{"id":8040,"date":"2026-04-07T16:11:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-07T16:11:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/?p=8040"},"modified":"2026-04-07T16:22:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T16:22:24","slug":"visions-april-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/visions-april-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Visions \u2013 April 2026","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

From the President\u2019s Desk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the snow continues to slowly melt, and the temperatures begin to slowly rise, we are all looking forward to April to usher in warmer weather. I am sure I am not alone in saying goodbye to March, and looking forward to putting away the winter coats, gloves and boots. I won\u2019t miss the many layers of clothing which cramp our daily routines!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapters across the Country continue to wrap up Winter sports and activities and are preparing for activity more conducive to warmer conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From British Columbia to Newfoundland, Chapters continue to plan events and outings for their Membership. Chapters are planning outdoor sporting events such as lawn bowling, organized walking, swimming, outdoor concerts, theatre visits and friendly competition, like what is offered by the Atlantic Sports and Recreation Weekend in May. Many Chapters are also planning events over the summer months keeping health and fitness in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I would be remiss if I did not mention the fine Committee work which continues such as Advocacy and Membership. Advocacy work such as advocating for the continuance of free postage for the blind, and key areas of transportation, all vital to our members across Canada are quickly acted upon if barriers are created. Advocacy never sleeps, and as persons living with vision loss, we must respond to any issues which arise on a timely basis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

April also brings us important opportunity to spend time with Family and Friends during Easter, a time to reflect on how fortunate we are to share food and camaraderie with our peers, and oh, let us not forget the Easter bunny!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Description of picture: A basket holds several colorful and spotted Easter eggs surrounding a stuffed white bunny toy inside.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, sponsors, donors, and our many valued volunteers, we wish everyone a Very Happy Easter. I hope you can enjoy spending some time with Family and Friends. And please remember to get your eyes checked regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jim Tokos,
National President<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Life in Rhythm and Resilience: The Story of Jim Noseworthy:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At 78 years old, Jim Noseworthy has lived a life defined by determination, curiosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of technology and community. Originally from Newfoundland and now settled in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Jim serves as a member at Large with the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB). His journey, however, began long before his advocacy work\u2014shaped by music, ingenuity, and a refusal to let barriers define him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Born prematurely and totally blind since birth, Jim attended the Halifax School for the Blind. Like many young graduates, he left school without a clear plan. College didn\u2019t interest him, but music did. It was more than a hobby\u2014it was a calling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jim launched a career as a keyboard player and vocalist, performing everywhere from St. John\u2019s to Toronto. Sometimes he played solo, other times with bands, always guided by his ear and instinct. Music carried him through those early years, but eventually he found himself exploring new paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He worked as a darkroom technician for a commercial film company and later took on various short-term government contracts. But a pivotal moment came when he tried to help his stepdaughter with her computer. He couldn\u2019t access it independently, and the frustration struck a nerve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology was becoming essential, yet blind people were being left behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That realization changed everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jim began learning how to build computers. Around the same time, he read about a woman in California who had developed a speech program for blind users\u2014distributed on a simple diskette. He bought the program, rented computers, and taught himself how to use it. \u201cBlind people have no chance without technology,\u201d he told his wife, and he meant it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Armed with new skills, Jim visited the CNIB office in Fredericton. By coincidence\u2014or perhaps fate\u2014CNIB had just mandated the creation of Assistive Technology offices across the country. Jim already had the knowledge they needed. They hired him as an Assistive Technology Support Specialist, launching a career that would span more than three decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For 34 years, Jim supported clients from St. John\u2019s to Vancouver. He even ran the first online teaching system for assistive technology, a program that operated for roughly 25 years. His dedication didn\u2019t end at 5 p.m.\u2014he was always willing to take calls, offering peer support whenever someone needed help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jim retired at 75, but retirement hasn\u2019t slowed him down. Today, he\u2019s returned to his first love: music. He performs as a keyboard vocalist in churches and often collaborates with Louise Burley, a friend he first met at the Halifax School for the Blind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From musician to technician, mentor to advocate, Jim Noseworthy\u2019s life is a testament to adaptability and passion. Whether on stage or behind a computer, he has spent a lifetime helping others find their voice\u2014sometimes literally, sometimes through technology, always with heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ANNOUNCEMENTS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

April Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast Bistro Night:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Close-up<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Description of picture: Close-up of a vintage silver microphone with lights in the blurred background.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s Back\u2026 and Better Than Ever!<\/em><\/strong> Join us for the next Coast-to-Coast-to-Coast Bistro Night!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saturday, April 25th, 2026<\/strong>
7:30pm\u20139:30pm Atlantic
6:30pm\u20138:30pm Eastern
(Adjust for your time zone)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Zoom room opens 15 minutes early<\/strong>, so pop in, get settled, and get ready for an evening full of connection and great vibes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like before, we\u2019ll kick things off with a warm meet-and-greet,<\/strong> then it\u2019s all music, music, music!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enjoy singing, piano, guitar, and a wonderful mix of English and French tunes,<\/strong> shared by talented performers from across the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Performers:<\/span><\/strong> Spots fill up quickly, so be sure to register early to secure your moment to shine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Come join us to relax, listen, laugh, tap your feet,<\/strong> and enjoy the magic \u2014 all while sipping your favourite drink from the comfort of home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To register or for more information:<\/span><\/strong>
Email Louise at lburley@ccbnational.net<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t miss it<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 an evening of music, connection, and coast-to-coast community awaits!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TandemEyes Cycling Club in Peterborough, Ontario \u2013 For the Love of Cycling:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Several<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Description of picture: Several tandem bikes riding along a quiet tree-lined gravel road.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A common sight to see on a summer evening in Peterborough, Ontario, is a long line of tandem bicycles winding their way along local trails or city streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You might also hear happy sounds including multiple conversations, the occasional peal of laughter and the cheerful \u201cding\u201d of a bike bell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TandemEyes, a non-profit adult cycling club (under the umbrella of The Peterborough Cycling Club) makes it possible for visually impaired and blind cyclists to stay active and enjoy the company of fellow riders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TandemEyes was founded in 2012 by Anne Wood, a lifetime cyclist who lost most of her vision to medical complications from cancer. Anne wanted to \u201cbring activity and love of the outdoors to people with vision loss.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since the beginning, a dedicated group of volunteers have ensured that TandemEyes has continued and serviced our visually impaired community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The TandemEyes season runs from May to August. Rides start from Millennium Park. Cycling routes range from 13-25 kilometers and involve a combination of roads and multi-use trails. The shorter distance rides are more common at season start up and as the cyclists build their riding legs and confidence \u2013 the ride distance increases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The basic unit of a Tandem ride is the \u201ccaptain\u201d who sits in the front position controlling the steering, brakes and gearing, and the visually impaired \u201cstoker\u201d who helps provide the muscle and is also in charge of turn signals. All rides have a \u201cleader\u201d on a single bike at the front who leads the ride. Also included as part of the riding group is one or two \u201csweepers\u201d who use their own bikes to assist with road crossings, keeping the line of riders together and help with any mechanical problems \u2013 i.e., flat tires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good communication on TandemEyes rides is imperative. Captains are constantly communicating with their Stoker to describe scenery, warn of upcoming bumps or turns, starts and stops. Sweepers are continually checking in with the Tandem bikes and Leader to be sure that everyone is comfortable on their bike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you live in the Peterborough area and are interested in being a stoker, leader, captain or sweeper as described above \u2013 please reach out to tandemeyes@gmail.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To learn more about TandemEyes \u2013 go to our website at www.tandemeyes.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our upcoming season Orientation\/Kick-off is Sunday April 19th at the Peterborough Holiday Inn at 10am.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please RSVP to the email above if you plan to join us and learn more.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We would be happy to see you and answer any questions you may have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kintsugi Circus-This Montreal Circus is Making Performances Accessible to the Blind Community:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Forty visually impaired spectators were able to listen to an audio description of the circus show, Kintsugi. Circus group La TOHU teamed up with Danse-Cit\u00e9 to make the show more accessible by having two live audio narrators describe the scenes from a booth above the stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch the short video here:
https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/player\/play\/video\/9.7102220<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"The<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Description of picture: The ceiling of a well-lit circus in red and yellow with the text \u201cCircus Circus\u201d above. Red and gold balloons can be seen in a circular shape on the ceiling inside.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For All Lovers of Birds!:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Close-up<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Description of picture: Close-up of a cedar waxwing bird, whose wings are a light brown to grey gradient, standing on a eucalyptus tree with pink flowers during the day.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know that there are many opportunities for birding by ear for people who are blind or have low vision?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are not already enjoying birding by ear, we would like to encourage you to begin. It\u2019s a great way to connect to the natural world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some ideas on how you can begin or improve your birding by ear skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Check out the Birdability website<\/span><\/a>, which has a lot of great resources.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n