{"id":863,"date":"2021-10-13T16:54:00","date_gmt":"2021-10-13T16:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ccbnational.6xperts.com\/?p=863"},"modified":"2025-03-27T14:42:42","modified_gmt":"2025-03-27T14:42:42","slug":"visions-october-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/visions-october-2\/","title":{"rendered":"VISIONS \u2013 October","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Advertisment: Discover a variety of phones designed with accessibility in mind on Canada\u2019s best national network.  Plus special savings are available for customers with accessibility needs. Learn more. bell.ca\/network Bell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VISIONS<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Canadian Council of the Blind Newsletter<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

October 2021<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cA lack of sight is<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

not a lack of vision\u201d<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

From The Desk of Leo A. Bissonnette,<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1st Vice-President, National Board  <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hello CCB Members:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is my honour and pleasure to send you a little info about myself and some of the key CCB initiatives and projects that I have been asked to take the lead on for CCB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the summer as we prepared for a busy year ahead, I was honoured and challenged to take on the position of CCB First Vice President. I look forward to the work ahead, bringing to the work over 50 years of advocacy work in our community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the Board of directors of CCB, under the leadership of Jim Tokos, our new President, prepared for the year ahead, I was personally impressed by the power of collaboration that runs through not only what we do within CCB, but also throughout the broader Canadian visually impaired and blindness community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am inspired by the passion and commitment of my CCB Board colleagues as they bring to their work an endless supply of creativity that forever carries<\/p>\n\n\n\n

with it a sense of pride and empowerment for all that we represent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s a snapshot of activities in September 2021:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On September 13th the members of the CCB National Advocacy Committee came together to review items to examine over the next few months. We put on the table for monitoring a standoff between the Ontario Government, and current issues between Health Ministry and Optometrists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then we updated committee members on an issue around the ArriveCan App\u2013an app required for travelers returning to Canada. The access problems in the app have a serious impact on those going to the United States for guide dogs where negotiating the app is a major problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On September 22nd, on behalf of CCB, Leslie Yee and I from the CCB Board attended the first meeting of the fall season for the Consumer Access Group (CAG). We have agreed to bring to the CAG discussions issues that are of special interest to the consumer groups present at the CAG table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Respectfully,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Leo A. Bissonnette, Ph.D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Announcements<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Upcoming Webinar on COVID-19\u2019s Impact on Vision Loss and Blindness in Canada<\/h2>\n\n\n\n


COVID-19 has had a significant impact on all Canadians, including people living with vision loss.  The impact on Canadians\u2019 eye health is outlined in a new report released by Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) in partnership with Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC), the Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) and Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us at our webinar on October 26 (5:00-6:00 p.m. EDT)<\/strong> to learn more about the Report\u2019s findings and recommendations, featuring Dr. Keith Gordon, the Report\u2019s Principal Investigator; Louise Gillis, immediate Past President of CCB; Doug Earle, President and CEO of FBC; Dr. Harry Bohnsack, President of CAO and Dr. Colin Mann, President of COS. Register for the webinar<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Congratulations!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Emilee Schevers is the first ever Miss Teen Personality Ontario! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emilee began competing in pageants because she noticed there was a lack of disability representation. She wanted to change that so young girls with disabilities had someone to look up to and to prove that it was possible for someone with a disability to win a title in a pageant, since it had rarely been done before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her pageant platform is based on disability awareness and education and her main action has been through her Tru Faces platform. Miss Teen Personality Regionals was the 4th virtual pageant that Emilee has competed in. She placed Top 5 in the last 3 and even won a Best in Interview twice! This pageant consisted of 6 areas of competition: Intro Video, Outfit of Choice Walk, Interview, Platform Speech, Vision Challenge for the title, and Social Media. Emilee even made the bold choice to use her cane in her Outfit of Choice Walk video. You can check that out here: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/youtube.com\/watch?v=p1R9Z-SruHA%3Ffeature%3Doembed\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Her first action with this new title is to host a Virtual Trivia Night Fundraiser for the Brain Tumor Foundation. The event will be hosted by Emilee and her fellow titleholders on November 6th from 7-8:30pm EST and admission is a minimum $10 donation. You can learn more about the event or register here:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\nhttps:\/\/forms.gle\/6mw8NLHVnNK6HhrU6\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Emilee is a youth ambassador with the CCB and we wish her a big congratulation on her achievement!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter Update:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here is <\/strong>a quick update on the women of CCB Chapter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At a recent meeting, we had 28 ladies on our call. It was wonderful and we discussed many topics for future meetings. Everyone is quite enthusiastic about Women of CCB and many have thanked CCB for starting this up. We are very happy with the way things are going!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you would like more information on the chapter, please contact the National Office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Submitted by Leslie Yee, National Board Member for Ontario<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local artist featured on calendar<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Peterborough \u2013 October 4, 2021 \u2013 <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A calendar that will make a difference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) has created a limited-edition calendar that ensures you will always be on the perfect date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The CCB calendar features, artwork on the front cover of visually impaired, award-winning artist, Lynda Todd.  Todd recently won the Spirit of the Hills Fine Art competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CCB Peterborough Chapter Chair, Leslie Yee, stated,\u201d The calendar is a fundraiser that is full of information and features.  We are striving to let the community know we are here and we are here to help those in need\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The CCB Peterborough Chapter brings together people in the community with vision loss. The yearly $10.00 membership provides inclusion, purpose, fellowship, and social interaction with peers who understand and support each person\u2019s unique strengths and abilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CCB Peterborough Chapter is a group of people with a variety of visual abilities, who love to spend time together, whether it is for socializing, physical activities, or advocacy. Volunteers are utilized to help with programming and welcomed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Available for the Asking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CCB Peterborough Chapter offers vision enhancement products for those in need.  Items range from magnifiers to electronics that help make life easier for the visually impaired and blind.  Donations welcomed.  All items are donated free of charge back to those in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark your memories with a calendar from CCB Peterborough Chapter and support the blind.  Calendars are only $20.  To order please email ccbpeterborough@gmail.com <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Give a share to show you care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Advertisement: VIA Rail Canada, Ready for your comeback?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The CCB Get Together with Technology (GTT) are back with exciting programming for the fall!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our weekly announcement posts have returned!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The CCB GTT team is excited to be back with you with engaging presentations, tech chats, individual assistance, and small groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned for news on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our weekly tech chats and presentations<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regional and local meetings<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mac and Braille display groups<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CCB-GTT PODCASTS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You can subscribe to the CCB Podcast feed by searching for CCB\/Canadian Council of the Blind Podcast on the Victor Reader Stream, or your favourite smart device Pod Catcher. You can use this link to the originating distribution source. https:\/\/ccbpod.podbean.com\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CCB-GTT TECH SUPPORT LIST<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

CCB sponsors a GTT email support list to provide help and support with technology for blind, low vision and Deaf Blind Canadians. To subscribe to the email list, send an empty email to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GTTsupport+subscribe@groups.io<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will get an email back from the list asking you to confirm your subscription. Simply reply to that email and you are subscribed. You will then receive a second email welcoming you to the list and describing how to use it. You are then ready to post your technology questions and\/or answers to the list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information visit: https:\/\/groups.io\/g\/GTTsupport<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CCB-GTT BUY, SELL, TRADE OR DONATE LIST<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is a Canadian Group for blind, partially sighted and deaf-blind folks to buy, sell, trade or donate previously enjoyed assistive technology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To subscribe to the email list, send an empty email to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

main+subscribe@CCB-Tech-BuySellTrade.groups.io<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

(The list will serve as a connection venue only, and the CCB will assume no responsibility for the quality of goods or the value of the transaction(s) between two people, or a person and a company.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on all things GTT related, please contact:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kim Kilpatrick, CCB GTT Coordinator<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GTTProgram@Gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1-877-304-0968 Ext 513<\/p>\n\n\n\n

David Greene, CCB GTT Accessibility Trainer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

accessibilitytraining7@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1-877-304-0968 Ext 509<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corry Stuive, CCB National Program Coordinator<\/p>\n\n\n\n

corry.gtt@ccbnational.net<\/a> https:\/\/gttprogram.blog\/corry.gtt@ccbnational.net<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1-877-304-0968 Ext 550<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CCB\u2019s National Office Is Moving!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After 10+ years at 20 James Street, the CCB\u2019s National office will soon move to a new location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The office will move a short distance, just south of where we are now.  As many of the people we work with do not drive, CCB made a concerted effort to stay within the downtown core, with easy access to public transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our new office at 14 Chamberlain Avenue is very close to the south-west corner of Chamberlain Avenue and Bank Street.  Buses travel north\/south along Bank Street, and nearby buses travel east\/west, providing good access.  Small, safe cross walks and sidewalks will provide easy-to-follow places to walk from the bus stops on Bank Street. Limited paid parking will be available as is typical for downtown Ottawa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our new office is on the second floor, accessed by elevator or stairs. The office is smaller\u2013 just the right size for the work done by the Council at this time. Windows will let in a good amount of natural light.  There will be areas for staff offices as well as space for the Get Together with Technology program. We will also have a Board room where we can meet when public health restrictions allow. There is a small kitchen, accessible washrooms and a Guide Dog relieving area very close to the building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As CCB looks forward to the future, we are sure that our new location will further reflect the work, initiatives and direction undertaken by the Canadian Council of the Blind.  We look forward to serving our community, responding to its changing requirements, growth and development in a post-pandemic world. As we continue to foster and forge strong partnership with the community at large, our new space will be a place where we look forward to welcoming those who would like to come for a visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our telephone, fax and email addresses will remain the same.  Our new address is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Canadian Council of the Blind<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14 Chamberlain Avenue Suite 200<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ottawa, ON<\/p>\n\n\n\n

K1S 1V9<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 2022 EZ2see\u00aeWeekly Planner\/Calendar Now On Amazon Ca! <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Interested in a print, weekly planner\/calendar that is specifically designed to meet the needs of those with low-vision? If so, then read on. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

EZ2See\u00ae Products LLC, a U.S. based company, will now offer its very popular calendar through Amazon Ca. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is so well-received because it was designed by a low-vision senior.  After finding nothing on the market that met his needs, he started a company to<\/p>\n\n\n\n

make this highly accessible weekly planner\/calendar.  That story is on his<\/p>\n\n\n\n

About page <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are its many useful features, many found nowhere else:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u2022  8.5\u2033 x 11\u201d pages on heavy-weight paper<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022  Laminated covers for moisture-resistance and durability<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022  High contrast black fonts more than 10X larger than newsprint<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022  Huge daily \u201ccells\u201d each nearly equal to two 3\u201dx5\u201d cards<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022  Black page edges \u2013 no more writing off the paper<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022  Four wide bold-lined pages at the end for your notes<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022  Black spiral bound so you can fold it in half and lay it flat<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022  Runs from this December, through next year till the following January<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022  About as thick as a wooden pencil <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sample testimonials:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI do love this calendar and find it so easy to use and see. You have thought of everything by making the cover water resistant, making a place for my contact<\/p>\n\n\n\n

information if it\u2019s lost and monthly calendars for those wanting to see the entire month. Plus, so much space to write daily stuff. Keep making it!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI have found your large print calendar exceptional!  Best on Market.  Very large and bold print and big spaces for writing. I have referred other people<\/p>\n\n\n\n

to your product. Thank you for being there for low-vision people. A product I can use.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

To see page images and to order the EZ2See calendar, go to Amazon.Ca.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: This is a trial year to gauge the level of Canadian interest in the calendar. We therefor apologize that it only lists U.S. national holidays.  If<\/p>\n\n\n\n

there is strong interest in the 2022 edition, a 2023 Canadian edition would be possible.  So, help spread the word. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thank you,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Edward Cohen, founding owner<\/p>\n\n\n\n

EZ2See\u00ae Products LLC<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally a calendar you can see\u2122<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My memoirs: a lesson in life: More than a bump in the road, Memories of an Ottawa Valley woman<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This book is a collection of memories that recall the events that shaped my life and made me who I am today. I hope it may help someone, even if only one person, to cope, hope, and face another day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I promised to donate the proceeds of my book to the CCB and the CNIB, both organizations having helped me tremendously over the years after my sight loss, and I\u2019m happy to announce I am making a donation of $350 to the CCB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Throughout my life, I have had to deal with a slew of emotions brought on by tragedies, or other events, some happy some painful. I have known success and failure, hope and disappointment, the loss of many dear ones and the joy of making new friends, of realizing that I had special talents that were precious gifts. I had to have courage to keep going on, inner strength to face another challenge, and overcome hardships. However, no matter how far down I fell, hitting rock bottom at times, I always made it back up to the summit. The climb was arduous and fraught with obstacles, but it was always worthwhile. If I could do it, you can too. We must have faith and believe in ourselves, then take it one day at a time. Life can be beautiful, we only need to reach out for comfort when we need it, and give solace and love and always try to be there for someone when they are in need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To order a copy of my book, in paperback or audio format, send me an email at<\/p>\n\n\n\n

myladybug2604@yahoo.ca<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Submitted by<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Claire Paulin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Advertisment: Discover a variety of phones designed with accessibility in mind on Canada\u2019s best national network.  Plus, special savings are available for customers with accessibility needs.  Learn more. Bell.  bell.ca\/network<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In The News<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

      \u2018It\u2019s just so empowering\u2019: Calgary club teaches visually impaired kids how to skateboard<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A young girl in a blue helmet tentatively approaches a sloped bowl in the smooth, grey pavement at a skate park in the west end of downtown Calgary that has been marked with brightly coloured tape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seconds later, she travels down on her skateboard in a confident swoop, and applause meets her at the bottom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grace Forsyth, 13, is a member of Skate Bats, a club established in 2019 that teaches visually impaired and low-vision kids how to skateboard \u2014 and the experience, she said, is \u201cthrilling.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m moving without moving my legs, but I still have control of where I go,\u201d Grace said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seeing Grace cruise through the park with the other Skate Bats is thrilling too, for her mother, Christine Forsyth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s amazing to me to watch them,\u201d Christine said. \u201cTheir confidence just grows every week.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The courage and the work ethic<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The members of Skate Bats live with different types and degrees of vision loss, but most are low-vision enough to be registered with the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, said founder Matt Janz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It means they have about 10 per cent vision or less \u2014 but he said the Skate Bats have a lot more in common than that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey have the courage and the work ethic to [skateboard],\u201d Janz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd what we\u2019ve seen is, they\u2019ve been learning how to skateboard better than most people could, to be totally honest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2018It gives me hope about losing my own vision\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Janz has a hereditary condition called retinitis pigmentosa, and he says it means he has been slowly but surely losing vision throughout his life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He has loved to skateboard nearly as long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen I was a little kid, probably six years old \u2026 I think my mom bought me, like, a banana board from a garage sale,\u201d Janz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe first ride down the driveway was it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Skateboarding helped him find an identity and a community, he said. Passing that on to others helps him feel inspired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt gives me hope about me losing my own vision,\u201d Janz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe more I skateboard as a visually impaired person, the more I feel like I have a future, and something to do \u2014 despite how much vision that I may or may not use.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ghost bowl<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Just about every Saturday, the group meets at Shaw Millennium Park around 10 a.m. to skate in what is normally a sea of grey \u2014 Janz says<\/p>\n\n\n\n

they call it \u201cthe ghost bowl.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe can\u2019t see when the ramps begin and when the end, so any change of angle of the riding surface is totally invisible to us,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the club uses high-contrast tape to help Skate Bats like Zachary Abdalla, 14, identify transitions in the pavement \u2014 where ramps start, when they end, and how skate boarders should adjust their weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s fun, exhilarating, all that shenanigans,\u201d Abdalla said. \u201cBut just like related to vision loss, it\u2019s scary \u2014 probably more scary than for most people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Skate Bats staff and volunteers coach and cheer them through, while other kids at the park will ask about the tape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It helps others understand visual impairment, Abdalla said \u2014 and that inclusively is invaluable to the parents, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think that\u2019s what everybody\u2019s looking for in society right now, is to be inclusive all around,\u201d Christine said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhy not think about skateboarding as one of those options?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The whole world in front of them<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For now, the Skate Bats club is small \u2014 six to eight kids, Janz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Janz has plans for the future, and describes himself as a pretty big daydreamer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThese kids have the whole world in front of them because of the way they\u2019re being parented,\u201d Janz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just so empowering, the way that they\u2019re being given the opportunity by their parents to come out and do stuff like this.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His hope is that, one day, Canada will consider creating a Paralympic skateboarding team that would give low-vision kids full-on careers in skateboarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust because they were given the chance to skate,\u201d Janz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd they were given the chance to develop their skills and become a skateboarder.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By Dan McGarvey, CBC News<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ontario Supports Launch of First Blind and Low Vision Program for Francophone Students<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

New Program to Promote Greater Access to French-Language Education for all Students as Ontario Celebrates Franco-Ontarian Day<\/p>\n\n\n\n

OTTAWA \u2014 As the province prepares to celebrate Franco-Ontarian Day, the Ontario government is investing more than $250,000 in the first blind and low vision program for Francophone students in the province. This ground-breaking initiative at the Centre Jules-L\u00e9ger provincial school demonstrates the province\u2019s commitment to ensuring all Ontario students succeed in the classroom and reach their full potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur government is committed to supporting all students with all abilities,\u201d said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education. \u201cThe addition of this new program ensures that Francophone students who are blind or have limited vision get the quality education they deserve by providing more accessible materials and braille instruction in French. It represents another way that our government is ensuring that all students can reach their full potential.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Today\u2019s announcement builds on important investments Ontario has made to support Francophone learners and French-language education. With this investment, 127 students currently being supported by Centre Jules-L\u00e9ger\u2019s resource services will benefit from accessible course material and new programming. Four students will learn two different types of braille in French.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The government\u2019s funding is also supporting the purchase of a variety of specialized equipment to emboss texts and enable blind students to read and write in braille, as well as technology to enlarge documents to facilitate reading for students with low vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor many years, Francophone parents have been waiting for the creation of a program for blind and low vision students, specifically so they can learn braille,\u201d said Johanne Lacombe, Consortium Centre Jules-L\u00e9ger (CCJL) Chair. \u201cTeachers with expertise teaching braille, especially in French, are very rare in Ontario. We are proud to be able to make this specialized programming available at the CCJL.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Centre Jules-L\u00e9ger also offers advisory services in deafness, blindness, low vision, and deaf blindness. These services are intended for preschool children and students attending a French-language school in Ontario. CCJL consultants travel across Ontario to support students and their families, as well as school and child care staff in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe acknowledge the rich history, culture, and diversity of our Francophone community in Ontario and recognize how their contributions have helped to make our province the best place to live, work and go to school,\u201d said Minister Lecce in recognition of Franco-Ontarian Day. \u201cBy continuing to support French-language education, we are ensuring that Francophone culture in Ontario is alive and thriving while setting all students up for success.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

REMINDERS<\/h1>\n\n\n\n

Membership Madness<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hi Everyone!  Becky from the office here. Membership packages have been sent to the chapter contacts of each chapter. Don\u2019t forget to email if you want a digital package sent to you.  Independent membership will be sent shortly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Early Bird Draw is back on!  Send in your chapter\u2019s memberships before October 25 for a chance to win back the chapter memberships paid before this date.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Early Bird Draw Deadline \u2013 October 25, 2021<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chapter Rebate Deadline \u2013 November 29, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All 2019 Memberships Due \u2013 December 31, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n

White Cane Week Orders Due \u2013 December 13, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WCW Insurance Requests Due \u2013 December 13, 2021<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These dates refer to the time that the memberships arrive in our office either by mail, or by using the new online option introduced last year. https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/membership\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I look forward to receiving your chapters\u2019 memberships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

DON\u2019T FORGET DONATIONS!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Donations Received in the office in 2021 are the only ones that can be receipted for 2021.  Remember to send those donations in if you want receipts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

www.ccbnational.net<\/a>                      1-877-304-0968<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 ccb@ccbnational.net<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Advertisment: Discover a variety of phones designed with accessibility in mind on Canada\u2019s best national network.  Plus special savings are available for customers with accessibility needs. Learn more. bell.ca\/network Bell. VISIONS Canadian Council of the Blind Newsletter October 2021 \u201cA lack of sight is not a lack of vision\u201d From The Desk of Leo A. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false,"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"html"}]},"author":1,"featured_media":871,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[63,41],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-863","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ccb-newsletters","category-newsletter"],"gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"link","format":"url"}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/863","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=863"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/863\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":872,"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/863\/revisions\/872"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/871"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=863"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=863"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbnational.net\/shaggy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=863"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}