By doing these steps you transform the TV from an inaccessible gadget into an inclusive entertainment tool that works for someone who is blind or visually impaired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common mistakes to avoid<\/span><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoiding common pitfalls can save frustration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n By being mindful of these, you will reduce barriers and make the TV setup truly functional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Inclusion and independence<\/span><\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Access to entertainment like TV is not just a leisure issue, it\u2019s about connection, independence and equal participation. For someone who is blind or visually impaired, the ability to select a programme, navigate menus and hear descriptive narration means they can join social viewing, relax after a busy day or enjoy a documentary independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
8:00pm\u201310:00pm Atlantic
4:00pm\u20136:00pm Pacific
(Adjust for your time zone!)
Please see below for connection details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Toll Free: 1-877-304-0968
ccb@ccbnational.net<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nEarly Bird Draw Winners Announced!<\/h3>\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\nCCB\u2019s Chatham Kent Chapter Visits TJ Stables:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Markus McCracken
Ccb.ckchapter@gmail.com<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nNewfoundland Chapter changes its name to CCB St. John\u2019s Royles:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
He was innovative and a go getter and advocated for a lot of our CCB members and sports and recreational programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We are now known as CCB St. John\u2019s Royles.
We felt this was a very appropriate way to carry on Bill\u2019s legacy and contribution to his love of sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBlind Curling in Ottawa:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s Back\u2026 and Better Than Ever! Join us for the next Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast Bistro Night!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7:30pm\u20139:30pm Atlantic
6:30pm\u20138:30pm Ontario
(Adjust for your time zone!)<\/p>\n\n\n\nUnheard Voices of Geographic Atrophy – Participant Recruitment:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Edmonton Transit Service Honored for Inclusive Transit:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
-High\u2011contrast infrastructure: Curbs, benches and bus shelters were repainted or redesigned to increase contrast, making features easier to see for people with sight loss.
-Clearer signage: Bus signs now show only the route number and destination.
-Consultations on new vehicles: ETS engaged CNIB and rider groups to provide feedback on new light\u2011rail vehicles.
-Staff training: CNIB delivered blindness\u2011etiquette training to operators and ETS leadership attended accessibility workshops.
-Rider Respect campaign: ETS and CNIB launched a campaign encouraging riders to offer seats to those who need them, recognise invisible disabilities and ask before offering help.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIN THE NEWS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Blind Ontario man awarded $28,000 after tribunal finds workplace discrimination:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Assistive Technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Choose and Set Up an Accessible TV:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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