AEBC Blog

Hello, As Canada’s Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO), I am pleased to reach out to you today and introduce myself and my office. My role is to monitor and report annually on the progress of the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), and to provide independent advice to the Minister responsible for this Act. This includes providing advice on emerging and systemic accessibility issues and fostering dialogue between communities and key partners. My role is to champion accessibility and

AUDIO VERSION Most people mean well — they just don’t always know how to help. When meeting someone who is blind or partially sighted, the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing can make interactions tense or awkward. The truth? It doesn’t have to be complicated. Respect and good manners go a long way. Here are a few simple ways to make sure your good intentions come across the right way. 1. Speak Normally — Not Louder or Slower Blindness doesn’t affect hearing. You don’t

AUDIO VERSION By Chantal Oakes AEBC’s BC Affiliate was pleased to participate as a vendor at the Vancouver Vision and Hearing Resource Fair held on September 27, 2025 at the Lions Den in Vancouver. The event was hosted by The Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) BC-Yukon Division and Lions from MD19, who were also proudly promoting the Helen Keller 2.0 Challenge, celebrating 100 years since Helen Keller inspired Lions to become “Knights of the Blind.” At our vendor table, we o

AUDIO VERSION How persons who are blind are shown in movies, TV, and news stories shapes how others treat them in real life. That’s why representation matters. For decades, blindness has been used as a plot device: the tragic victim, the mysterious hero with “extra senses,” or the helpless dependent waiting to be rescued. Thankfully, things are shifting. But for every step forward, a few tired stereotypes still linger. Here’s a look at what’s improving and what still needs wo

AUDIO VERSION The journey toward equal rights for blind and low-vision people hasn’t been quick or effortless. Most of the access, technology, and public attitudes we see today were won through advocacy, not generosity. From education to employment to equal access in daily life, here are some of the major turning points that helped shape blindness rights in Canada and across the globe. 1820s — The Birth of Braille Communication is the foundation of independence, and Louis Bra

AUDIO VERSION You don’t need a major renovation or expensive technology to make your business more accessible. Most improvements are simple adjustments to how you communicate, organize your space, or train your staff. When people with vision loss feel welcome, they become loyal customers — and they tell others. Here are 10 straightforward ways to make your space more blind-friendly. 1. Greet People Verbally — Don’t Just Nod or Gesture If someone walks in and you’re not sure w

AUDIO VERSION How Societal Attitudes Toward Blindness Vary Around the World Blindness is a universal human experience, but how it is understood, accepted, and integrated into daily life differs dramatically across cultures. From reverence to stigma, empowerment to exclusion, the global landscape of blindness reveals as much about cultural values as it does about access to technology and inclusion. The Power of Perception: Why Culture Matters Culture shapes how societies perce

AUDIO VERSION Guide Dog Awareness Month is a chance to share not only the challenges faced by guide dog users, but also the stories that show how acceptance and respect can make a lasting impact. One of those stories comes from 1989, when AEBC member Chantal and her husband Rick Oakes welcomed their daughter, Whitney, into the world at Grace Hospital in Vancouver. At the time, Rick had a guide dog named Bryor, and the couple asked if he could stay with them during the birth

By Diana Brent AUDIO VERSION I have been fortunate enough to have experienced both ocean and riverboat cruises, and I have never been disappointed. I have enjoyed sailing with Holland America, Celebrity, Norwegian, and Viking. River boats are much smaller than ocean-going vessels and as a consequence, are less crowded. The atmosphere is sedate—you can’t really tell that you’re moving as you glide through the peaceful water. You are often so close to the land you can see and

By Devon Wilkins AUDIO VERSION Several years ago, I travelled to Phoenix, Arizona to attend two conferences: the first hosted by the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners, and the second by Assistance Dogs International. While there, I became quite ill with what I diagnosed as a nasty sinus infection, and then some. I was a board member of the IAADP at the time, and several other board members did whatever they could to convince me that I should seek medical at

Guide dogs give people who are blind or partially sighted the freedom to move with confidence and independence. While the idea of...

By Diana Brent A quick Google search tells me that some form of eyewear for improving vision has been around since Ancient Egypt and...

Every guide dog begins life as a playful puppy, but their future path requires extraordinary focus, training, and dedication from the...

By Neven Humphrey From past articles, you know that I love to travel, and I also took part in sports for the visually impaired. But...

September marks Guide Dog Awareness Month, a time to recognize the essential role guide dogs play in supporting independence for people...

by Dar Wournell I was 19 when I lost my vision. It happened in a single surgery. One day I had 20/20 sight. The next, I was blind. It was...

By Dar Wournell Recently, Yvon, my guide dog Demetris, and I took a trip from Halifax to Moncton aboard VIA Rail’s Ocean route --a choice...

By Marcia Yale I had the chance to attend the 2025 Canadian Telecom Summit in Toronto on June 3 and 4. It brought together people who...

By Linda Bartram Too often, what I have to report is about barriers and the struggles I and others in the blind community continue to...

By Linda Bartram I recently went on a short vacation through Parksville and Honeymoon Bay on Vancouver Island with a sighted friend,...