Reports

Activities Report

June 2007

• AEBC’S VICTORIA CONFERENCE A GREAT SUCCESS

  This year’s theme was Universal Design, and over 50 members participated in person, carrying an additional 45 proxies. Members met and mingled at a reception on Thursday evening, as well as in the Hospitality Suite, hotel lounge, and other local establishments throughout the weekend. They toured the BC Legislature and the Butchart Gardens and rode in a horse-drawn wagon around Victoria. Then there was the Conference itself—filled with fascinating discussions on Universal Design, advocacy, poverty, access to assistive devices, and a proposed Canadians with Disabilities Act. Guest speakers included Patrick Fleck, Pat Danforth and Mike Yale. John Rae’s final President’s Report can be found on our web site at http://www.blindcanadians.ca/reports/index.php?ReportID=43

  The AEBC National Board said farewell to Rick Oakes and hello to Richard Quan. Two Board members swapped positions, and two were re-installed in their previous posts. Welcome to your 2007 AEBC Board of Directors, who are looking forward to a very busy year:

  • Robin East- President, two years
  • John Rae- First Vice-President, one year
  • Richard Quan- Second Vice-President, two years
  • Anthony Tibbs- Treasurer, one year remaining
  • Secretary- Marcia Cummings, two years
  • Director without Portfolio- Denise Sanders, one year remaining
  • Director without Portfolio- Devon Wilkins, two years

  Our new President has already received letters of congratulations. Jim Sanders, CNIB President, wrote and Robin responded.

  Mr. Robin East
  In-coming President
  Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
  May 24, 2007  

  Dear Robin,  

  On behalf of Dick Hale-Sanders, Chair, CNIB Board of Directors, volunteers and staff, I wish to congratulate you on your election as AEBC President.  We look forward to continuing the positive relationship between our two Organizations.  Together, we can address needs and concerns facing persons living with vision loss. As you may know, Cathy Moore provides an ongoing and direct single point of consumer and advocacy related communications.  I do not have any plans to be in Saskatoon in the near future.  However, if and when you are in Toronto and your schedule permits, I would welcome the opportunity to meet you and discuss areas of common interest.  

  I also wish to congratulate John Rae on his leadership for the past four and one half years. Please extend my best wishes to the in-coming Board and our interest in and commitment to continued collaboration in the years ahead.  

  Sincerely,
   Jim

  CC: Dick Hale-Sanders
  Cathy Moore
  Directors of Services and Operations
  Dennis Tottenham
  Bill McKeown

  ---

  Dear Mr. Sanders:  

  Thank you very much for your note and kind comments on my election as AEBC's new President.  

  It is my hope that our two organizations will be able to work together from time to time on issues that we can both agree upon. I have worked with Mr. Tottenham and Ms. Latta on local and provincial matters where it was clear that by supporting common issues blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted citizens would benefit.  

  I am of the opinion that advocacy should be done by consumers and not service organizations.  "Nothing for us, without us," is a phrase well used in the disability rights movement.  I believe it is important that we, the blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted speak for ourselves on issues that concern us.  

  I will extend your congratulations to Mr. Rae, Mr. Quan, Ms. Cummings, and Ms. Wilkins.  

  Sincerely,
  Robin East

  The membership passed some very thought-provoking resolutions this year, all of which can be found on our web site on the resolutions page

  One of the more important ones concerned a revitalization of the Poverty Issues Committee:

  Whereas, far too many Canadians with disabilities, including blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted individuals, have incomes far below the established poverty line; and Whereas, many of these individuals remain unemployed or under-employed; and Whereas, many Canadians with disabilities are prevented from enjoying the benefits of full integration into their communities because of negative public stereotypes and attitudes; and Whereas, recent efforts by Government aimed at increasing the minimum wage do not address or affect the needs of the most disadvantaged individuals with disabilities;

  Now Therefore be it Resolved, that, the AEBC advocate to all levels of Government for the introduction of a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy, that will include the needs of unemployed Canadians as well as those employed at low-paying jobs; And be it further resolved, that such a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy should include the following basic principles:

  1. Income support programs must reflect the real cost of living;
  2. Income support programs must provide adequately for the cost of disability itself;
  3. Income support programs must provide to individuals and families the basic income necessary to promote good health and nutrition, adequate and safe housing tied to market
  rent rates, and an additional allowance to cover clothing, utilities, transportation and incidentals necessary to ensure a reasonable quality of life standard;
  4. Income support programs must be at an adequate level to promote and encourage individuals to participate with dignity in the life of their communities and provide the
  resources necessary to re-enter the work force if and when possible;
  5. Disincentives to employment should be reduced with the long term goal of their eventual elimination.

  Be it further resolved that the AEBC join with other social justice organizations and action coalitions advocating for such goals and principles across Canada.

  The Board has also adopted a Prevention of Harassment Policy, begun at the Conference but fine-tuned afterwards. It will be brought to next year’s AGM for ratification.

  "The following policy will be read at all national membership meetings and once a year at chapter level: The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians, (AEBC), will not tolerate harassment or discrimination with respect to race, national or ethic origin, colour, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy and childbearing), sexual orientation, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability (including dependence on alcohol or drugs), or pardoned criminal conviction. AEBC will not accept or condone any unbecoming words, actions or behaviours that offend the dignity and worth of any person. If a member believes he/she is being harassed or discriminated against, the member should contact the Human Rights Officer(s) appointed by the President at each AEBC function. The individual appointed shall be an elected officer. Guided by prevailing Human Rights jurisprudence and AEBC's national bylaws, the Human Rights Officer(s) will investigate the concerns raised and will facilitate resolution of the matter in accordance with organizational policies in effect at the time of the complaint."

  The location and date for the 2008 Annual General Meeting will be announced shortly. The Toronto Chapter has proposed that the 2009 Conference be held in Toronto, but nothing has been finalized.

• AEBC MEMBERSHIP CONTEST

  We would like to congratulate the winners of our most recent Membership Contest--Cam Bartram and Julie Caudle, both of our Victoria Chapter. The Membership Committee is planning a longer contest, with hopes of being able to encourage more competition between chapters. More details to come!

• NEW AEBC CHAPTER IN EDMONTON

  The National Board would like to welcome the newest AEBC Chapter, which formed in Edmonton following Albert Ruel’s visit at the end of March. Their President, Keith Gillard, and two members of their executive, Marc Workman and Sonia Gupta, attended the Victoria Conference.

• JOIN A NATIONAL COMMITTEE AND GET MORE INVOLVED

  At the board meeting following the AGM, we usually determine committee assignments for the coming year. Here is the list at present:

  • Poverty Committee--Board liaison: John Rae, co-chairs: Mike Yale and Brenda Cooke
  • Assistive Devices Programme (ADP) Committee—Board liaison: Richard Quan
  • Policy Development Committee—Board liaison: John Rae, assisted by Marcia Cummings
  • CBM Committee—Board liaison: John Rae, assisted by Devon Wilkins
  • Membership Committee—Board liaison and Chair: Devon Wilkins
  • Human Resources (HR) Committee—Robin East and Denise Sanders
  • Employment and Education Committee—Board Liaison: Richard Quan
  • Scholarship Committee--Board liaison: Richard Quan, assisted by Marcia Cummings Finance and Fund-raising Committee-- Board liaison: Anthony Tibbs, assisted by
  Denise Sanders
  • Youth Working Group--Board liaison: Devon Wilkins, assisted by Anthony Tibbs

  Please consider joining a committee and making a difference! Send your request to info@blindcanadians.ca

• ANOTHER WELCOME

  Anu Pala of Vancouver has been hired to conduct the preliminary research for the low tech assistive devices program for British Columbians who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted. She started on May 7, 2007. We wish her all the best in her work for us.

• MORE TRANSITION

  AEBC has had to say another farewell, and another hello. In May, Lois Benko submitted her resignation as Financial Administrator. She wrote in part that, "This decision has not come easily.   I have valued my work experience with this Society." For the past five years, we have appreciated Lois' financial expertise and we wish her all the best in her future plans.

  Welcome, therefore, to Joanne Hlina! Joanne has done a bit of everything in her life—she has been a chef in Northern Alberta; a telephone operator in Whitehorse, Yukon; and the accountant at Canada’s largest cattle ranch at Douglas Lake, BC. She recently obtained her BA and MA in English Literature, and then decided to start up a business doing bookkeeping, tax accounting, writing and editing. She also works as a grant writer for Community Recreational Initiatives Society, generally known by its much shorter acronym, CRIS. CRIS’s mission is to provide outdoor and wilderness activities for people with disabilities. We look forward to getting to know her and to beginning the task of familiarizing her with our organization.

• AEBC SUPPORTS POLICY STATEMENT REGARDING TRANSPORTATION ACCESS RELEASED BY COUNCIL OF CANADIANS WITH DISABILITIES

  Recommendations for Building an Inclusive and Accessible Federal Transportation System

  Note: Accessibility as referred to in this document is not simply access related to mobility impairment but rather related to the access needs of all persons with disabilities and grounded in the principles of Universal Design. We are seeking a cross disability framework in the development of an accessible federally regulated transportation system.

  1. The Minister of Transport must immediately develop accessibility regulations similar to the United States regulatory model for all federally regulated modes of transportation and federally regulated transportation service systems (airports, stations, station based ground transport, information systems etc.).
  2. The Minister of Transport must immediately develop a Disability Organizations Advisory Committee on Accessible Transportation that is resourced to undertake research and provide advice to the Minister of Transport for advancing access and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
  3. The Minister of Transport must take immediate action to rebuild the capacity of the Accessibility Unit within Transport Canada to develop a national action plan which includes a research capacity to look at best practices in other jurisdictions, reports annually on goals and achieved outcomes, monitors type and focus of complaints made to CTA and ensures appropriate consultation with the disability community in the development of a national action plan.
  4. The Minister must ensure that the Transport Development Centre has the capacity and direction to engage in research related to identifying new means of advancing accessibility and universal design in all federally regulated modes of transportation and service delivery.
  5. The Government of Canada must attach a strong access standard/universal design principle to all infrastructure initiatives.
  6. Enforcement of accessibility must be strengthened by providing CTA with the powers to grant interim injunctions related to purchase of any new equipment that would create new barriers, ensuring that CTA can make interim awarding of cost and award human rights remedies.
  7. Legislative reforms must be enacted to ensure that accessibility remains one of the principle objectives of the National Transportation Act.

• FUNDRAISING UPDATE

  In order to continue the work of AEBC, both at its National office and through the eleven local Chapters, the assistance and support of Canadians is required. AEBC is currently requesting support in the following ways.

  The Wonderful World of Magic: A Surrey based organization, ATS Marketing has been contracted to sell tickets for, and to operate on behalf of AEBC the Wonderful World of Magic variety show. The show will take place on October 17, 2007 at the Italian Cultural Centre, 3075 Slocan Street, Vancouver, and will feature magical illusions, comedy, clowns, jugglers, acrobats and audience participation. For further information or to purchase tickets contact Jim Christofferson at 604-495-4828 or atsmarketing@telus.net.

  Door-to-door campaigns: The Central Vancouver Island region of British Columbia is currently being asked to support the work of AEBC through a door-to-door campaign. Please give generously if your door should be knocked upon, and if you wish to canvass your neighbourhood in this area of BC please contact Albert Ruel, AEBC National Equality Director at 1-800-561-4774 or aruel@blindcanadians.ca.

  The Okanagan Valley of British Columbia is also being asked to support the work of AEBC through a door-to-door campaign conducted by David Marriott. Please give generously should your door be knocked upon by this dedicated gentleman.

  Telemarketing Campaigns: The Southwestern region of Ontario is currently being asked to support the work of AEBC through two telemarketing campaigns. The first is operated by Sheryl Pruden and her fine team working in Sarnia and surrounding communities, and the second campaign operated by NAD Marketing in Kitchener covering Mississauga, South to Niagara Falls and West to Windsor.

  The Kitchener campaign is also contacting past telemarketing donors with a view to renewing their support to the AEBC. Please give generously should your telephone be brought to life by an AEBC request for support.

  Auto Recycling: In the City of Calgary Alberta AEBC has contracted with Bill Martens Towing to help clean up our environment by taking away your old cars, trucks and RVs in exchange for a tax deductible receipt. For further information, or to donate your old car please contact Bill at 405-968-4733.

  Direct Mail Campaign: In the spring of 2007 over 1,500 Canadians were mailed a letter asking for their support of the advocacy work AEBC does on behalf of all blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted Canadians and many responded generously. Other letters will be mailed in August, October and November of this year. Should you wish to be included in this request please contact Albert Ruel, AEBC National Equality Director at 1-800-561-4774 or aruel@blindcanadians.ca

  Lions & Lioness Clubs: During the annual Lions International Conference held in Cedar Point, Ohio USA on June 30, 1925 Helen Keller delivered a speech asking for the support of Lions Clubs with the following words. “Will you not help me hasten the day when there shall be no preventable blindness; no little deaf, blind child untaught; no blind man or woman unaided? I appeal to you Lions, you who have your sight, your hearing, you who are strong and brave and kind. Will you not constitute yourselves Knights of the Blind in this crusade against darkness?” This challenge was taken up during the 1928 Lions International Conference, and since then Lions Clubs throughout Canada have been generous supporters of organizations of and for the blind.

  AEBC Chapters know several such Clubs in all eleven cities where our members gather together to support each other, and to advocate for our inclusion and full participation in community life. Two notable such Clubs are the Kelowna Lioness and the Campbell River Lions Clubs, who have recently supported our members attending the 2007 Victoria Conference and the 2007 Scholarship program respectively.

  Please help AEBC build relationships with the Lions Clubs and members in your community. Ours is the type of work they desire to support more broadly, and yours is the success story they wish to learn about. Let us, who are the living examples of inclusion, action and participation, present to Lions Clubs everywhere the work we do individually and collectively. Their support is ours for the asking.

  Planned Giving: Have you considered leaving your legacy of service and support to Canadians who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted through a bequest in your will to AEBC? Legacy or Memorial funds can be established in support of such programs as the AEBC Scholarship Program, the Canadian Blind Monitor and/or general advocacy initiatives. Should you desire additional information please contact Albert Ruel, AEBC National Equality Director at 1-800-561-4774 or aruel@blindcanadians.ca.

  Respectfully Submitted,
  Albert A. Ruel
  National Equality Director

• FROM THE BULLETIN BOARD

  Here are some of the items of note posted on AEBC’s Bulletin Board in the past two months.

  • Making Progress On Developing New Province-Wide Standards For Accessibility: The application period for membership on the Accessible Built Environment and the Employment Accessibility Standards Development Committees, part of the Ontarians with disabilities Act, closed on May 8, 2007. The Ministry is currently reviewing applications and expects to announce  committee membership in summer 2007. You can find more information on the Ministry of Community and Social Services´ website at: http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario/
  • Ontario Releases Overdue First Annual Report on AODA: To read the report, visit http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/mcss/english/pillars/accessibilityOntario/planning/aodo_annual_report06.htm
  • Canada Post Issues Braille Stamp in 2008, a North American First: OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(CCNMatthews - May 24, 2007) - North America's first stamp incorporating Braille will highlight Canada Post's 2008 Stamp Program, along with two stamps celebrating the 100th anniversary of the publication of Anne of Green Gables and the last installment of the Lunar New Year Series. The full press release can be found at: http://www.canadapost.ca/personal/corporate/about/newsroom/pr/default-e.asp?prid=1227
  • 2007 Theme: "Decent work for persons with disabilities": The annual observance of the International Day of Disabled Persons, 3 December, aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. The theme of the Day is based on the goal of full and equal enjoyment of human rights and participation in society by persons with disabilities, established by the World Programme of Action concerning Disabled Persons, adopted by the General Assembly in 1982. Visit http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/iddp2007.htm
  • ON-SIGHT INDEPENDENCE Introduces PROJECT ABILITY: On-Sight Independence is excited to introduce PROJECT ABILITY, a new training opportunity for young adults in Canada who are blind or visually impaired. Project Ability is an intensive training program that will provide participants with the skills and abilities to (a) pursue their educational goals, and (b) seek and maintain gainful employment. In this immersion-style program, 5 professional instructors in the field of visual impairment will work closely with 6 selected clients to ensure comprehensive skill development and career outcomes based on individual needs, aptitudes and interests. Openings are: August 2007; where: Abbotsford, BC We provide daily instruction in: independent and efficient travel skills, independent living skills, adaptive technology accommodation and job readiness development. For more information, visit the web site at: http://www.on-sightindependence.ca/index.htm

• List of Chapters

  We have eleven chapters across Canada.  For more information about a chapter in your area, please contact the following chapter presidents:

  • Calgary: Bruce Matheson; Ph: 403-270-8834
  • Edmonton: Keith Gillard; Ph: 780-451-3712 or Work: 780-495-4396
  • Kelowna: Lisa Neufeld; Ph: 250-448-9579
  • Montreal: Irene Lambert; Ph: 514-630-6978
  • Ottawa: Lorne Daley; Ph: 613-592-9433
  • Saskatoon: Beryl Williams; Ph: 306 652-7340
  • South Georgian Bay: Devon Wilkins; Ph: 705-444-4512
  • Toronto: Carole Robertson; Ph: 905-707-8987
  • Vancouver: Richard Marion; Ph: 604-936-4698
  • Victoria President: Mitch Lindsay; Ph: 250 477-1058
  • Winnipeg President: Ruth Hogue; Ph: 204-253-6111