Reports

President's Report

June 2001

Well, this is a first, and a little latitude might be necessary, until I find that comfort zone in writing such pieces. Before going any further, it should be noted that I attended a meeting in Ottawa on Wednesday June 20th, of the Federal, Provincial, Territorial Working Group, on behalf of NFB:AE. The greater proportion of the discussion revolved around a proposed template for measuring the status of implementation, of the principles contained in the In Unison document, etc. It will be distributed, with a view to soliciting comments and input over the framework of "societal indicators." Representation was from the consumer, service provider, and federal government sectors. Interestingly in view of this being a collective initiative on the part of government, there was no representation from the provincial governments. While this may relate specifically to the federal sector, it would be safe to suggest this template could serve as a model for the provinces, and therefore their participation would in some degree benefit the consumer in knowing what form their initiatives might take. Likewise, there were no representatives from the private sector i.e.: providers who may somehow be impacted by the anticipated "delivery outcomes" of these initiatives.

BOARD MEETING

As everyone on the list is aware, we had a face-to-face Board Meeting the weekend of June 22 - 24. This post would have appeared sooner, except for having to proceed Sunday night to Ottawa, and returning home late Monday evening. Everyone knows what catch-up is all about. I am sure we will see a report from Richard on the subject of the Manager's Guidelines. What I can say, is that he was very effective in his presentation of the issues.

I would say with a fair certainty my colleagues will verify this that, it was a very positive and productive Board Meeting for all of us. Regrettably on Saturday evening I did not have the stamina to spend some time with several NFB:AE Toronto members. It would have been an opportunity for some interesting social conversation. Over the course of the weekend while we focused on issues relevant and of an immediate nature to the NFB:AE, we also found a lot of commonality in our perspectives of various issues, including the strengthening and positioning of the consumer movement.

Until our Secretary pulls together the minutes of the meeting, I am reluctant to address the specifics of any given subject, if only for wanting to ensure accuracy. Nevertheless, there are several areas that can be touched upon. Communication, was a subject that received much attention. The need to expand our capacity to reach out through the membership, other organizations, and the community at large, particularly those who do not have access to technology.

Likewise, the need for a more time sensitive access to the many sectors where issues, consultations, and input is considered essential if we are to be more proactive, as opposed to reactive. Also, in the area of communications a number of letters will go out to the various forums in which we have ongoing dealings, including CNIB affirming the 'business as usual' credo within the NFB:AE. A letter has gone out, and I am pleased to confirm that we have nominated and endorsed Irene Lambert, to represent the NFB:AE as a sitting member of the National Vision Health Coalition.

We will be directing our concerns to the Bank of Canada, over the current disaffection with the new currency. Realizing it may be too late to alter the course of events, it is felt the feedback we are getting  should be placed in the record.

The BCYPA was another item on the agenda, and we have elected to encourage Ontario to set about establishing a Division. We are also intent on having the needs, issues, and concerns of our children if they are not already on it, given a position within the federal governments "National Children's Agenda."

Fundraising of course, was a predominant issue. Ours, or any other organization's capacity to effect changed is severely hampered by lack of financial supports. Change is not impossible; it is just a longer process.

The NFB:AE's application for membership within the Council of Canadians with Disabilities being declined will be addressed. A letter asking for the specifics, or where we failed to meet the criteria will be forwarded. There is some issue with the continued posture of CCD in this regard. It may be that NFB:AE must re-evaluate this undertaking. As of this date, we have received no word on whether the application for funds from the Court Challenges Program to pursue the issue of copyright. At the same time, now that there will be a consultation and review of the current Copyright regulations, there may be coincidental tie-ins.

A committee has been established consisting of the President and Mike Yale. Overtures will be made to the Canadian Council of the Blind to likewise submit two names. This committee will be tasked with exploring the various processes involved in pulling organizations together for a general consensus type meeting.

Through most of the weekend there were a number of basic operational procedures and issues raised and attended to. Various committees have been struck, or reaffirmed. All said and done there is a fairly heavy agenda before us. It is with some pleasure I feel it reasonable to suggest we have a solid nucleus of people resources on this Board, and you will see the results proceed to move forward the agenda.

Gord

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

By: Richard Marion

Second vice-President

 

July 4, 2001

 

This report will cover many of my activities since the convention and my last report.

 

MANAGER’S GUIDE MEETING:

On Monday June 25, 2001 I attended a meeting organized by Industry Canada to begin the process of reviewing a draft manager’s guide to alternate or multiple format production within the federal government.  This meeting was about 6 hours in length and we discussed topics ranging from budgeting to the format of the guide itself.  At this meeting, there were representatives from consumer organizations, private producers, government employees and representatives from the Access to Information Task force.  I believe that the consumer reps and the private producers of multiple formats did a good job of getting the following points across.

 

      1.         No specific organizations should be mentioned in the guide.

      2.         The issue of multiple format production is not a matter of choice it is the right of people to access information in any format.

      3.         Every government ministry should consider multiple format production an integral part of their overall planning for publications and budgeting.

      4.         It is imperative that multiple format production be handled in the same manor as a ministry deals with its normal print production needs.

      5.         The guide should be as simple and user friendly as possible.

      6.         This draft should be made available to the users of government documents in multiple formats so Industry Canada can get meaningful comments from all affected parties.

      7.         People should be able to order multiple formats in the same locations, as the print documents are available.

      8.         A method should be developed to ensure that people who are blind or vision impaired could determine what documents are government publications and how to order the format of their choice.

      9.         The government should try to produce things in a universal manor.  For example, taped documents would only be available on 2-track format.

      10.       That web sites not be the only place where the accessible format is located.  Just because the document is on the Internet, does not make it an accessible publication.

 

The guide is available currently in electronic format at the office.  Please Contact Ken Westlake for more information.  Also, see the attached information sheet from the guidebook writer.

CNIB ACCESSIBLE PEDEStrIAN SIGNALS COMMITTEE:

Well, the work of the CNIB pedestrian signals standards committee is still ongoing.  At this point, we are continuing to put together a draft paper on a proposed national standard for accessible signals.  The committee will be having a face-to-face meeting at the end of July to finish the bulk of the work for the report.  The NFB:AE has stated prior to this meeting that we would like the draft document at least 3 months before the proposed International Standards Organization meeting to ensure that we can do a proper consultation with consumers and others interested in accessible signals.  At this point, we have dealt with pole signage, the operation of locator tones and also the operation of the signal itself when it has accessible components.  Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns about this project.

BOARD MEETING:

The new board that was elected at the conference had its first face-to-face meeting on June 22-24, 2001.  It was a very successful meeting and we have given ourselves a heavy agenda.  Again, I will be overseeing our organization’s fundraising program.  Therefore, over the next while, I will be completing the business plan for determining if we can manage our own telemarketing program.  Also, we will be trying to ensure that next year’s scholarship program will be fully funded by designated donations.  As part of this, we will be updating our public awareness materials to better reflect the work of the NFB:AE.

DONATIONS TO THE NFB:AE:

This is a reminder that we can only do our excellent work with support from individuals.  If you know of anyone who might be interested in making a contribution to our work, please forward his or her name to our national office.  Also, people can make donations by credit card through our secure web site or by calling our national office staff.  Lets truly work together to improve our lives.

YOU CAN ALWAYS CONTACT ME:

As always, if anyone has any questions, you can send me an email to rmarion@telus.net or call me at (604)936-4698.  Also, if you want to submit your questions in writing in the format of your choice, please send it to the national office.

 

Respectfully

Richard Marion

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

By: John Rae

Treasurer

 

Report for the period May 15 - June 30, 2001

ANNUAL CONFERENCE: 

    It was with great regret that I was unable to attend our annual 2001 Conference in Vancouver.  An ear infection, which progressed to a badly plugged ear for almost four weeks, prevented me from flying.

HOSTED FACE-TO-FACE BOARD MEETING JUNE 22-24: 

This meeting not only gave the new Board an opportunity to get to know each other better, it also gave us the opportunity to review the organization's current status, review membership resolutions passed at recent conferences, and develop a detailed plan of action for the months ahead.

 

I believe Gord's personal, somewhat quieter style, should be well received by the membership as they get to know him better.  For any members who are wondering about the year ahead, there is lots of work to do, and lots of opportunities to join in that work.

THE ELECtrIC CAR: 

At the last two Toronto chapter meetings, concerns have been expressed over research and development efforts that are being supported by governments towards the introduction of an electric car. Members fear this quieter automobile will pose new difficulties for blind pedestrians, as it will be more difficult to hear oncoming traffic.  Phil Wiseman, VP of the Toronto Chapter and I had the opportunity to visit an example of an electric car, and can only report the car is very, very quiet. The fears are very justified, if such an automobile becomes widely used.

TALKING ATM’S: 

Over the past two years, the NFB:AE has been advocating for banks to introduce talking automated banking machines into Canada.  So far, only the Royal Bank has any, and theirs are very limited.  The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) has been developing a Canadian standard for such machines, and banks have been using this as an excuse for dragging their feet.  The CSA standard has been released, and we have just ordered copies, intend to review this new standard, and return to work on this issue.

 

John Rae

DIRECTOR’S REPORT

By: Irene Lambert

Director

 

June 29, 2001

 

Hello members,

Here we are at a new season, a new board following elections at our convention in May and we have just completed our first face-to-face board meeting with our newly elected members.  This is my second year of my term as a director so it was much easier to know what to expect or to get started with my assigned responsibilities.  

 

We had a very long agenda to work on and I am happy to report that after the better part of three days of hard work we left Sunday afternoon with the satisfaction of having completed every single item.  We shared a great deal of information with our new members, had useful discussions and assigned projects to appropriate directors.  I am happy to report that I will continue to be responsible for membership recruitment, which I plan to get started immediately.  Mike Yale and I will be sorting out appropriate guidelines for our listserve.  I will be submitting a resume to the Vision Health Coalition in order to maintain NFB:AE representation that was vacated by Bob Fenton.  I will be overseeing the video project that was started at the convention and researching the possibilities for a Hunan rights case in Quebec involving equal access to information.  It goes without saying that I will be keeping up to date with all of our other areas of involvement and attending our regular tele-conference meetings. 

 MEMBERSHIP:

I want to use our existing membership listserve for a membership committee where we can share ideas and plan an agenda for the coming year.  I invite any member who would like to join and especially chapter presidents.  To add your name to the list, simply send an e-mail to the National Office, info@nfbae.ca with the subject line, “subscribe to membership listserv”. Please enter your full name and the e-mail address you wish to have messages sent to in the body of the e-mail.

 

I would like to remind all members about our membership contest.  Here is how to make a charitable contribution at the end of the year, get a tax receipt and give NFB:AE a much needed financial boost.  Starting January 1, 2001 the office will be counting every registered new member up to December 15, 2001.  All you have to do is make a commitment as to how many dollars per new member you wish to contribute.  You set the maximum you wish to contribute if you fear that we will be recruiting thousands of new members!  Ken will let you know on December 15th how many members have signed up and providing your cheque is in by the end of the month, your receipt will be in the mail and you will have made us all happy.  Just let Ken at the office know what commitment you would like to make. You can call 1 800-561-4774 or e-mail info@nfbae.ca.

 THE LISTSERVE:

For those interested in the listserve, I would like to know what you really like and what you do not like about our listserve. 

 

      ·     How do you feel about having a listserve that is only for paid members? 

      ·     Do you approve of having an open list where anyone can participate?  

      ·     What kinds of information that is forwarded to the list do you consider most useful? 

      ·     Is there any information that you would consider irrelevant?

      ·     Any ideas for making it more interesting?

 

E-mail me:  ilambert@autoroute.net or call: 1 514 630 6978

THE VIDEO:

Two videographers attended our convention this year and filmed the workshops and interviewed numerous people there as to why NFB:AE was important to them, etc.  They also filmed various members using an audible traffic signal and a tour of the Crane Library for the blind at UBC.  Several times the office has had requests for a video and any other material that could be used to help inform the public as to who we are and what we do.  We are planning to find further funding to complete the next phase of production for a video that will meet this need.  If you will be involved with public awareness, fund raising or membership recruitment please do not hesitate to contact me with your ideas or suggestions.  

 

 E-mail me: ilambert@autoroute.net or telephone: 1 514 630 6978

 

There has been a great deal of concern about NFB:AE since our election when our new president, Gordon Dingle, was elected on a platform of merging our organization with the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB).  It was undoubtedly a tremendously useful experience for us to share our present commitments and future plans at our face-to-face board meeting.  Gordon comes to us with a wealth of experience in the blindness field and a history and commitment to advocacy.  While I can only speak for myself I can honestly report that I left Sunday with a most assured feeling that it is business as usual at NFB:AE and we all have a full compliment of commitments for moving our agenda forward.  I left Toronto with a very positive and energized feeling. 

 

I also wanted to report on a very interesting meeting we had on Friday with Bob Trimbee and Geoff Eaden at NBRS (National Broadcasting Radio Service). Gordon, Cory, Richard and I were served lunch in their boardroom and brought up to date on the activities and plans for NBRS.  Trying to understand the plans for the new digital technology was often beyond me but lunch and the tour of the facilities was rewarding. We met the staff and experienced first hand how Voiceprint operates and how descriptive voice programming is done. 

 

As a member of the board I am here to serve NFB:AE goals and objectives so please feel free to contact me if you so choose. 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Irene Lambert

REPORT FROM NATIONAL OFFICE

By:  Kelly Boychuk

 

July 4, 2001

 

Activity at National Office continues to be steady and diverse. Door to door fundraising has been increasing in Ontario, which always results in an increase in the number of phone calls Ken and I are processing. Many of these calls are looking for more information about the organization or verifying the legitimacy of the organization. 

 

Meaghan Thom has been working on a new public education brochure and information package for the organization and has submitted some of her work to the board members for input. Meaghan is very keen about the NFB:AE and learning about blindness through our members. Meaghan has a “ray of sunshine” personality that has been a welcome addition to our office.  Ken is away enjoying some vacation time this week so Meaghan and I are missing our daily dose of his “Cliff Claven” satire. I hope he is enjoying our 38-degree weather and taking some time to relax.

 

I am currently working on proposals for funding for the Canadian Blind Monitor, looking for general financial support as well as a proposal to produce the magazine in French. If anyone has any interest in this area, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at nfbae-kelly@home.com or at the National Office, 1-800-561-4774.  The Canadian Blind Monitor depends on advertising and donor support for publishing; please contact me if you are interested in advertising your business, your employer’s business or if you know of someone who may wish to be included in our next publication. Donations received of $25 will be recognized in a “Thank You” section of the next publication.  You can send your donation attention “Canadian Blind Monitor” to the National Office at Suite 6-1638 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC   V1Y 1P8.

 

I thoroughly enjoyed the convention this year and it was a pleasure to meet so many of you and see familiar faces again. I would also like to extend the appreciation of my daughters and nieces that attended this year’s convention as well. The girls found the convention to be a wonderful opportunity and have shared this experience with their classes, friends, and girl guide groups.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions or comments, I can be reached at 1-800-561-4774 or via e-mail at nfbae-kelly@home.com.  I hope you all have a wonderful summer and that the sun will shine warmly wherever you are.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Kelly Boychuk

Appendix “A”

 Sent: Tuesday, June 19, 2001 6:08 AM

Subject: June 25 meeting fully booked

 

Dear Potential Guidebook Advisor:

 

We want to thank everyone who responded to our invitation to provide input regarding the development of a "Manager's Guide to Multiple Formats" for federal government managers. The introductory meeting scheduled for June 25, 2001 in Ottawa is now fully booked and there is no more room for additional participants. (If you are attending, we will be in contact shortly to confirm arrangements).

 

That does not mean there is no further opportunity for input. To the contrary, we are inviting interested and informed parties to contact us for an electronic version of the guide which can be sent via diskette in the mail or via e-mail. The guide can also be accessed anytime on the web as of June 25th.

 

There are four ways to comment:

 

1. Use the chat forum on the web site at http://www.galbraithcom.com/guidebook

2. Call us toll-free at 1-877-580-9915.

3. Send us a fax at 613-228-9921

4. Write to us at "Manager's Guide for Multiple Formats", c/o Galbraith Communications, 304-1300 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario K1Z 7L2

 

Enquiries regarding this project should be directed to myself, Cory Galbraith, guidebook author, or Christina Christensen toll-free at 1-877-580-9915 (in Ottawa at 613-228-9920) or by e-mail at galcom@magma.ca or christina@galbraithcom.com.

 

Thank you for your valuable time.

 

Cory Galbraith,

Guidebook Author/Editor