By Arthur C Green
Special to The Telegram
Imagine losing your sight, being plunged into darkness, and having no one to turn to for assistance. Fortunately, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) has been improving the lives of Blind people for the last hundred years.
It is the organization’s 100th Birthday. This has program lead for advocacy and public education Debbie Ryan from the CNIB delighted to announce that St. John’s city hall will be holding a birthday party today, May 24, starting at 11 a.m. with a flag hoisting to officially commemorate the CNIB.
This will be followed up with an evening event in the E.B. Foran-Green Room from 5:30 p.m. which ends at 7:30p.m. Musician Charlie Barfoot will provide entertainment along with Beni Malone and his team from Wonderbolt Circus.
The CNIB was founded in 1918 by seven Canadian veterans in response to the increase in blindness, which was caused by the First World War and the Halifax explosion.
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Although founded a century ago, the organization still provides its original mandate which is providing equal opportunity for people who are blind or partially sighted.
“During that time, and with the support of a dedicated groups of volunteers, donors, like-minded community organizations, individuals living with vision loss, our CNIB team in St. John’s, Grand Fall-Windsor, Corner Brook, Happy Velley-Goose Bay and our friends in the local media, society are beginning to understand,” Ryan said. “We see attitudes shifting, and technology is transforming everything about how we live, work, play and connect. These changes bring so much potential for individuals living with sight loss — but there are also many barriers we still need to bring down.”
Over the years the CNIB’s work has evolved, but they have never strayed from its original mission of providing community-based support, knowledge, and a voice to ensure Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills, and opportunities to fully participate in life Ryan says.
Educating the public about blindness and making the city more assessable is also one of the mandates of the CNIB.
“We are ready to enter our second century more driven than ever before to create the future our founders imagined,” Ryan said. “Together with Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who live with sight loss, and an army of passionate supporters that stretch coast to coast in our province, we’re going to change the perception of what it is to be blind.”
The CNIB began its celebration in March by honouring the many clients, volunteers, donors, and community partners who have paved the way Ryan says.
“Throughout the year we plan to continue telling stories,” Ryan said. “We want to focus on the people who are passionate about bringing about a greater understanding of what it is to be blind and how society can contribute to that.”
On behalf of the CNIB Ryan would like to thank clients, donors, and volunteers who have contributed to building inclusive communities: Holly Bennett, Jason Blair, Sister Sylvia Staples, along with a special mention to Keith Bradbury and Brenda Snow.
This year the CNIB is about celebrating the dignity, the struggles, and achievements of people with sight loss, the generosity and vison of our donors and community partners, the dedicated work of our staff and volunteers to create programs, provide services, raise awareness and advocate for social change. The transformative work of the innovators who have developed technologies and products that have revolutionized the lives of people who are blind and partially sighted, Ryan says.
“Our bold new future will include the voices of the people with lived experiences who simply want access to the same opportunities as their peers enjoy,” Ryan said.
Over the past 25 years the CNIB has very much been a part of the consultation process as a member of the City of St. John’s Inclusion Advisory Committee, the Network of Disability Organizations, and the Marine Atlantic Accessibility Committee, just to name a few.
“One of the best examples of partnerships that are making our communities inclusive is our work with the City of St. John’s.” Ryan said.
The number of accessible pedestrian signals in St. John’s is increasing. Recently, the city allocated $50,000 to install accessible pedestrian signals at seven new intersections.
“It’s money well spent,” Ryan said, as these crosswalks are vital to people living with limited vision.
These signals provide a sound that could save a life and even on a windy day it’s like a beacon. Next time you’re at an intersection try crossing blindfolded.
Tyler Ensor has been blind for 25 years. These accessible signals at major intersections is vital to his mobility and his safety, Ensor says.
“It seems like a worthwhile expense for the taxpayers for me,” Ensor said. “Like nobody likes to think about it but anybody could go blind at any point so it’s something that could help anybody if they need to transition from being sighted to blind.”
It’s a safe step forward for all people who are living with vison loss Ensor says.
“Having accessible pedestrian signals at all the intersections means a person who is blind or partially sighted doesn’t have to be inhibited,” Ryan said. “They don’t have to fear.”
Ryan would like to remind the public that they also must think about the fact that the province has a substantial portion of the population who are seniors and many are dealing with vision loss.
These signals help people who are blind or partially sighted to safely cross the intersection using sound. East-West is one sound, while North-South is another sound. Therefore, they know as long as those sounds are auditable you can walk across, Ryan says.
Providing training in the use of these types of crosswalks is just one of the services offered by the CNIB. While adjusting to vison loss can be challenging you never have to do it alone.
“We provide services that can help parents help a child who is born with sight loss,” Ryan said. “There are also adjustment to vision loss peer support groups for parents and individuals.”
The CNIB also provides career, employment, and advocacy to people with sight loss.
“We partner with a variety of like-minded organizations,” Ryan said. “To ensure all of a person’s needs are addressed.”
