The AEBC logo. For a full description that opens in a new window, hit enter. Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians AEBC members Phil Wiseman (from Toronto), and Sarah and Joyce Mainland (from Kelowna) at the 2004 AEBC Annual General Meeting in Saskatoon
      
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Reports

Activities Report

September 2007

Welcome to autumn! Hope everyone had a great summer—we sure did, and a busy one it was, too! Enjoy this rather lengthy report, packed with news, events and correspondence. Your National Board wants to keep everyone current with the news of AEBC and we hope you’ll find this an informative read.

Contents

Attention Supporting Members: Membership Renewals

If you are currently a "Supporting" member, you must contact us to confirm that you wish to remain a supporting member next year, and to verify that your contact information and format preferences are up-to-date. Supporting members who have not renewed in this fashion by March 1, 2008 will be removed from our database.

2008 Membership Dues

Active members are reminded that they may pay their $5.00 membership dues for the 2008 calendar year any time now. If you are a member of a local chapter, please remit your dues to your chapter. If you are not a member of a local chapter, or cannot make it to a meeting, you may remit your dues to the national office directly. In either case, this should be done prior to December 15, 2007.

Regular membership dues may be paid by cash, cheque, money order, PayPal, or Interac e-mail money transfer (for those whose banks support this). Lifetime membership fees may also be paid by VISA or MasterCard. Please contact Anthony Tibbs (treasurer) for more information, by emailing tibbs@blindcanadians.ca .

Reminder: Scholarship Application Deadline Approaching: October 15, 2007

If you are enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution full-time, and haven’t done so already, be sure to apply for one of three $1500 scholarships to be awarded in 2007. The complete documentation and application package is on-line at http://www.blindcanadians.ca/programs/scholarship.php (opens in a new window) or available via email by sending a note to scholarship@blindcanadians.ca . Richard Quan and his committee will be happy to answer all questions concerning the application process.

2007 Conference Proceedings

The audio recordings of the workshops at the 2007 Victoria conference will be available shortly on the AEBC web site.  Please keep an eye on our home page for these.  Members who wish to receive a copy of the conference workshops on CD (as MP3 files) may email tibbs@blindcanadians.ca and request one, to be sent out as soon as it is available.

New AEBC-Sponsored Email Discussion Lists

We have two new lists, which are up and running and ready for subscribers!

The list information and subscription form for the members-only list can be found at http://blindcanadians.ca/mailman/listinfo/members_blindcanadians.ca (opens in a new window) . Alternatively, members can send a blank message to members-subscribe@blindcanadians.ca . All subscription requests, once confirmed by the potential subscriber, will come to Marcia Cummings as list owner, for membership status verification.

The list information and subscription form for the Vision and Hearing Loss discussion list can be found at http://blindcanadians.ca/mailman/listinfo/hearingloss_blindcanadians.ca (opens in a new window) . Alternatively, they can initiate the subscription request via email by sending a blank message to hearingloss-subscribe@blindcanadians.ca . Once potential subscribers reply to the confirmation message, they will be automatically subscribed.

AEBC Participated in CCD Transportation Forum

In conjunction with CCD's AGM and National Council meetings, a national Transportation Forum to examine the current state of transportation in Canada was held on June 8, 2007. John Rae participated on a panel, and raised a number of old and new barriers in Canada's transportation system, including the need for adequate space on airplanes for guide dogs, the problem for guide dog users to get rides from taxis at airports, the dangers of the hybrid automobile, and the introduction of onboard flat screen entertainment systems on a growing number of airplanes.

That evening, a rousing celebration of CCD's victory in the Via Rail case took place, at which many stories were told, and David Baker was awarded Honorary Membership in CCD for the many cases he has argued on CCD's behalf over the years.

AEBC Participated in 11th TRANSED Conference

John Rae presented AEBC's Dangers of the Hybrid Quiet Car paper at the 11th International Conference on Mobility and Transport for Elderly and Disabled Persons (TRANSED: www.tc.gc.ca/transed2007 (opens in a new window) /), held June 18-22, 2007, at the Palais des congrès de Montreal under the theme "Benchmarking, Evaluation and Vision for the Future".

This major international Conference also included presentations on all modes of transportation - air, rail, inter-city bus, ferries, and included some presentations on travel and tourism. It provided an excellent opportunity to make contacts and offer a consumer perspective on a variety of important transportation topics. The 12th TRANSED Conference will take place in Hong Kong in 2010.

AEBC Presented at International FICCDAT Conferences

On Sunday, June 10, 2007, John Rae presented two papers at the Festival of International Conferences on Caregiving, Disability, Aging and Technology (FICCDAT), including "Boomers Aging With Vision Loss: Public Attitudes Are Key," available on the AEBC website at: http://www.blindcanadians.ca/press_releases//index.php?BriefID=43 (opens in a new window) . Our goal in appearing was to offer a consumer perspective to this Conference comprised largely of service providers.

AEBC’s National Secretary Asked to Present at AER Conference

Marcia Cummings was asked to talk to the Ontario Chapter of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER) at their workshop in Waterloo on September 8, 2007. She spoke about the added independence offered her by her Trekker, one of the few accessible GPS units available.

National Equality Director Attends Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's workshop on their Research Project titled, "Profiles of Housing Conditions of Persons with Disabilities", September 5, 2007 in Ottawa

The consultation was conducted by Adele Furrie Consulting Inc. (AFCI). The objective of the research as outlined in the RFP was to conduct a study of housing conditions of Canadians with disabilities based on data contained in the 2001 post-censal Participation and Activity Limitation Survey (PALS) linked to CMHC's 2001 Census housing conditions data ("the linked database"). The project will update the analysis in the CMHC report The Housing Conditions of Persons with Health and Activity Limitations in Canada, 1991: A Retrospective and produce a series of about 11 Research Highlights. The project plan submitted by AFCI included three major steps: the conduct of a literature review that highlighted how the PALS data have been used since the release of the data in 2003; a consultation with potential users of the proposed profiles to determine the content of the profiles; the production of the profiles and background tables.

The literature review has been completed and will be published by CMHC, and the consultation held on September 5, 2007 with representatives from disability organizations from across Canada will fulfill the proposed second step in the research.

Former AEBC President Receives Lifetime Achievement Award

On Saturday, June 9, 2007, former AEBC President John Rae was presented with the Centre on Social Justice's Lifetime Achievement Award by Toronto Mayor, David Miller.

In accepting this award, John took advantage of the opportunity to challenge the Mayor to do more for Torontonians with disabilities in the areas of fighting poverty, increasing employment opportunities, and assisting AEBC in its efforts to bring about a dialogue among auto manufacturers, labour unions, government and consumer organizations in the disability rights movement.

He also reached out to the broader social justice movement to do more to include disability rights issues in their overall work, as he believes both kinds of groups have much in common, as disability issues are basic human rights issues, and human rights issues should be basic social justice issues.

AEBC Board Not Impressed with Standards being Proclaimed and Proposed under the AODA 2005

Marcia Cummings, AEBC’s National Secretary will be submitting a commentary on the proposed transportation standard. The Customer Service Standard, already critiqued, has been approved by the Minister responsible, still as weak if not weaker than it was when presented for public consultation. Given how poor the proposed Transportation Standard appears at this time, the AEBC National Board is concerned that another important barrier removal tool will fall far short of its goal.

Low-Tech Assistive Devices Program (LTADP) Update

The British Columbia LTADP has been up and running (at an all out sprint) for just under two months. The four Navigators who are all blind or partially sighted have interviewed over five hundred applicants and facilitated the acquisition of approximately 480 devices at a total cost of $234,563.40 as of Sept 11. There are still about fifty applicants who are waiting for an assessment or have not yet decided which device will best meet their needs. All the applicants will receive a follow up call from their Navigator to determine their satisfaction with the program and the device, and to provide support or referral if required. Of the $355,000.00 grant, $270,000.00 was budgeted for the purchase of devices, the majority of the rest of the budget covering the Navigator’s contracts, low vision assessments, AEBC bookkeeping services, and travel expenses. The program is no longer taking applications. The most popular devices have been Daisy players and portable video magnifiers. A list of devices and where to get them will be posted to the AEBC website at the conclusion of the program which is anticipated to be by the end of the year. There will be a report of the pilot’s findings which will be submitted to the BC Government and it is hoped that these findings will encourage the continued development of a provincial assistive devices program. This report will also be posted to the AEBC website. For more information about the AEBC LTADP contact the Navigator Coordinator, Linda Bartram at: (250) 485-0275 or email at: lindabartram@cablerocket.com

From the Chapters

Lower Mainland Chapter:

Members of this Chapter hosted a booth at the Newton Community Festival in early June, and despite the heavy rain managed to hand out several pieces of AEBC literature. Let's hope for less rain next year.

Richard Marion and Albert Ruel attended the September meeting of the Macula Degeneration Support Group in Vancouver to deliver a presentation on the work of AEBC and the BC Low Tech Assistive Devices Program.

Ottawa-Gatineau Chapter:

Albert Ruel attended the Ottawa-Gatineau Chapter’s AGM on Sept 4. The members elected Lorne Daley as their President, Susan Forster as their First Vice-President, Mark Dumalski as their Treasurer, Shelley Ann Morris as their Secretary and Donna Tessier as their Member At Large. Congratulations to all and good luck in the coming year.

This Chapter continues to work on their Accessibility Project, which involves working with City staff in an advocacy role aimed at securing improvements to City owned buildings. Their latest Accessibility Walk-about was done with the maintenance staff of the National Arts Centre, as well as an earlier Walk-about at Dover Recreation Centre. They have offered the facility managers some insightful tips that would help make these buildings more blindness accessible.

The Ottawa-Gatineau Chapter has created a one-page check-list document outlining the most effective means of making a building accessible for blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted people. If you would like a copy please contact Lorne Daley at ldaley@sympatico.ca .

Saskatoon Chapter:

The Chapter hosted its AGM in June with John Rae and Robin East in attendance. This was the passing of the torch as it were, and the Chapter congratulated Robin on his election as the AEBC National Board and thanked John for his 4.5 years in that post. The Saskatoon Chapter executive for 2007-08 is Beryl Williams as President, Robert Gourley as First Vice President, Judy Prociuk as Secretary/Treasurer, and Monte Single and David Greenfield as Members At Large. Congratulations to all and good luck in the coming year.

Toronto Chapter:

The Toronto Chapter is hard at work planning their next fund-raiser—a benefit concert featuring the band, Tanglefoot, and poet, Holmes Hooke, to be held at Hugh’s Room, 2261 Dundas Street West, on November 29. There will be a silent auction with some great items up for grabs, and lots of great poetry and music. Tickets are $22 and can be reserved at 416-531-6604.

The Chapter also continues to advocate for an Ontario non-drivers’ driver’s license for identification purposes.

Victoria Chapter:

The summer of 2007 saw the departure of long-time member, leader and friend of the Victoria Chapter, Linda Bartram as she moved to the sunny Okanagan Valley with her husband Cam. We want to thank her for the leadership and growth she has brought to our Chapter and wish her well as she transfers her membership to the Central Okanagan Chapter. All the best!

Albert Ruel attended the James Bay (Victoria) Mac Degen Support Group meeting in September and gave a presentation on advocacy, mentoring and adjustment to living with vision loss. Two new members joined as a result and many blindness related and AEBC questions were answered for the group.

The Victoria Chapter will be hosting the Nanaimo Organization of the Vision Impaired (NOVI) during their regular monthly meeting on October 6, 2007. Three members of this organization have recently joined the AEBC and more will be seeking additional information on the work we do and how this might benefit NOVI members.

Potential Prince George Chapter:

Albert Ruel will travel to Prince George on October 18 to meet with a group of blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted residents with a view to establishing a Chapter in that Northern BC City. We would like to thank AEBC members Terry Pipkey and Caroline Ploeg for their leadership toward this endeavour. Stay tuned for more.

Correspondence

In the past three months, various National Board members have sent letters to government and elected officials. Here are a few of them, with any replies received to date.

1. Letters related to the upcoming Ontario Provincial Election

June 25, 2007

Mr. John Hollins
Chief Electoral Officer
51 Rolark Drive
Toronto, ON M1R 3B1

Dear Mr. Hollins:

Re: Access Issues for Blind Electors

I am writing to you on behalf of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians, to request a meeting to discuss a range of access issues that affect the most important right a citizen is said to perform in any democracy, namely, voting in elections.

The AEBC is a national, not for profit organization, whose members are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted individuals. Our work focuses on improving public policy and public awareness on a wide range of blindness-related issues.

Bill 218: An Act to amend the Election Act and the Election Finances Act and to make related amendments to other Acts raises some new issues and a significant opportunity:
3. Section 4.1 of the Act is repealed and the following substituted:
Testing voting and vote-counting equipment, alternative voting methods  
4.1  (1)  At a by-election, the Chief Electoral Officer may direct the use of voting equipment, vote-counting equipment or alternative voting methods that are different from what this Act requires.

Direction

(2)  The Chief Electoral Officer’s direction shall describe the voting equipment, vote-counting equipment or alternative voting methods in detail and refer to the provisions of this Act that will not be complied with.

At present, a blind elector cannot vote entirely independently and in secret. Whatever template is used, we cannot independently verify our vote. Thus, we believe that work on an examination of an electronic or other option is of paramount importance to our community, and we are anxious to assist this work in any way that we can, so that it will be an option as soon as possible. Please let us know when initial work on this important aspect of voting will commence.

2. Identification

4.2 (1) The Chief Electoral Officer shall,
(a)  Determine what document or class of document constitutes, for the purposes of each of the provisions listed in subsection (2),
(I)  Proof of a person’s identity, and
(ii)  Proof of a person’s place of residence; and
(b)  Publish the determination on a website on the Internet.

The most commonly accepted form of identification is a driver's licence, identification that electors who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted simply do not possess. The AEBC has worked for over six years to convince the Ontario Government to do what is routine in most other provinces in Canada, namely, offer a non-drivers' driver's licence, which can be used for identification purposes. Unfortunately, Ontario is yet to introduce such an option, and we are concerned that the requirement to produce identification at election times may constitute a new form of discrimination against us.

3. Form of This Year's Ballot:

We would like to discuss what this year's ballot will look like. We understand electors will be presented with two separate ballots, one to elect the local MPP, and a second to vote on the referendum question. Will these ballots be different sizes, or the same, and what will they look like?

4. Information on Party Platforms:

In order to be able to cast an informed vote, one must have access to information about party platforms, and the opportunity to participate fully in candidates meetings.

These are some of the major electoral issues we would like to discuss. I am hoping we can meet in the near future. I may be reached at: 416-941-1547, or by e-mail at: rae@blindcanadians.ca .

Sincerely,

John Rae
1st Vice President
Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
** No response received **

The following letter was sent to the three major party leaders in Ontario:

I am writing to you on behalf of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians, a national, not for profit consumer organization of blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted Canadians that is very active in Ontario. Founded in 1992, our work focuses on removing barriers, improving public attitudes and providing advice on public policy issues that affect our community's continued search for that elusive goal of "full participation and equality" that was promised during the 1981 International Year of Disabled Persons.

We are writing to each party, to seek their policies and commitments on a number of issues of great concern to our community:

1. Accessible Elections:
While many say this will be the most important election in Ontario's history, as Ontarians will be choosing their own MPP and deciding how MPPs will be elected in the future, again, we will not be able to vote independently and in secret like other electors. Recently, the Legislature adopted Bill 218, the Election Statute Law Amendment Act, 2007, which empowers the Chief Electoral Officer, at a by-election to "may direct the use of voting equipment, vote-counting equipment or alternative voting methods that are different from what this Act requires.

Will your Party commit to begin developing within six months of the election a system that will enable Ontarians who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted to vote independently and in secret by the next scheduled provincial election?

2. Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act:
The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act 2005 was intended to make Ontario fully accessible by the year 2025. To date, the AODA's implementation has been very disappointing, too weak and too ineffective. What will your Party commit to do that will improve the prospects of this Bill achieving its objectives?

3. Fighting Poverty:
Many Ontarians who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted continue to subsist on ODSP. The AEBC believes a comprehensive poverty reduction strategy is urgently required to help alleviate this ongoing reality. What will your Party commit to do to help reduce the excessive poverty that is faced by so many blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted social assistance recipients?

4. ODSP:
When ODSP rates are increased in November, a single person on disability will receive a maximum of $998 a month. The average rent for a bachelor apartment in Ontario is $665 a month. That leaves just $333 for food, clothing, utilities, bus fare – everything someone needs just to survive. ODSP rates don’t reflect reality. If elected, what will your party do to raise social assistance rates to reflect the real cost of living?

5. Reducing Unemployment:
The unemployment rate for Ontarians with disabilities is much higher than for our non-disabled counterparts. How will your party help people with disabilities access the training and supports they need to find and keep good jobs?

We look forward to receiving your responses to these important issues that face blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted Ontarians.

Sincerely,

John Rae
1st Vice President


**No response received **

2. ODSP Coalition Writes to Provincial Political Leaders, AEBC Offers Support

O.D.S.P. ACTION COALITION
C/O SCARBOROUGH COMMUNITY LEGAL SERVICES, 695 Markham Rd., Suite 9, Scarborough, ON M1H 2A5

To: Dalton McGuinty, Leader, Liberal Party
Howard Hampton, Leader, NDP
John Tory, Leader, Progressive Conservative Party

Re: Your Party's Commitments regarding the Ontario Disability Support Program

We appreciate the opportunity we have had to meet with members of your party to discuss the needs of individuals and families receiving income through the Ontario Disability Support Program and Ontario Works.

As we indicated, the ODSP Action Coalition has four main issues that we expect the parties seeking to form the next government to address. We are asking you to respond to us with your commitment on each of these four points:

ODSP and OW rates need to be raised to provide for the real costs of living.
Despite the cost-of-living adjustments that have been made in the last few years, income support levels under ODSP have not recovered from the 12 years of decline in real purchasing power that had occurred from 1993 to 2005. During this period the value of ODSP monthly income dropped by 18%. The value of OW rates dropped far more due to the cuts of 1995. Thus, even with the latest increase which recipients will only get at the end of 2007, people on assistance will still not be able to afford safe accommodation and eat healthy diets.

Social assistance rates should reflect average market rents (as determined by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation); the average cost of a nutritious food basket (as determined by municipal boards of health); and other basic needs such as utilities, transportation, telephone, personal hygiene, etc. Once the rates are raised to meet those needs, they should be adjusted annually according to the inflation rate.

2) An Independent Commission should be established to set social assistance rates.

The ODSP and OW rates are not based on any rationale criteria related to the actual costs of living for individuals and families in need. When the provincial government decided to raise MPPs’ salaries, they relied on the recommendations of an independent review to determine the amount of the raise. There should be a similar process that is independent of government to recommend the appropriate criteria for determining assistance levels.

The provincial government needs to establish an independent committee to develop rational criteria for determining the rates for OW and ODSP, based on the real costs of living, and commit to implementing the recommendations. This committee should include representation from recipients, disability and anti-poverty groups, and other stakeholders.

3) Low-income families need to get the full amount of the new Ontario Child Benefit more quickly, rather than getting only gradual increases over the next five years.

4) Accessibility of the ODSP must be improved

The provincial government shall undertake a thorough accessibility audit of the entire ODSP system as well as an audit of each individual office, including both income support and employment support. The audit shall include consultation with stakeholders, including recipients, and shall result in a comprehensive accommodations plan for ODSP service delivery.

The Ministry of Community and Social Services is responsible for the delivery of ODSP. This is the same Ministry that introduced the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA, 2005) as a tool for achieving accessibility for all Ontarians with disabilities.

The experience of many persons with disabilities who have applied for benefits under the ODSP or who are currently in receipt of ODSP benefits, is that despite the AODA, the ODSP is a program that is not fully accessible. ODSP applicants and recipients report experiencing many barriers to access in applying to the program, in receiving all the benefits that are available to them and in receiving employment supports.

These four points encapsulate the key concerns of recipients of ODSP, and are endorsed by numerous organizations which support the ODSP Action Coalition, including organizations representing people with disabilities and their families, mental health services, community agencies, legal clinics, and recipients of assistance.

Please reply to indicate your party's commitment to each of these four strategies to improve the situation for the most vulnerable citizens of Ontario.

Yours truly,
Nancy Vander Plaats, chair, ODSP Action Coalition

* * * * *

July 1, 2007

Ms. Nancy Vander Plaats
chair, ODSP Action Coalition
c/o Scarborough Community Legal Services

Dear Nancy:

The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) is pleased to endorse these letters.

John Rae
1st Vice President
Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
E-mail: rae@blindcanadians.ca

3. AEBC Supports Need for Inclusion of GPS Devices in Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program

July 3, 2007
Attention: George Smolinski, Program Consultant
Client Services Unit
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
Suite M1-57, Macdonald Block
900 Bay Street
Toronto ON  M7A 1R3

Dear Mr. Smolinski:

I am writing to you both as a very satisfied Trekker user and as the National Secretary of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians, AEBC, a consumer organization whose mission is to increase opportunities for blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted Canadians to participate fully in and reap the benefits of Canadian society.

Being able to travel independently is one of the most important facets of life for anyone, and having a Trekker, or other accessible GPS-based navigational aid increases independence immeasurably. I have access to city maps and real-time street information, without having to ask strangers for assistance. This is a great confidence-booster and would be a very useful item for any blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted Ontarian. Unfortunately, accessible devices are often much more expensive than their inaccessible counterparts, and the Trekker is no exception. It is far outside the realm of most potential beneficiaries' incomes.

I understand that there used to be a category of covered devices called "high tech Orientation and Mobility Aids", but that it was closed due to lack of use.

Please re-open this category and provide coverage to the Trekker, BrailleNote GPs and any other accessible product of their type on the market, in order to increase the safety and independence of all Ontarians who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted.

Yours sincerely,

Marcia Cummings
National and Toronto Chapter Secretary

CC:
Robin East, National President, AEBC
Phil Wiseman, Acting President, Toronto Chapter, AEBC

* * * * *

July 23, 2007
Dear Ms. Cummings:

Thank you for your e-mail about funding assistance towards global positioning systems (GPS) for the blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted. The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is looking into this. We appreciate you writing to express your organization's views.

Sincerely,

George J Smolinski
Program Co-ordinator
Communication Aids/Hearing Aids/Visual Aids
Assistive Devices Program
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care

4. AEBC Writes Michael Gottheil Regarding Ontario Human Rights Tribunal Changes

July 9, 2007
Dear Michael:
I am writing at this time for two reasons:

First, I am curious about the time frame for formal consultations re the development of the new Tribunal, and second, I want to raise an issue in advance of these consultations for your inclusion.

Recently, I filed a complaint with the OHRC, and received a detailed response from the respondent, as is the respondent's right. However, the Commission forwarded me this response in print only.

Now, I indicated in my complaint that I am blind and cannot read print, and that the issue in question involves the lack of material in alternative formats. Despite these points, the material was sent in print only, which only further makes me feel additional unequal.

When the new Tribunal is operational, I hope staff training will include the need to provide blind respondents with correspondence in his/her preferred format, which will often be electronic and not conventional print.
Hope you will consider this issue as you develop practices for the new Tribunal.

Sincerely,

John Rae
1st Vice President
Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians

5. AEBC Writes to Minister Responsible for Ontarians with Disabilities, Hon. Madeleine Meilleur

September 13, 2007

Minister of Community and Social Services Minister Responsible for Ontarians with Disabilities Hon. Madeleine Meilleur Hepburn Block 6th Floor 80 Grosvenor St Toronto ON M7A 1E9

I am writing to update you on behalf of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) to introduce you to our organization, and to seek the assistance of your Government on two issues affecting the safety and inclusion of blind and partially sighted citizens, namely, the quiet hybrid automobile and the calling out of bus stops by Transit operators. The AEBC is a national, not for profit organization of Canadians who are blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted. Our organization was founded in 1992 with a mandate to increase the rights and opportunities of blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted Canadians, and to work collaboratively on public policy issues.  To that end, AEBC works with 11 Chapters across Canada, Victoria, Vancouver, Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Collingwood, Ottawa and Montreal. Through these local outlets AEBC is not speaking for the blind; we are the blind speaking for ourselves.
The Quiet Hybrid Automobile:

AEBC’s membership and National Board are fully supportive of the environmental benefits of the new hybrid automobiles. However, as the attached Brief will outline in some detail, they pose real dangers to all residents, but especially to we who rely upon our hearing to move safely and independently through our communities.

We believe that an urgent dialogue, including auto manufacturers, government regulators, trade unions and consumer organizations such as the AEBC is required to develop a solution to this new danger on our streets.

We ask your Government to bring pressure on auto manufacturers by writing in support of our concerns, and by purchasing such vehicles for your fleets only when they include a feature that will make them safer for all pedestrians.
Transit Operators Calling Out Bus Stops:
The AEBC membership and National Board fully support the two recent rulings handed down by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and the Canada Transportation Agency (Tribunal Ruling & articles attached), which require that Toronto and Ottawa bus drivers and streetcar operators begin consistent announcements of all bus and streetcar stops.  It is our firm belief that our members deserve the same information afforded to the print-reading public that allows them to always be aware of their current location, namely the information provided by posted street signs.  
Many other Canadian Transit Authorities are now ensuring that all new busses purchased are equipped with the audio announcement capability of modern GPS systems, and the Lower Mainland of BC is one such forward thinking Transit Authority (Vancouver Sun article dated July 4, 2007 is enclosed). Of course Vancouver’s Skytrain was built with such a system installed from the start and remains today a fully accessible transit system for all who use it. 
AEBC is requesting that your Government Ministry responsible for local transit authorities ensure that new buses purchased include this technology from this date forward, that they undertake to retrofit existing busses with talking GPS equipment, and/or that they begin an immediate training program designed to have drivers announce all bus stops when busses not equipped with automated bust stop announcement systems are in use.
In conclusion, AEBC staff and volunteers are anxious to work with your Provincial Office for Disability Issues toward the total inclusion into all aspects of community life of citizens who are blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted.  To that end, I look forward to hearing from you on these critical safety and access issues, and we would welcome an opportunity to meet with the Government body responsible for disability issues. 
Should you desire additional information about the AEBC and its programs and services please do not hesitate to contact me in Victoria at 250-294-1352 or aruel@blindcanadians.ca . 
Respectfully yours,

Albert A. Ruel Robin East, President
AEBC National Equality Director AEBC National Board of Directors

CC.
Laurie Beachell, National Coordinator
Council of Canadians with Disabilities
Jim Prowse, Executive Director
Canadian Council of the Blind

6. AEBC wrote to mayors across the country regarding the Toronto Transit Commission’s being ordered to call all bus stops.

August 17, 2007
Dear: Mayor I am writing to you on behalf of the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC), a national organization of blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted consumers.  Our organization was founded in 1992 with a mandate to increase the rights and opportunities of blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted Canadians.  AEBC currently has 11 Chapters across Canada.  These Chapters are made up of seasoned Transit riders who are seeking equal access to information as they ride public transit.   
The AEBC membership and National Board fully support the two recent rulings handed down by the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal and the Canada Transportation Agency (Tribunal Ruling & articles attached), which require that Toronto and Ottawa bus drivers and streetcar operators begin consistent announcements of all bus and streetcar stops.  It is our firm belief that our members deserve the same information afforded to the print-reading public that allows them to always be aware of their current location, namely the information provided by posted street signs.  Canadians who are blind or partially sighted should not be forced to rely on the kindness of strangers and/or the driver’s memory in order to be alerted to the same information.  We too should be able to sit back and relax, at the back of the bus if need be, and be confident that every stop will be announced, thereby retaining our desire for, and indeed our right to independent mobility. 
Many other Canadian Transit Authorities are now ensuring that all new busses purchased are equipped with the audio announcement capability of modern GPS systems, and the Lower Mainland of BC is one such forward thinking Transit Authority (Vancouver Sun article dated July 4, 2007 is enclosed). Of course Vancouver’s Skytrain was built with such a system installed from the start and remains today a fully accessible means of transit for all who use it. 
AEBC is requesting that your transit system ensure that new buses purchased include this technology from this date forward, that it undertake to retrofit existing busses with talking GPS equipment, and/or that it begin an immediate training program designed to have drivers announce all bus stops when busses not equipped with automated bust stop announcement systems (a copy of The TTC v. Lepofsky decision is enclosed, as are the June 29, 2007 Ottawa Citizen and the August 6, 2007 Winnipeg Free Press articles related to this topic). 
The need for audible Bus stop announcements is real and immediate.  The solution is simple and doable with modern technology, or can be cost free when drivers are trained to provide the service.   
AEBC staff and volunteers are anxious to work with your city transit committee toward the implementation of increased accessibility based on these recent Canadian rulings.  To that end, I look forward to hearing from you on this critical safety and access issue and will welcome an opportunity to meet with you and the committee responsible for your Transit system to more completely discuss this issue on behalf of Canadians who are blind and partially sighted. 
AEBC is not speaking on behalf of blind Canadians on this matter; we are the blind speaking for ourselves.  Should you desire additional information about the AEBC and its programs and services please do not hesitate to contact me in Victoria at 250-294-1352 or aruel@blindcanadians.ca . 
Yours sincerely,
Albert A. Ruel
AEBC National Equality Director

From the Bulletin Board

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. For more information, please visit http://www.un.org/esa/socdev/enable/iddp2007.htm (opens in a new window)

Toronto Transit Commission Ordered to call all stops by August 25, 2007
David Lepofsky won his second decision against the TTC at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal, whose hearings ended on July 4, 2007. The decision is probably going to have far-reaching consequences throughout the country.

Upcoming Meetings

AEBC Board members will be presenting at the following meetings and/or conferences:

  • Vision Teachers’ Conference
  • Walk21 Conference

P.O. Box 20262 RPO Town Centre Kelowna, BC V1Y 9H2
Telephone: 1 800 561 4774 Email: info@blindcanadians.ca
Web Site: www.blindcanadians.ca (opens in a new window)


Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
L'Alliance pour l'égalité des personnes aveugles du Canada



Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians
PO Box 20262, RPO town Centre Kelowna, BC V1Y 9H2
Toll Free: 1-800-561-4774
E-Mail: info@blindcanadians.ca

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