Search Results

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 offered some swag for visitors, including keychains with braille words on them, signature guides, and lanyards in addition to AEBC brochures and business cards. We enjoyed connecting with participants which allowed for opportunities to highlight the meaningful work of AEBC. I noted several AEBC members in attendance throughout the day and, even as vendors, we also had the opportunity to visit many of the tables to learn what other organizations had to offer. There was a wide variety of goods and services to explore and it was motivating to see many people engage in conversation all around. Many tables demonstrated products related to the services they provide. Thanks to Ryan Fleury from Canadian Assistive Technology (and AEBC member), I was able to experience firsthand a couple of pieces of technology I’d not seen before. Lens Crafters had a variety of smart glasses available for folks who wanted to try them. The Britannia Branch - Vancouver Public Library demonstrated different book readers, and Vision Loss Rehab also displayed items on their table often used during a blind person’s rehabilitation journey. As a person who reads braille, I was able to visit Braille Literacy Canada and pick up bookmarks which will be very useful.  The fair certainly offered a variety of resources; whether you wanted information on recreation, learn new life skills, receive mobility and technology training or find out more about the world of advocacy, there are options and individuals can explore which organization suits their needs.  This fair was designed for the sighted community as well as for the blind and it was great to see so many people taking advantage of community information, services and new technology. Our thanks again to CCB and Lions of MD19 for hosting this event.

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 need to raise your voice or exaggerate your words. Speak to a blind person the same way you’d speak to anyone else — clearly and naturally. If you’re unsure whether they can see you, just introduce yourself: “Hi, I’m Jordan.” It’s polite and helps identify who’s in the conversation.   2. Don’t Grab or Push If you think someone might need help crossing a street or finding something, ask first . Say, “Would you like some assistance?” rather than reaching for their arm or steering them. If they accept, let them take your  arm instead of you pulling theirs. This allows them to follow your movements comfortably.   3. Use Words, Not Gestures Phrases like “over there” or “right here” don’t mean much without context. Instead, describe things using direction or location: “The door is about two steps to your right,” or “Your coffee is in front of you at the 12 o’clock position.” That small effort makes communication smoother and shows awareness.   4. Identify Yourself (and Others) in a Group When more than one person is speaking, mention your name occasionally, especially if the person hasn’t met you before. Example: “This is Sam speaking — I really liked your point.” It avoids confusion and keeps everyone included in the conversation.   5. Guide Dogs Are Working — Hands Off Guide dogs aren’t pets when they’re wearing their harnesses. They’re trained to keep their handler safe and focused. Talking to, petting, or feeding a guide dog can distract it, even in a calm setting. If you’re curious, it’s okay to ask the person about their dog. Just remember to speak to the handler , not the animal.   6. Don’t Assume They Need Help It’s natural to want to help, but people who are blind navigate their environments every day. Jumping in without asking can actually make things harder. Offer assistance respectfully, and don’t be offended if they decline. Independence is part of the goal.   7. Be Direct, Not Delicate You don’t have to avoid words like “see” or “look.” Most blind people use them too. Saying “Did you see that game?” or “Let’s look at this together” isn’t offensive — it’s everyday language. Awkward tiptoeing is far more uncomfortable than natural conversation.   8. Include, Don’t Isolate If you’re in a group, don’t forget to include the person who is blind in visual activities. Describe what’s happening, share photos aloud, or explain when people react to something they can’t see. Inclusion isn’t about special treatment — it’s about equal participation.   9. Respect Personal Space People who are blind often rely on mental maps of a space. Moving furniture or placing unexpected obstacles in shared areas can cause confusion or injury. Keeping spaces tidy and predictable isn’t just polite, it’s considerate.   10. Relax — Be Yourself Politeness, not perfection, is what matters most. If you make a mistake, apologize briefly and move on. No one expects you to know everything about blindness; they just appreciate genuine respect.   A Final Thought Interacting with blind or partially sighted people shouldn’t feel like walking on eggshells. It’s about connection, not correction. The simplest way to show respect is to treat the person as a person — not a problem to solve. A little awareness, a little communication, and a little patience go a long way.

AUDIO VERSION Each October, we mark World Blindness Awareness Month—a time to highlight the experiences of blind, low-vision and Deafblind Canadians. It’s an opportunity to shine a light on barriers, celebrate successes, and push for change. But if awareness only happens during this 30-day window, much of the progress we aim for falls short. Real change requires consistent attention and that includes strong commitments from the federal government. With the upcoming 2025 federal budget, this moment offers a tangible chance for the AEBC and our community to move from discussion to action. Awareness Shouldn’t Be Seasonal Awareness months are useful for visibility, but they also risk being siloed: seen as a “once a year” event, rather than a continuous concern. For people who are blind or partially sighted, barriers don’t vanish when November arrives. They exist in everyday life. In access to technology, employment, public services, housing, and transportation. If we limit our focus to one month, we miss addressing how deeply embedded and persistent those barriers are. Awareness must feed action: policy design, budget allocations, accountability mechanisms, and societal norms. That means maintaining focus all year. The 2025 Federal Budget: A Chance to Shift from Words to Commitments The federal budget is more than numbers on a page. It signals priorities, allocates resources, and shapes lives. In our recent press release  and submission to the federal government, we outlined six key asks: Stable five-year funding agreements under the Social Development Partnerships Program – Disability Component (SDPP-D). A national assistive devices program accessible across all provinces and territories. Mandatory inclusion of people with disabilities in all federal emergency preparedness planning and evaluation. A substantial increase to the Canada Disability Benefit, with eligibility extended to seniors. Full enforcement of the Accessible Canada Act, backed by updated training for federal staff and regulated sectors. Reduced clawbacks on disability benefits for people earning less than the average Canadian wage. These asks aren’t abstract. They reflect real costs, real lives, and real gaps. Linking them to Awareness Month, we’re saying: “Yes, we know the challenges now. Let’s actually fund the solutions.” Why These Commitments Matter Right Now Technology gap : Adaptive technologies have high upfront and maintenance costs, and piecemeal funding leaves many without up-to-date tools. A national assistive devices program levels the field. Income support : Many Canadians with vision loss face precarious employment or low wages. Expanding the Canada Disability Benefit and reducing clawbacks opens doors to dignity and independence. Organisational stability : Disability organisations do critical advocacy and service work, yet many operate under short-term contracts. Five-year funding cycles let them plan, innovate, and deliver. Systemic change : Laws like the Accessible Canada Act are only useful if properly enforced. Training, accountability and oversight turn promise into practice. Inclusive emergency planning : Blind and low-vision people are too often excluded from emergency response planning. This isn’t theoretical; it’s a matter of safety. What We Invite Businesses, Communities and Individuals to Do Don’t treat awareness month like the only time to “do accessibility.” Use it as a reminder to audit your practices, policies and spaces all year. Ask your elected representatives: “In the next budget, what commitments will you make for accessibility, supports and inclusion for blind Canadians?” Share your own stories of what accessibility means. This civil conversation builds public will and signals to decision-makers that access matters. Support organisations (including AEBC) that are working year-round on these issues. Visibility helps but so does sustained funding. Final Word This October, yes — raise awareness. But don’t stop at awareness. The upcoming federal budget gives us a moment to translate that attention into action. For Canadians who are blind, Deafblind or partially sighted, change isn’t just welcome, it’s overdue. And it deserves more than one month of notice. If you agree, reach out to your MP, join the conversation, and help ensure that accessibility doesn’t vanish come November.

AUDIO VERSION Each November, Canadians pause to remember the men and women who served and sacrificed in times of war, conflict, and peacekeeping. The poppy, small and bright against our coats, remains one of the most visible symbols of that remembrance. Many people know the poppy’s story began after the First World War, inspired by the poem In Flanders Fields . But fewer may know the meaning behind its colours and placement. Traditionally, the poppy is worn on the left side—over the heart—because that’s where our gratitude and remembrance live. The red petals represent the blood of those who gave their lives. The black centre signifies mourning for those who never came home. Some versions include a green leaf, symbolizing the grass and crops that grew again, a quiet sign of renewal and hope. When the poppy includes that leaf, it is often pointed to the 11 o’clock position, marking the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, when the First World War came to an end. While not every poppy today includes a leaf, its meaning endures. Wearing it is a simple but powerful gesture—one that connects generations. As time moves on and fewer veterans from earlier wars remain with us, it becomes even more meaningful to pass along the stories and traditions they carried. On November 11, let’s each take a moment to reflect not only on those who served in past wars, but also on Canadians currently serving in peacekeeping and humanitarian roles around the world. The poppy reminds us that remembrance is not just about history—it’s about ongoing respect, gratitude, and a shared commitment to peace. Here's more from the Canadian Legion on the poppy: https://www.legion.ca/remembrance/the-poppy

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 delivery option that matches your needs. AEBC has raised the importance of this program with both Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers as negotiations and rotating strikes continue. We know these talks can affect services, and we want to be sure the delivery accommodation program remains dependable during this period. We’re sharing this reminder now so members know what supports are available and how to request them if their circumstances change. The process for requesting an accommodation is straightforward. Start by visiting the Canada Post website and looking for the section titled “I can’t access my mailbox.” The form on that page asks for your name, address, and a short explanation of why you can’t safely reach your mailbox. In some cases, Canada Post may ask for verification, but this does not need to be complicated. After you submit your request, they will review your situation and determine what accommodation fits best. Depending on the layout of your area and your needs, this could include door delivery, lowering the height of your mailbox compartment, adding braille markings, or redirecting your mail to a more accessible location. Each case is assessed individually to make sure the solution is practical and safe. A few things can help the process move more smoothly. If you’ve recently moved, send in your request right away rather than waiting. If your health or mobility has changed, even for a short period, you can still ask for support. It also helps to be specific when describing the barrier you are facing. For example, tell them if the community mailbox is too far to reach safely, if the approach is not accessible, or if the compartment is too high or too low to use. Clear information helps Canada Post determine a suitable option quickly. If the online form isn’t convenient, you can make the request by phone. Call 1-844-454-3009 , and staff can guide you through the process and explain which accommodations are possible in your area. This is often the simplest route for many of our members. Canada Post created this program so people aren’t left struggling with something as basic as collecting their mail. If your situation has changed, or you’re finding access harder than before, reach out and request the accommodation that keeps your mail accessible, dependable and safe.

AEBC Event Thriving in This New Reality, 2022 International Day of Persons with Disabilities Virtual Event The goal for this year's conference is to share messages to motivate, empower and thrive. This virtual conference will be accessible to all and will feature ASL interpreters and real-time live captioning. Guest speakers will be announced very soon. Stay tuned! Join us virtually on December 3, 2022 Register Online! Or send an email to: aebctoronto@gmail.com . The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians thanks our event sponsors: Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) Gold Sponsor Ontario Chambers of Commerce (OCC) Gold Sponsor Canadian Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Silver Sponsor Partners: Accessible Housing Network (AHN ): accessiblehousingnetwork.org Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC): blindcanadians.ca Autistics for Autistics (A4A) Canada : a4aontario.com Baker Mckenzie LLP : bakermckenzie.com/en BALANCE for Blind Adults: balancefba.org Canadian Council of the Blind Toronto Visionaries (CCB): ccbtorontovisionaries.ca Canadian National Institute for the Blind : cnib.ca/en Ethno-racial People with Disabilities Coalition of Ontario (ERDCO) Ontario Chamber of Commerce : occ.ca Ontario Disability Coalition (ODC): odcoalition.com/author/odcoalition Trailblazers Tandem Cycling Club : trailblazerstandem.org WoodGreen Community Services: woodgreen.org

Missed our event? Watch or listen to the replay here: VIDEO AUDIO PODCAST AEBC National, AEBC Toronto, and partners are pleased to host the 9th annual International Day of Persons with Disabilities Conference!  The theme for this year's event is Inclusion Benefits Everyone. Our goal for this year's conference is to explore how being inclusive benefits everyone—not just people with disabilities—and to bust the myths that perpetuate exclusion. This virtual conference will be accessible to all and will feature ASL interpreters and real-time live captioning. Featuring guest speakers and an interactive, “Ask Me Anything” panel. Read about our amazing speaker lineup further below! With a special musical appearance by Sky Mundell , a Deafblind pianist.   Come curious – leave empowered! WHEN: Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm ET WHERE: Online by Zoom You may also register via email or request accommodations by emailing IDPWD.event@blindcanadians.ca   Thank You to Our Sponsors & Conference Partners! Download our Sponsorship package for information on sponsoring our event.   SPONSORS: TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club Ontario Council for International Cooperation Baker McKenzie Canadian Council of the Blind-BC-Yukon Division   PARTNERS: TRAILBLAZERS Tandem Cycling Club Ontario Council for International Cooperation Baker McKenzie Funded in part by the Government of Canada's Social Development Partnerships Program Speakers: Johnny (Tiger) Tai Johnny Tai is a blind and partially deaf Canadian-Taiwanese artist, martial arts instructor, and disability advocate. Since losing his sight and hearing at age three due to Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, he has devoted his life to proving that disability and capability can coexist—and even amplify each other. Johnny is the founder of Night Strike Self Defense for the Blind, a comprehensive self-defense and empowerment program designed for both blind and sighted participants. Over the years, Johnny has trained hundreds of people—including fire and rescue personnel, RCMP officers, airport security staff, and civilians—helping them understand adaptive combat, situational awareness, and the power of tactile intelligence. Night Strike’s inclusive approach demonstrates that blind and sighted practitioners can learn from each other, changing how society perceives physical capability and blindness. Johnny is also a tactile artist, using a distinctive method of etched-aluminum tactile art that combines visual detail with raised texturing, allowing those with vision loss access to rich figurative art in a meaningful, tactile way. Through his exhibitions, Johnny advocates for accessible creativity—art that can be both touched and understood without sight. To learn more about Johnny Tai visit his websites at http://johnnytiger.com/  and https://tigertactile.com/ Karoline Bourdeau Karoline Bourdeau, accompanied by her guide dog Raven, will join us to speak on the topic of AI. Karoline was an early adopter of AI using Be My Eyes and Seeing AI, and is a passionate advocate of the usefulness of these tools for the sight loss community. Karoline will demonstrate some of the tools she uses and talk about the many ways AI can be helpful to everyone if they dare! She will also give us tips on how to use these tools while maintaining personal data privacy. Karoline is a popular speaker at many conferences and has facilitated a number of workshops on copious topics including human rights, communication, and advocacy. She holds degrees in Political Science and Gender Studies as well as a Juris Doctor, all from Queen’s University. Karoline’s recent activities include Accessibility Testing and Technology Coaching. She volunteers with several charities including Lions International and the Blind Sailing Association of Canada. She is also a member of the Triple Vision podcast team . For more, follow Karoline’s blog at: https://gratitudifulplace.wordpress.com Panelists: Amber Kaur Amber Kaur is a Business Administration student at Nova Scotia Community College studying inclusive design, assistive technology, and equitable systems. Her professional background includes work with CNIB and World Blind Union, where she supported service accessibility and inclusive program delivery. As a visually impaired individual, Kaur is deeply committed to advancing inclusion, digital accessibility, and equitable employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Her lived experience has guided her passion for building systems that empower rather than exclude. Follow Amber on LinkedIn Yagiz Boran Yagiz Boran is an international, physically disabled professional and community advocate with lived experience as a leukemia survivor and wheelchair marathoner. His work covers nonprofit, education, and international development sectors, specializing in accessibility, well-being, and community engagement. Yagiz is currently collaborating with Spinal Cord Injury Ontario through Employment Services while also working to engage with the broader disability community to strengthen inclusion, awareness, and peer connection. Previous roles with Good Neighbours Canada, Ontario Council for International Cooperation, and the YMCA of Greater Toronto focused on program coordination, outreach, global citizenship, and advocacy for equitable participation in community and education systems. Yagiz holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a Post-Graduate Certificate in International Development from Centennial College. Follow Yagiz on LinkedIn Alicia Grace Chenier Alicia Grace Chenier is a blind actor, filmmaker, accessibility consultant and Disability Studies student at Toronto Metropolitan University. She currently serves on the Sudbury Accessibility Committee, advocating for improved access in public spaces and municipal systems. Nationally, Alicia has held leadership roles with CNIB’s National Youth Council and the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada. Alicia’s passion in advocacy centers on authentic disability representation, community inclusion, and the understanding that lived experience is a form of expertise and leadership. Follow Alicia on LinkedIn Ben Fulton Ben Fulton is a blind, Toronto-based Human Rights lawyer. As a student at Osgoode Law School, Ben founded and served as president of the “Daredevils in Training” club, which was and still is, focused on necessary accommodations for students who are blind or visually impaired. Ben’s law practice is focused on Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), Mediations Arbitrations, Boards, Committees and Tribunals. He previously worked as a caseworker with Parkdale Community Legal Services, where he provided clients with legal advice and representation at the Landlord and Tenant Board addressing illegal rent increases and evictions. He has engaged in community legal work and development and provided public legal education through a variety of workshops and tenant meetings. Ben is passionate about disability rights activism and helping people understand their rights and how to fight for them. To learn more about Ben or to follow his social media channels, visit www.benlaw.ca

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 with profound concern for the material realities shaping their lives.   Next year marks 20 years since the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities . The CRPD remains a landmark of justice and possibility. But for millions of persons with disabilities, the promise of that treaty has never reached their homes, their schools, their workplaces, their communities. We have fought hard this year for strong political commitments – and the World Social Summit outcome document  recognised the urgent need to dismantle inequality and barriers faced by persons with disabilities and rebuild our social contract. Yet its vision stands in stark contrast to the daily experience of most persons with disabilities, whose material conditions remain dire, exclusionary, and deeply unjust.   Too many still live segregated lives in institutions, far from their communities and families. Too many continue to be denied legal capacity, autonomy, and the freedom to determine their own lives. Millions are trapped in poverty that is not accidental but manufactured through exclusion. And everywhere, from climate disasters to economic crises to forced displacement, the impacts fall hardest on persons with disabilities, who are the first to be ignored and the last to be reached.   In conflict settings, the situation is especially grave. This year again reminded us that persons with disabilities face the greatest risks in war and the fewest protections. We cannot speak truthfully about global justice without naming the horrors witnessed in Gaza, where persons with disabilities faced catastrophic barriers to evacuation, to basic assistance, and to survival itself. Their suffering cannot be forgotten, and their rights cannot continue to be erased in humanitarian and political decisions.   These injustices are not historical footnotes. They define the present. They shape who gets to live safely, who gets to learn, who gets to work, who gets to dream.   And yet, amid all this, persons with disabilities continue to work collectively for a better future. The cohesion, courage, and solidarity within our global movement are extraordinary. Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across every region have mobilised, organised, and led with clarity and hope, even as resources shrink and civic space closes. Their work has driven reforms in discriminatory laws, advanced deinstitutionalisation, fought for inclusive education, insisted on accessible humanitarian action, and exposed the structural violence of exclusion.   We must recognise the incredible work done by organisations of persons with disabilities in these difficult times, in partnership with allies that work to support our autonomy and independence taking steps to end our ongoing subjugation. OPD leadership shows the world what is possible when persons with disabilities are not added to agendas but shape them from the beginning, and make meaningful reforms sparked by their insistence that rights belong in daily life, not just in resolutions.   The Global Disability Summit in Berlin  demonstrated this vividly. When persons with disabilities lead, the entire system shifts, analysis sharpens, solutions become real, and commitments gain weight. The lead-up to the World Social Summit reinforced this again: where OPDs have power, the global agenda becomes more just, more grounded, and more accountable.   And yet, these processes also revealed a troubling truth. Too many governments and development actors speak the vocabulary of inclusion while delivering almost nothing beyond symbolic gestures. Funding cuts continue. Civic space narrows. Inequality deepens. And the global trend toward mainstreaming within existing (or reduced) resources has become a dangerous retreat. Less than one per cent of development assistance directly supports disability inclusion, and a tiny fraction of that goes to OPDs.   The remaining ninety-nine per cent could be inclusive but rarely is. When ‘mainstreaming’ becomes a rhetorical shield to justify inaction, it harms the very people it claims to serve. Inclusion without investment is abandonment. Partnership without resources and power is performative window-dressing.   The world must change course.   INGOs must transform how they work, centering OPDs not as stakeholders, but as equal partners and essential public actors. Donors must move from short-term projects to long-term system reforms. And all actors must recognise that disability inclusion cannot be achieved through symbolic commitments; it requires structural investment, accessible systems, and leadership rooted in lived experience.   One truth has become impossible to ignore: real, lasting change is driven by the leadership of persons with disabilities.   It is OPDs who dismantle segregation. It is OPDs who challenge discriminatory laws. It is OPDs who demand accessible humanitarian response. It is OPDs who make rights real.   As we move into 2026, we carry urgency, but we also carry hope. Not a quiet hope, but a determined one. A hope grounded in solidarity, in struggle, and in the extraordinary leadership that persons with disabilities show every day. The world is no longer in a ‘business as usual’ moment. Every global system is being tested politically, socially, and economically. But this moment also offers an opening: a chance to rebuild with justice, accessibility, and equality at the centre.   To achieve that future, OPD leadership must be prioritised, not rhetorically, but financially, structurally, and politically. When OPDs lead, policies become grounded in reality, institutions become accountable, and the lives of persons with disabilities begin to shift in meaningful, measurable ways. So we do retain hope for the future; hope is the last thing we will let go of, but we need more evidence to sustain it.   To every OPD, every activist, every ally, every donor who has chosen courage over convenience: thank you. Your determination has kept this movement strong even when the world has turned away. Your solidarity with each other, across borders, languages, identities, and lived experiences, remains one of the most powerful forces for justice alive today. Through honesty, solidarity, and the unshakeable leadership of persons with disabilities, we are not merely responding to the world’s challenges. We are reshaping the world.   Thank you for your voice, your leadership, and your refusal to accept anything less than dignity and equality for all.

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 reflects a lifetime of resilience and a deep commitment to helping others find their own path forward. My Story I’m writing this in honour of someone I deeply admired—my grandfather, my mother’s father. He was blind and hearing impaired. I grew up hearing him say things like, “Don’t shout at me,” or “Please, speak louder,” as he tried to balance his hearing aids and his patience. He could see only light and shadows, but he’d still insist, “I’ll read this newspaper if I have to stand on my head to do it.” He had a temper and sometimes took it out on those around him, but he also taught me determination. He believed you could do anything if you set your mind to it. When I was seven, I watched him help my parents build our house from the ground up. He confused me at times, but he also inspired me. I’ve often thought that my life’s work is to make the world a better place for people like him—those who believe in their abilities, even when the world doesn’t make it easy. My name is Louise, and I was born on March 24, 1966. I was born able to see only light. In the first 18 months of my life, I had seven eye operations. When I was finally fitted with my first pair of glasses at 18 months old, everything changed. My parents told me that once I could see better, I learned to walk and began bringing them things I found around the house. But just around that time, I got into the garbage and ate something that made me dangerously ill. My parents said I was in the hospital on the critical list for 48 hours, and they weren’t sure I’d make it. Somehow, I pulled through. As I grew, my parents learned two important things about me. First, I was missing the small flap at the back of my tongue, which made speech a challenge. I worked with speech therapists until I was about 11 years old, learning to form the harder sounds. Even now, there are sounds that still trip me up. Second, they realized I had a learning disability. I was often behind in school, but I kept trying. When I was very young, I also had my adenoids and tonsils removed and ear tubes put in—three sets before I turned 12. I started school at Jericho Hill School for the Blind and stayed there for three years before my parents decided to move me to public school. After Jericho, I attended a school in New Westminster, and when my family moved again, we settled in North Delta. I was 10-1/2 and still behind in my learning, but the next three years were some of the happiest of my childhood. I rode my bike, played hide and seek, and joined in with the other kids. School was good too. I was in classes with sighted children and got support when I needed it, especially for speech, reading, and spelling. Then, when I was 13, my life changed. My right retina detached, and even after three surgeries, I lost sight in that eye permanently because of bleeding. Two years later, the same thing happened to my left eye. This time, I recognized the signs and got help faster. Over eight months and six operations to my left eye, doctors managed to save a little of my vision. I’ll never forget the moment I came home from the hospital completely blind—then, five days later, I saw red. That tiny flicker of colour brought me back for three more surgeries. By the time I was 17, I had endured nine eye operations and three knee surgeries. Those years were some of the hardest of my life. At 18, I went on income assistance and moved out on my own. I finished high school with a work readiness certificate. After that, I learned to take care of myself and volunteered at a drop-in centre for troubled youth. In 1987, I took my first computer course through the Vancouver School Board. That’s where I met Jane Blain from BC Blind Sports. A year later, I got my first guide dog, Loris—a yellow Lab who gave me freedom for the first time. In 1989, I worked for Blind Sports and joined the swim team. I even worked as an extra on the TV show Danger Bay. In June 1990, I joined a ten-month project with the BC Coalition of People with Disabilities called “Plan an Access.” That fall, I met my husband, and by the next September, we were engaged. We married in July 1992, and our son Anthony was born the following year. Unfortunately, he had allergies that made it impossible for us to keep Loris, so I gave her up in December. Losing her felt like losing my independence, but I focused on motherhood instead. Two years later, Brandon was born, and in 1998, we welcomed Dylan. Brandon had colic, and those early months were tough, but Dylan’s arrival brought a new kind of challenge—he was born with some of my eye problems and other health concerns, including an enlarged liver and spleen and a penicillin allergy. Thankfully, he’s doing well now. As the boys grew, life sped by. When Dylan started grade one, I began applying for another guide dog since Anthony’s health had improved. I was nervous about leaving my family for four weeks of training, but I knew it would help all of us in the long run. I began training on January 9, 2005. By then, my vision had declined even more, and I was afraid because I couldn’t see as well as when I had Loris. On January 12, I met Nate, a black Lab who would change my life. Our training was challenging and emotional. One afternoon, on a solo walk, Nate stopped and refused to move. I tried everything, but he stood firm. I felt like a failure. One of the trainers offered help, but I said I needed to figure it out myself. Then she gave me a hint: “Listen to the traffic.” I realized I was too far from the road and too close to a building. I retraced my steps, told Nate “forward,” and we found our path again. Later, the trainer told me I’d been standing two feet off the sidewalk—Nate had saved me from stepping off a small wall. When I returned to the lounge, the class cheered. The head trainer told me, “That was your best walk—you solved your own problem.” I cried, overwhelmed with relief and pride, knowing that Nate and I had truly become a team. I went home just in time for Dylan’s seventh birthday, and his wish was to wake up with our new guide dog in the house. With Nate, I found my freedom again. I became more involved in my children’s school, organized lunch programs, and even started a Christmas drive for local families. Seeing the community come together that year filled me with pride. Then Nate became ill. After months of vet visits and treatment, he had to retire in 2006. Around the same time, my son Brandon nearly choked, my husband had a seizure, and I was holding the household together. Life came at me all at once. Despite it all, I helped raise money for a new wheelchair-accessible playground at the school—the first in Surrey. Seeing my son Dylan help cut the ribbon made all the hard work worth it. Two months later, I received my next guide dog, Hercules. He worked beautifully, and I stayed active at the school. When some doubted me because I was blind, other parents stood up for me. I became Vice President of the Parent Advisory Council and stayed involved until Dylan finished elementary school. In 2011, life was full again. My sister got married, Anthony graduated from high school, and Dylan finished grade seven. But that same spring, Hercules retired, and I began training with Hawk, my fourth guide dog—a strong, loyal black Lab. All my life, I’ve had knee problems. I was born with kneecaps that dislocate easily, and I’ve had surgery, but it never fully solved it. Arthritis adds to the pain. I don’t go out when it’s icy because one wrong step can put me out for months. Even so, each guide dog has helped me walk with confidence again. For a long time, I doubted my skills. But with encouragement from others, I applied for help through EATI, got new adaptive equipment, and began volunteering more. In 2012, after training and volunteering all summer, I realized that advocacy and helping others were what I was meant to do. I first joined AEBC when Richard Marion gave tickets to my kids to a Surrey Eagles hockey game. He said I’d need to become a member to get involved, so I did—and soon I was attending meetings and even conferences. Later, I became the AEBC representative to Access for Sight Impaired Consumers (ASIC). That role gave me new purpose. In 2012, I was elected as Vice President of the Vancouver Chapter and subsequently became Chapter President—a position I held until the chapter closed in 2021. I still sit on the BC Affiliate Executive and enjoy that work so much. My determination and persistence are so strong that I once attended a virtual AGM planning meeting with AEBC from a hospital bed! I had fallen and broken my wrist which led to emergency surgery. This happened just before a 2019 Annual General Meeting and I wanted to see the planning through. A few days later, I flew to Ottawa with my fifth guide dog Kiara, brace on my arm. When I look back, I see that every part of my life—every surgery, every loss, every joy—prepared me to help others. I don’t like seeing anyone struggle or go hungry, especially children. I still learn slowly, mostly by doing, but I keep learning. And that’s what my life has been about—finding my way, one challenge at a time, and always getting back up again. AEBC’s Impact in Louise’s Life Louise’s story reflects what AEBC makes possible every day—a place where people who are blind, deafblind, and partially sighted can learn, grow, and lead together. What begins with peer support often leads to new confidence, new friendships, and the chance to take on meaningful roles in the community. Through shared experience, members learn practical skills—from using technology more independently to navigating systems that weren’t built with accessibility in mind. But AEBC is more than a support network. It’s a space where lived experience becomes leadership. Members like Louise show how connection and determination can shape advocacy, influence policy, and open doors for others. Every story shared and every skill gained helps strengthen a community that’s building a more inclusive Canada—one voice, one action, and one partnership at a time. Submissions: Have an interesting life story you'd like to tell? Reach out to us and we'll help you tell it.

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 repeat the same paperwork every time they switch carriers. Read the full NACC press release here. The new form doesn’t add any new requirements. It simply means you can complete it once and use it across all NACC member airlines beginning December 3, 2025. This will save time, reduce administrative hassle, and provide a more consistent experience for those who rely on accommodations when flying. AEBC welcomed the chance to participate in the consultations that led to this change. We see it as another small but meaningful improvement toward barrier-free air travel in Canada. The form will be available on each airline’s website beginning December 3, 2025. Air Canada:  https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/plan/accessibility.html#/ Air Transat:  https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/travel-information/special-services/accessibility-special-needs-and-medical-equipment WestJet :  https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/special-needs If you have questions, feel free to reach out to your airline’s accessibility office or to NACC at  info@airlinecouncil.ca To support the roll out of this standardized form, NACC has prepared the following “Questions and Answers” document . Thank you to our members for your ongoing advocacy and for raising these issues year after year. This is a win that came directly from the disability community speaking up.

By Linda Bartram Myth # 4: People who are blind can't work. Reality: With training and opportunity, people who are blind can indeed work. Along with career qualifications, training in life and blindness skills prepare persons who are blind and partially sighted for the workforce. So why is there still an unemployment rate of 75% for this demographic? The missing element is unfortunately opportunity. All too often, employers pass over qualified blind job seekers once their vision impairment is made known. It may be hard for many employers to conceive how we could possibly do something they do using vision, without sight.  When employers have doubts about how we will accomplish a certain aspect of the job, they need to know that chances are we have already given careful thought to it and come up with solutions. So have an open mind and ask us to explain. Don’t limit our opportunities because of your limited knowledge! With adaptive technology such as screen-reading and magnifying software, Braille displays and various other tools,  people with vision loss can and do work as: Teachers, college professors and guidance counselors Social workers and psychologists Doctors, nurses, and occupational and physical therapists Masseuses and chiropractors Rehabilitation teachers and counselors Customer service representatives Restaurant and store workers Factory workers Freelance writers, journalists, and TV and radio broadcasters DJs and musicians Lawyers, judges and politicians Executive directors and managers Coaches and athletes Authors and motivational speakers Chefs Architects Researchers, engineers and scientists Artists and photographers To name just a few. And there are proven advantages to hiring people with disabilities: People with disabilities are reliable employees and have an overall higher job retention rate. Employees with disabilities are less likely to get into work related accidents.  Businesses that hire people with disabilities may be eligible for financial incentives. Workers with disabilities will increase diversity in the workplace.   For more information and resources check out the Government of Canada's Job Bank page on Hiring Persons with Disabilities. ALT IMAGE TEXT: Linda and other members of the Victoria Accessibility Advisory Committee assessing the accessibility of the Crystal Pool facility in Victoria, BC. There are two white cane and two wheelchair users, along with Victoria EDI office staff, sporting red hoodies which say “National AccessAbility Awareness Week, Nothing About Us Without Us, City of Victoria Accessibility Advisory Committee." Everyone pictured here with visible and invisible disabilities is working in some capacity.

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 or prevented for our community, everyone benefits. Think about how many everyday things started with accessibility in mind:  Text messaging was a boon for deaf and hearing people alike and it is now part of all of our lives. Speech-to-text helped people who are deaf by making communication easier. Dictation is now a part of everyday life that we all use. Curb cuts built for wheelchairs made life easier for parents with strollers and travellers with luggage. Audio description and captions, once designed for people with vision or hearing loss, now help millions watch videos in noisy places or learn new languages. Even dark mode on smartphones, originally for low-vision users, now saves everyone’s eyes after a long day. AEBC has been directly involved in advocating for initiatives like the Ontario Photo Card, which provides government-issued identification to Ontarians who do not have a driver’s licence, making it easier for people to open a bank account and access government benefits. It was established in 2012 after a multi-year campaign led by AEBC’s Toronto Chapter. That is true inclusion. The solutions that help a few often end up helping all. With your help, AEBC will keep leading that change. Your donation—whether $10 or $100—directly supports the advocacy, mentorship, and education that make this possible. It helps us ensure that future technologies, workplaces, and communities start off accessible instead of requiring retrofits. As we mark Giving Tuesday on December 2 and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 , I invite you to give to AEBC and keep this momentum going. You can make your donation today at  www.blindcanadians.ca/donate  or through  CanadaHelps.org . When inclusion becomes the standard, everyone moves forward. Thank you for standing with us and for believing in a Canada where accessibility benefits all. With appreciation, Marcia Yale President Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians