<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians]]></title><description><![CDATA[The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) is a national charitable organization of primarily blind, deafblind or partially sighted members. ]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 13:51:32 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.blindcanadians.ca/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Member Book Release: Life With Jefferson]]></title><description><![CDATA[AUDIO VERSION There’s something special about the bond between a guide dog and the person they support. It’s built on trust, consistency, and a deep understanding that grows over time. For many people who are blind or deafblind, a guide dog is more than mobility support—it’s a steady companion that helps make daily life safer and more independent. That connection is at the heart of Life With Jefferson, co-authored by AEBC member Penny LeClair. Penny’s story offers a close look at what it...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/member-book-release-life-with-jefferson</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d7bd5934a8ccd671e98da4</guid><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:04:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e243e9_1ef6c82fee344a64aedad345d5196c76~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 2026 AEBC &#38; Allyant Scholarship Program]]></title><description><![CDATA[The application deadline for the 2026 AEBC &#38; Allyant Scholarship Program is Friday, May 29, 2026 . All applications and supporting materials must be received by 1:00 p.m. Eastern, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Daylight Time on that date in order to be considered. The scholarship winners will be announced on August 1, 2026, or at the Annual General Meeting in September of 2026. The successful applicants will receive a confirmation email during the third week of July 2026. In September, following...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/the-2026-aebc-allyant-scholarship-program</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b4636096363eb43d373c57</guid><category><![CDATA[Scholarships]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:11:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_71bac15e44c74b85b9cd6ac91ec1a645~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[PROGRAMME DE BOURSES DE L'AEBC ET D’ALLYANT, ÉDITION 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[• La date limite de candidature pour le programme de bourses d'études de l’AEBC et d’Allyant est le vendredi 29 mai 2026. Toutes les candidatures et les documents requis doivent être reçus au plus tard à 13 h, heure avancée de l’Est (10 h, heure avancée du Pacifique) à cette date afin d'être pris en compte. • Les récipiendaires des bourses seront annoncés le 1er août 2026 ou lors de l'assemblée générale annuelle en septembre 2026. • Les candidats retenus recevront un courriel de confirmation...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/fr/post/programme-de-bourses-de-l-aebc-et-d-allyant-%C3%A9dition-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69b464cd96363eb43d374022</guid><category><![CDATA[bourse]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 21:09:57 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_71bac15e44c74b85b9cd6ac91ec1a645~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[More Than a Meal: Why Accessibility Awareness Matters in Everyday Spaces]]></title><description><![CDATA[AUDIO VERSION By Peg Mercer What began as a simple birthday dinner turned into a quiet but meaningful example of what accessibility can look like when it is done right. On a recent day in March, a group of eleven friends gathered in Vancouver to celebrate our friend Lynne. Alongside us were four guide dogs—calm, well-trained partners who are essential to their handlers’ independence. The restaurant we chose was the White Spot on West Broadway in Vancouver. We were seated on a heated patio,...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/more-than-a-meal-why-accessibility-awareness-matters-in-everyday-spaces</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c3f51bdbf1d5b601317ab1</guid><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2026 14:50:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_4a9de1dbfe254024a3809016f933c84b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Don't Get Caught: Avoiding Frauds and Scams]]></title><description><![CDATA[Fraud is on the rise across Canada, and scammers often target people they believe may have fewer ways to double-check information quickly. For people who are blind, Deafblind, or partially sighted, that can mean extra caution is needed when dealing with phone calls, emails, text messages, or even someone at your door. The good news is that a few simple habits can prevent most scams before they start. Common Scams to Watch For Scammers use many different tricks, but most fall into a few...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/don-t-get-caught-avoiding-frauds-and-scams</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69aaf3a948ed77c778268b02</guid><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:11:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e243e9_69f246ff5b614729b5ef5425e2eb5d9b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_600,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Quebec and the Challenge of Offering French Education to People Who Are Blind]]></title><description><![CDATA[AUDIO VERSION by Suleman Arshad Learning French in Quebec is not just a choice; for immigrants, it is often a necessity. The province strongly promotes French as the common public language, and integration into society, employment, and even social life depends heavily on French proficiency. While this goal is understandable and important, the system does not work equally for everyone especially for people who are blind. My name is Suleman. I moved to Canada in 2022, and I have been living in...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/quebec-and-the-challenge-of-offering-french-education-to-people-who-are-blind</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a6eae37c30ee37982fc3dd</guid><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:45:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_545134644d76704136584d~mv2_d_3238_4856_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Satisfying Hobby You Never Knew Existed]]></title><description><![CDATA[By Diana Brent I was musing on Random Acts of Kindness Week which is this week from February 14 to 20. Something I think should happen all the time. It made me think about a hobby of mine that I love and an initiative I'd like to share. I discovered this intriguing project about ten years ago from a lady in my snowbird park who stopped by and saw my busy fingers at work crocheting on my sunny patio. She, and many others, have been spreading the word among knitters and crocheters everywhere...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/a-satisfying-hobby-you-never-knew-existed</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6997204bb8ed19d283732ef0</guid><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 19 Feb 2026 15:33:36 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e243e9_cce8f2bacb0149d79b64d657639269d2~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_600,h_448,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Wills and Legacy Giving: A Practical Introduction]]></title><description><![CDATA[This article is a companion article to our video presentation on wills and legacy giving. WATCH  THE VIDEO SESSION HERE This session was designed as an introduction to wills and legacy giving, with the goal of making estate planning feel less intimidating and more practical. It was not intended as a sales pitch, but as a first step toward understanding why planning matters and how people can approach it at their own pace. The focus was on clarity, peace of mind, and reducing stress for family...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/wills-and-legacy-giving-a-practical-introduction</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6984d2c41e5564677003533c</guid><category><![CDATA[Programs]]></category><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><category><![CDATA[Resources]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:39:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_776b665a797465544d4f41~mv2_d_5184_2912_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The White Cane – Still Relevant in Today’s Tech-Driven World]]></title><description><![CDATA[AUDIO VERSION By Linda Bartram   In an age of GPS apps, AI-powered navigation tools, and electronic travel aids that can identify objects or announce street names, the white cane might seem almost old-fashioned. Yet it remains profoundly relevant. The white cane provides immediate, reliable, and independent feedback about the world underfoot—curbs, stairs, drop-offs, uneven pavement. All without batteries, software updates, or data connections. High-tech tools can enhance orientation and...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/the-white-cane-still-relevant-in-today-s-tech-driven-world</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697a3916b3cf8ba23845e900</guid><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:50:47 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e243e9_ca64f5d7cea046cbb2cc65e04fc36920~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_720,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[We Are Hiring!]]></title><description><![CDATA[Communications Coordinator (Part-Time Contract) Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) Location: Remote (Canada-wide) Term: April 2026 – March 2027 (12 months) Hours: 12.5 hours per week (flexible) Compensation: $35/hour, funded by ESDC Canada About AEBC The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) is a national charitable organization advocating for the rights, inclusion, and independence of Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, or partially sighted. We lead public advocacy,...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/we-are-hiring</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697a6fac2c80129225d19d36</guid><category><![CDATA[AEBC News]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 28 Jan 2026 20:26:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_6459b38f094645b7b2822d6c3862cc5f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Welcome Surprise at 35,000 Feet: Accessible In-Flight Entertainment on Air Canada]]></title><description><![CDATA[AUDIO VERSION By Peter Quaiattini During my recent holiday travel between Calgary and Toronto on Air Canada, I had an experience I didn’t expect. As a totally blind traveller, I discovered that the in-flight, seat-back entertainment system was accessible. That alone made this trip stand out. How did I learn about this? Before the flight, I stumbled across a note in the Air Canada app on my smartphone. It mentioned upcoming features tied to my trip, with a brief reference to “accessible...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/a-welcome-surprise-at-35-000-feet-accessible-in-flight-entertainment-on-air-canada</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69721e3b9f5bcea2284ea47a</guid><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:58:14 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_d7739529f2c246fab664dd7609b60134~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Year and a Half with Smart Glasses from a Blindness Perspective]]></title><description><![CDATA[AUDIO VERSION By Jeffrey Stark If you're blind and considering smart glasses, you've likely heard the promises and some of the buzz around the glasses. I’ve had the opportunity to use these glasses and a number of previous similar tools (e.g. Envision glasses, OrCam, etc).  After spending a year and a half using both the Ray-Ban Meta glasses and more recently switching to the Meta Oakley Vanguard, I want to share what these devices actually do and where they fall short. The Meta glasses...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/a-year-and-a-half-with-smart-glasses-from-a-blindness-perspective</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695eaf53243e47cfabea066a</guid><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 13 Jan 2026 19:10:09 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e243e9_93b7319796b64d73b13ce469d3e4fe34~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_888,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Service Canada Programs and Benefits for People with Disabilities]]></title><description><![CDATA[The following is an audio replay plus resources from a Canadian Council of the Blind BC-Yukon presentation given by  Dianne Stoesz from Service Canada who spoke about Programs and Benefits for people with disabilities. This is a direct download link for the audio: 25 12 04 Division Call In with Dianne Stoesz from Service Canada   Service Canada Links and Resources: Canada Pension Disability Benefit  Canada Pension Plan disability benefits - Canada.ca Disability Tax Credit:  Disability tax...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/service-canada-programs-and-benefits-for-people-with-disabilities</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696125d4bb643392cffaf258</guid><category><![CDATA[Resources]]></category><pubDate>Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:27:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_8f882a9634ee4a18acd35e1db73df829~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Imagine the possibilities: Bringing brilliant minds together for a brighter future]]></title><description><![CDATA[Join us for an afternoon of fun and prizes! No tux, no gown just log right in,The trivia fun is set to begin!We’ll laugh, we’ll learn and share some cheer,Building bright futures, year after year. Join the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) British Columbia Affiliate for our 6th Annual Trivia Fundraiser. An afternoon of laughter, learning, lively competition and prizes all in support of scholarships for students who are blind, deafblind and partially sighted and pursuing...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/imagine-the-possibilities-bringing-brilliant-minds-together-for-a-brighter-future</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695e7503b0f4cdc63156ee9f</guid><category><![CDATA[Events]]></category><category><![CDATA[BC Affiliate]]></category><category><![CDATA[Chapters]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 07 Jan 2026 15:12:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e243e9_ecb9b0e77f1c4974afd5059e3f0f06b5~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_800,h_800,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Louis Braille’s Legacy in a Digital World]]></title><description><![CDATA[AUDIO VERSION By Linda Bartram   Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809 in Coupvray, France, and lost his sight at the age of three after an accident in his father’s workshop. Although the injury itself was small, an infection spread to both eyes, leaving him completely blind. He was later awarded a scholarship to attend the Royal Institution for Blind Youth in Paris, where he proved to be an exceptional student. Despite his talents, the school relied on raised print books that were...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/louis-braille-s-legacy-in-a-digital-world</link><guid isPermaLink="false">695a7b04bd1cfb4bde7bc903</guid><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:42:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e243e9_d8fa16d5596b480b9afcf25950864b00~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_800,h_800,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[An Empowering Message from International Disability Alliance (IDA) President, Dr Nawaf Kabbara, on 3 December 2025, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities]]></title><description><![CDATA[AUDIO VERSION  As we close 2025, I speak not only as President of IDA but as one person within a global community whose dignity, rights, and futures continue to be treated as an afterthought. This message is addressed to our movement, to governments and donors, to INGOs and multilateral agencies, and to every actor who shapes the world that persons with disabilities must navigate every day. It is offered with pride in the true leadership shown by persons with disabilities across the world and...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/an-empowering-message-from-international-disability-alliance-ida-president-dr-nawaf-kabbara-on-3</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6931ac23644b95bce4b61007</guid><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:46:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e243e9_b95c94d507b1421eb418d17c0c39b6f9~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Step Forward in Accessible Air Travel – New Standardized Form Launching in 2025]]></title><description><![CDATA[We are very pleased to announce some good news on the air travel front—something we have been pushing for, and something AEBC raised directly at the 2024 Air Accessibility Summit. Canada’s four major airlines—Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz, and WestJet—have agreed to use a single, standardized medical form for travellers who have complex health or accessibility-related needs. This replaces the current system, where each airline uses its own form, forcing passengers and health care providers to...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/a-step-forward-in-accessible-air-travel-new-standardized-form-launching-in-2025</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69304d7bee21510c2ee831fd</guid><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 14:52:27 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_d7739529f2c246fab664dd7609b60134~mv2.jpeg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Mini Memoir By Louise Johnson]]></title><description><![CDATA[AUDIO VERSION About Louise Johnson Louise Johnson is a long-time member of the AEBC BC Affiliate, a recently appointed National Board Member, and a dedicated advocate for people who are blind or partially sighted. Through her own lived experiences, she’s learned the value of persistence, independence, and community support. Louise has volunteered with local schools, contributed to accessibility projects, and represented AEBC on the Access for Sight Impaired Consumers (ASIC) board. Her story...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/a-mini-memoir-by-louise-johnson</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6925e0b3f0736c54fcb35dd1</guid><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 26 Nov 2025 18:49:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e243e9_b6c8cbbef80449a49300885fcbff820a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_480,h_640,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Canada Post’s Delivery Accommodation Program: A Reminder for Members]]></title><description><![CDATA[AUDIO VERSION As the Christmas and holiday season approaches, our mail tends to increase. Canada Post has a Delivery Accommodation Program that can help when getting to your mailbox becomes difficult. For some members, this happens after a move; for others, changes in health or mobility make the old routine harder than it used to be. If you are blind, Deafblind or partially sighted, or you have any condition that affects how you reach your mail, you can ask Canada Post for an adjusted...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/canada-post-s-delivery-accommodation-program-a-reminder-for-members</link><guid isPermaLink="false">691cb758972cbe45f900f002</guid><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><category><![CDATA[Articles & Stories]]></category><pubDate>Tue, 18 Nov 2025 18:18:56 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/e243e9_da7f63c6cd5e401da23310ff650aa4c2~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When inclusion leads, everyone moves forward]]></title><description><![CDATA[This year, AEBC has continued doing what we do best—making Canada more inclusive for people who are blind, Deafblind, and partially sighted. Over the past few months, we have trained advocates, pushed for accessible transportation and better websites, advised governments, supported scholarships, and built partnerships that open real doors. Every meeting, every policy win, every workshop is powered by the same belief: accessibility is not charity—it is equality. And when barriers are removed...]]></description><link>https://www.blindcanadians.ca/post/when-inclusion-leads-everyone-moves-forward</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6914a71d52f83e2b22419e25</guid><category><![CDATA[AEBC News]]></category><category><![CDATA[Advocacy]]></category><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2025 15:30:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/11062b_65c3ffbd0fb741c39a70d41edac2577a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>operations7108</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>