Blind persons are still forced to take their lives in their hands when they try to take the bus in downtown Victoria, five years after city council was made to understand the dangers of the floating bus stops next to bike lanes. While those bike lanes are making cyclists safer, they are risking the lives of people who cannot use bicycles or motor vehicles, and who depend on buses to get around.

It is shocking to see the city reducing access for the people most in need of bus services.

After experiencing blatant indifference for our safety from then-mayor Lisa Helps and Victoria city council, members of the Canadian Federation of the Blind (CFB) felt compelled to file a human rights case. The issue concerned the dangerous access to new “floating bus stops” on Pandora and Wharf Streets. To expect blind transit users to attempt to dodge speeding silent cyclists to access or exit a bus stop is dangerous and unreasonable. The BC Human Rights Tribunal (BCHRT) confirmed that such stops were discriminatory.

However, instead of protecting blind transit users, the presiding Tribunal Member, Mr. Norman Trerise, failed to support his “cease and desist order” in legitimizing the dangerous infrastructure that allows the discrimination to remain. Simply adding a push-button audible flashing light announcing, “cross with caution vehicles may not stop”, does not remove the discriminatory barrier. Blind transit users cannot rely on a cyclist’s courtesy to avoid a collision. The blind witnesses were not consulted about the efficacy of the audible flashing light. The Tribunal Member also refused to hear from a blind victim who had suffered trauma when attempting to use the first audible push-button lights at Wharf and Yates Streets.

Our members decided to withdraw from this case absent of any beneficial outcome and have settled with the city in order to ensure our lawyers do at least receive some payment for their efforts.

Nevertheless, we expect qualified and discerning public servants to maintain consistency of infrastructure utilizing a variety of safeguards as incorporated in the seven principles of universal design. Civil engineers have a responsibility to create barrier-free infrastructure, such as with bus stops, intersections, and curbs, etc. These vital safeguards are necessary to help improve equity and prevent injury. If these principles had been applied, the “floating bus stop” concept would never have been approved. The resistance of the city to acknowledge the error in “floating bus stops” and the persistent “best practices” engineering policies are what allowed the construction of this dangerous public infrastructure.

Cycling is a privileged choice. Safe location of bus stops is essential. Instructing the city to return the stops to the curb would have been more in line with a meaningful accommodation. While we feel that minimizing a cyclist’s risk of injury is a noble goal, doing so should not impact blind transit users. Blind citizens should never be constantly expected to police public infrastructure.

There now seems to be a public debate over such discriminatory stops. There is something sinister about attempting to coerce blind citizens into participating in debating our safety with others who are not undergoing a form of persecution.

This high-profile case should have been a precedent with regards to the construction of equitable public infrastructure. Unfortunately, the Tribunal has instead created widespread confusion with blind citizens who are once again attempting to defend our legal rights.

CTV News posted this piece over the weekend regarding the CFB’s human rights complaint against the City of Victoria regarding bike lanes in the downtown area.

The CFB believes the city discriminated against people who are visually impaired by building bike lanes between bus stops and the curbs, making it too dangerous for those who can’t see to get on and off the bus.

 

The Canadian Federation of the Blind (CFB) Employment–Empowerment Convention will be attended by positive and independent blind people who are working together to improve opportunity and employment for blind Canadians. The convention is organized entirely by blind people for blind people.

“The convention is fun, empowering and an excellent chance for blind and low vision people to get together, to learn from each other and to encourage one another. We get refreshed at the convention, and motivated to go back into the community and live our lives with purpose,” says Mary Ellen Gabias, President of the Canadian Federation of the Blind. “The convention also gives people who are not blind a chance to learn about the diversity, independence and potential of people who are blind.”

This year at the convention, blind people will discuss their jobs, career goals and the essential need to improve equality, opportunity and quality of life for blind people in Canada.

Friday’s agenda includes: seminars on employment and positive approaches to blindness; a talking and Braille technology and resources exhibition; a blindness skills fair, a welcome reception and a ‘live and loud’ auction.

Saturday’s conference will start with greetings from Peter Julian, Member of Parliament, New Westminster – Burnaby. The conference will include a variety of presentations relevant to blind Canadians. The convention will conclude with a banquet and talent night on Saturday evening.

This year CFB members are honoured to welcome keynote speaker, Carla McQuillan, to the convention. Carla is blind and represents the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) in the United States, the largest and most influential movement of the organized blind in the world. She is also president of the NFB of Oregon.

CFB members are also excited to host Buna Dahal, internationally recognized job coach and career developer who will lead a seminar on employment for blind people.

The convention will be held in Burnaby, BC at the Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, 6083 McKay Ave from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 5.

The Canadian Federation of the Blind is a grassroots organization of blind people committed to the equality and empowerment of blind Canadians. Through advocacy, public education and mentoring, members work for change, promote a positive perspective on blindness and together gain confidence and skills.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Mary Ellen Gabias at 250-681-2495 or Email: convention@cfb.ca

May 3-5, 2019

Hilton Vancouver Metrotown, 6083 McKay Ave., Burnaby, BC

Tiffany Ballroom

MC: Mary Ellen Gabias, President, Canadian Federation of the Blind

NFB Representative: Carla McQuillan, President, National Federation of the Blind of Oregon

Recording and Audio: Sky Mundell

Door Prizes: Nancy Gill

Thank you to our official convention sponsors:

AMI, Accessible Media Inc.,

Canadian Assistive Technologies Ltd.,

De Lestre Council Knights of Columbus,

B and C List

and private donors.

Employment-Empowerment Convention Agenda

Friday, May 3, 2019

9:30 AM to 10AM Registration and Information Table (just outside the Tiffany Ballroom)

10 AM to 4 PM  Adaptive technology exhibits, blindness resources and blindness skills fair (concurrent) (Tiffany Ballroom A and B)

Exhibitors from blindness-related non-profit organizations and businesses will host tables from 10 AM to 4 PM in the Ball Room.

Exhibitors include:

• Canadian Assistive Technologies Ltd.
• Blind Beginnings
• Vocal Eye
• Neil Squire Society Access RDSP Program
• Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind
• Pacific Training Centre for the Blind
• Disability Alliance of BC (DABC)
• BC Blind Sports and the Vancouver Eclipse Blind Hockey Team
• Library user from National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS)
• Information from Braille Literacy Canada

 

The Blindness Skills Fair, hosted by the Pacific Training Centre for the Blind and the Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind, will also run from 10 AM to 4 PM in Tiffany Ballroom A and B. This interactive event includes hands-on, non-visual learning opportunities:

• Explore a Tactile Miniature museum, Created and Hosted by Josh Yates;
• Try self-defence techniques from blind self-defence instructor, Johnny Tai, Night Strikes Self Defence for the Blind;
• Learn about Braille;
• try out a talking computer and smart phone;
• and practice measuring with a click ruler.

 

10 AM to 12 PM

Employment -Empowerment an Exploration of Potential: Employment Strategies Seminar (Tiffany Ballroom C)

Lead by Internationally recognized job coach and career developer Buna Dahaland organized by The Canadian Federation of the Blind Employment Mastermind Group (EMG)

Welcome and greetings, Doug Lawlor, Employment Mastermind Group Co-Chair.

 

Seminar Synopsis: The job market of tomorrow will certainly be different.  Are blind people ready to face its challenges and benefit from its opportunities?  Are employers ready to incorporate the skills and talents of blind job seekers?

 

 

This seminar will include an employment panel with blind people talking about their employment experiences. This interesting panel includes:

• Patricia Elgersma (Project Manager, HSBC)
• Donna Hudon (Support Worker – Nanaimo Association for Community Living)
• Tim Black by Skype (Radio Program Director / Group Music Director (Country) / Morning Show Host for 101 the Farm / Bell Media).
• Erik Burggraaf, Computer Programmer and Technology Training Consultant

 

1:30 PM to 2 PM

Experience a live demonstration of self-defense techniques, conducted by blind self-defence instructor, Johnny Tai, of Night Strikes Self Defence for the Blind

 

2 PM to 4:30 PM

Seminar: Blindness has No Borders: a Positive Perspective on Blindness and the Abilities of Blind People. (questions and answers, panel speakers and small group-focused topics).

(Tiffany Ballroom C)

Lead by Kerry Kijewski, Secretary, Canadian Federation of the Blind of Ontario.

Panel speakers include:

• Carla McQuillan, President, National Federation of the Blind of Oregon;
• Mary Ellen Gabias, President, Canadian Federation of the Blind;
• Erik Burggraaf, President, Canadian Federation of the Blind of Ontario;
• Jessica Gladysz, Secretary, Pacific Training Centre for the Blind and secretary, Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deaf-blind;
• Shawn Marsolais, Executive Director and founder Blind Beginnings.

 

4 PM to 5 PM

Registration (just outside the Tiffany Ballroom)

 

6 PM to 8 PM

Welcome Reception: Meet and Mingle.  (Appetizers included as part of registration., cash bar)

(Tiffany Ballroom A and B)

 

8 PM to 10 PM

Live and Loud Auction to benefit the Canadian Federation of the Blind

(Tiffany Ballroom A and B)

(Auctioneer, Brian Kijewski)

We need donated auction items – baked goods, household items, gift cards, blindness gadgets, donated services and other creative ideas – all would be so helpful… Please drop off your item at the registration table located just outside the Tiffany Ballroom. Thank you in advance for your help.

 

 

Saturday, May 4, 2019

9 AM to 4:30 PM

Canadian Federation of the Blind Conference

(Tiffany Ballroom C)

 

8:15 AM to 9 AM

Registration and Information Table (Just outside the Tiffany Ballroom)

 

9 AM to 9:10AM

Conference begins. Opening Ceremony

Mary Ellen Gabias, MC and President of the Canadian Federation of the Blind

Introductions, invocation and “Live the Life You Want”, theme song of the National Federation of the Blind

 

9:10 AM to 9:20 AM

Greetings from Peter Julian, Member of Parliament, New Westminster – Burnaby

 

9:20 AM to 9:40 AM

Greetings and Update from the National Federation of the Blind

Carla McQuillan – National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Representative and President of the National Federation of the Blind of Oregon.

 

9:40 AM to 10 AM

Canadian Federation of the Blind President’s Report

Mary Ellen Gabias, President, Canadian Federation of the Blind.

 

10 AM to 10:20 AM

Blind Beginnings: It Takes a Village to Raise a Child.

Shawn Marsolais, Founder and Executive Director of Blind Beginnings.

 

10:20 AM to 10:30 AM

The Silent Hazard: Update on the Canadian Federation of the Blind Legal Bike Lane Case, Oriano Belusic, Vice President, Canadian Federation of the Blind

 

10:30 AM to 10:45 AM

Empowering E-Book Accessibility: Working Toward a Brighter Future

My Experience working for the National Network for Equitable Library Service (NNELS),

Heidi Propp, Self-employed blindness and Accessibility Consultant.

 

10:45 AM to 11:05 AM

The Promise of Accessible Publishing: Creating an Accessible and Equitable Reading Ecosystem for Canadians with print disabilities

National Network for Equitable Library Services (NNELS)

Laurie Davidson, Emerging Initiatives Coordinator – BC Libraries Cooperative

 

11:05 AM to 11:10 AM

Perception Massage: Creating Employment Opportunities, Agnes Chow

 

11:10 AM to 11:30 AM

A History of Guide Dog Legislation in BC, Darrell Jones

 

11:30 AM to 11:40 AM

Ongoing work to fix the BC Guide Dog and Service Dog Act, Oriano Belusic.

 

11:40 AM to noon

Let Me Lead the Way –Guide Dog Discrimination First-Hand, Georgia Pike

 

Noon to 1 PM

Lunch (provided as part of registration).

 

1 PM to 1:05 PM

The Canadian Federation of the Blind Employment Mastermind Group, Doug Lawlor, Co-Chair

 

1:05 PM to 1:25 PM

Blazing New Trails Takes Persistence: My Job as a Personal Support Worker, Donna Hudon.

 

1:25PM to 1:40 PM

Experiences on the Job: Strategies for Success, Patricia Elgersma (Project Manager, HSBC)

 

1:40 PM to 1:50 PM

My work with the Government of Canada: Canada Revenue Agency, Bilingual Tax Payer Services Agent, Angell Lu-Lebel

 

1:50 PM to 2:05 PM

An Outlook is as Unique as a Fingerprint –: Outlook on the Radio.

Kerry Kijewski, Secretary, Canadian Federation of the Blind of Ontario and Brian Kijewski, Treasurer, Canadian Federation of the Blind of Ontario.

 

2:05PM to 2:15 PM

Transformational Theatre/Storytelling Workshop Info, Thelma Fayle

 

2:15 PM to 2:25 PM

Adventures on a Dragon Boat- Erin Lacharity

 

2:25 PM to 2:50 PM

Being Blind & Belonging in Academia

Laura Yvonne Bulk OT, MOT, BSW

PhD Candidate, Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia

 

2:50 PM to 3:10 PM

Camp Bowen: Preserving the Past, Building the Future

Presented by the Camp Bowen Society for the Independence of the Blind and Deafblind

 

3:10 PM to 3:35 PM

Blind People in Charge: Ring the Freedom Bell, Pacific Training Centre for the Blind (PTCB), Elizabeth Lalonde, PTCB Executive Director and centre students: Charmayne Daniels, Vanessa Pettinger, Gabrielle Bond, Josh Yates, Michelle Balantyne.

 

3:35 PM to 3:50 PM

One Voice, One Cane, One Dream: My Work in India, Anna Tolstaya

 

3:50 PM to 4:10 PM

“Make the Impossible, Possible.”

Dynamic Buna, Inc., Blind Corps – Spark Inspiration; Engender Empowerment!, Buna Dahal, MS

 

4:10 PM to 4:30 PM

Training, Opportunity and Advocacy

Report from the Canadian Federation of the Blind of Ontario (CFBO),

Erik Burggraaf, CFBO Chair.

 

4:30 PM to 4:45 PM

Aira, Instant Access to Visual Information: Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) Pilots Aira App for the Blind in Vancouver and Victoria.

David Brun, Director, Gateway Navigation CCC Ltd.

 

4:35 PM to 5 PM

Closing comments and questions.

 

6 PM to 8 PM

Banquet with inspirational blind speaker Carla McQuillan, National Federation of the Blind Representative.

MC: Elizabeth Lalonde, Past President of the Canadian Federation of the Blind.

(Banquet meal included as part of registration).

 

8 PM to 11 PM

Talent night and music. (We are looking for performers for this fun-filled evening).

The evening will start with Anna Tolstaya on the flute. Her repertoire will follow the theme of the languages and cultures that have influenced and shaped her life – Russian, Hindi and Arabic songs and English folk music.

Followed by music on the keyboard from pianist and Vancouver islands Got Talent winner, Sky Mundell;

More songs performed by Jocelyn Gladysz, Jessica Gladysz and Alex Jergenson;

A poem recited by Soma Ali;

And More!

 

 

Sunday, May 5, 2019

 

9 AM to 10:30 AM

Canadian Federation of the Blind Annual General Meeting (hot breakfast provided

Please join us and help build the Federation in Canada.

 

Description of Menu Items Served during Convention as part of Registration

 

RECEPTION – FRIDAY, MAY 3 AT 6 PM

Appetizers will be set up at a table with someone from the hotel to help serve people.

There will be a selection of five types of appetizers including:

-Mango California Roll

-Roasted Red Pepper and Sweet Onion Crostini with Whipped Goat Chèrve

-Italian Soppressata and Provolone Grilled Cheese Sandwich

-BBQ Beef Sliders with Aged Cheddar on Brioche Buns

-Warm Poached Pear, Walnut and Brie Tart

-Cash Bar (everyone pays own)

 

LUNCH – SATURDAY, MAY 4 AT 12 NOON

PLATED LUNCH

-Soup

-Grilled Chicken Wrap and Caesar Salad

-Dessert – Chocolate Mousse

-Water, Coffee, Tea served at tables

 

BANQUET DINNER – SATURDAY, MAY 4 AT 6 PM

PLATED DINNER

-Crisp Market Greens Salad

-Roasted Fraser Valley Chicken Breast with Baby Potatoes, Seasonal Vegetables, Roasted Garlic Pan Jus

-Triple Chocolate Decadence Cake

-Water, Coffee, Tea served at tables

 

BREAKFAST, SUNDAY AGM 9 AM

PLATED BREAKFAST, The Heights breakfast of eggs, bacon, pan fries, toast

 With special thanks to the CFB Convention Planning Team for organizing this convention.

 Convention Planning Committee: Elizabeth Lalonde, Mary Ellen Gabias, Kerry Kijewski, Brian Kijewski, Eric Burggraaf, Nancy Gill, Doris Belusic, Alex Jergenson, Donna Hudon and Vicky Raja.

 

 

With thanks to our official sponsors AMI Accessible Media INC.;  Canadian  Assistive Technologies; De Lestre Council Knights of Columbus; B and C List; and private donors.  

The Canadian Federation of the Blind will hold its annual convention on May 3 – 5, 2019 at the HILTON VANCOUVER METROTOWN, 6083 McKay Ave., Burnaby, BC. Burnaby is in the Greater Vancouver area.

Join Us:

This year’s convention promises to be one of the best; it includes a full weekend of activities including a blindness resources, exhibits and skills fair; a philosophy session about the abilities of blind people; a welcome reception; live auction; a full-day conference with speakers discussing topics relevant to blind Canadians, such as employment, blindness skills training, advocacy, blind youth, peer mentoring, Braille literacy, adaptive technology and accessibility; talent night; and a closing banquet with keynote speaker.

Note: we realise hotel costs are high, there is limited funding but If you need some financial assistance, for registration or hotel etc., please email president@cfb.ca by April 20, and we will do our best to support you.

Convention Registration:

Convention registration is $75, which includes appetizers at the Friday evening reception, lunch on Saturday and the Saturday evening banquet meal.

If you can only attend Friday’s activities and seminars, the registration cost is $35.

 

There are a few ways to register.

You can pay via a bank email transfer to treasurer@cfb.ca

You can use PayPal with the email address treasurer@cfb.ca

Or you can send a cheque to: Canadian Federation of the Blind, P.O. Box 8007, Victoria, BC, V8W 3R7

Along with your registration, please include your name and contact information.

 

Transportation to and from Convention:

If you need help planning transportation to convention, please call Translink at 604-953,3333 and press 0 at the main menu.

If you require a taxi, please call Bonnie’s Taxi at +1 (604) 451-1111. As far as we know this is the only taxi company that does pick ups in the part of Burnaby where convention will be held.

If you need additional assistance with travel, please call or text Alex Jurgensen at +1 (778) 908-0521.

 

Hotel Information:

The convention will be held at the HILTON VANCOUVER METROTOWN, 6083 McKay Ave. You can stay at the hotel itself, or we can try to find other accommodations for you, if you would prefer to help save cost. We can also team you up with a roommate or two to reduce hotel cost. Just let us know how we can help to make this opportunity possible for you.

Hotel rooms are $209 plus 15% tax per night, which includes breakfast. If you get a room with two queen beds, you can have up to four people in one room. The hotel will charge an additional $20 for the third and fourth person.

Please note: parking and WIFI are complimentary.

www.hiltonvancouver.com

 

Convention Schedule:

Friday, May 3, 2019

10 AM to 4 PM 

Adaptive technology exhibit, blindness resources and blindness skills fair (concurrent).

10 AM to noon

“Employment, Empowerment” an exploration of potential: Employment Strategies Seminar, including panelists speaking about their employment experiences and lead by Internationally recognized job coach and career developer Buna Dahal.

Noon to 1 PMs

Break for lunch.

1 PM to 4 PM

Seminar: Blindness has No Boarders: a Positive Perspective on Blindness and the Abilities of Blind People.

 (questions and answers, panel speakers and small group-focused topics).

6 PM to 8 PM 

Welcome Reception (Appetizers included as part of registration.)

8 PM to 10 PM 

Live and Loud Auction to benefit the Canadian Federation of the Blind

(Donations of auction items welcome.) 

Saturday, May 4, 2019

9 AM to 5PM

Canadian Federation of the Blind Conference Including: a variety of speakers on a range of topics such as employment, Braille literacy, travel with the long white cane, training and rehabilitation, advocacy, guide dog issues, accessible websites and other accessibility concerns, blind children, blind people speaking in their own words about their lives, experiences and goals.

6 PM to 8 PM 

Banquet with inspirational blind speaker Carla McQuillan, National Federation of the Blind Representative. (Banquet included as part of registration).

8 PM to 11 PM

Talent night and music. (We are looking for performers for this fun-filled evening).

Sunday, May 5, 2019

9 AM to 10:30 AM  Canadian Federation of the Blind AGM (Breakfast served.)

 

About the CFB

The Canadian Federation of the Blind is a grassroots non-profit organization of blind people working together to raise awareness about blindness and the abilities of blind people.

If you would like more information about the event or our organization, please contact us at

phone: 250-598-7154, 1-800-619-8789 or convention@cfb.ca

You can also visit our website www.cfb.ca

The Canadian Federation of the Blind (CFB) will be holding its annual convention at the HILTON VANCOUVER METROTOWN in Burnaby BC, 6083 McKay Ave., May 3-5, 2019.

Please pass along this information to your contacts. We want as many people to benefit from this event as possible.

Burnaby is in the Greater Vancouver area and the hotel is located very close to a Sky Train station. Anyone arriving via rail, bus, or air caneasily reach the headquarters hotel using public transportation. Taxis are also readily available.

If you require financial support to attend the convention, please contact us, and we will do our best to help you find sponsors who can assist in the cost.

The Convention Planning Committee is working hard to put together thought provoking program items relevant to blind Canadians.

The convention includes a full day conference with speakers discussing topics relevant to blind Canadians including employment, blindness skills training, adaptive technology, advocacy, peer mentoring, Braille literacy and more.

Those attending can also take part in the Adaptive Technology and Blindness Resources Exhibit, featuring vendors of blindness products and services, a blindness-awareness workshop, an interactive skills fair, a welcome reception, live auction and banquet.

The CFB welcomes guest speakers and exhibiters. To apply to be an exhibitor or presenter, please fill out an RFP application, available on our website www.cfb.ca, and email it to convention@cfb.ca by March 8.

Convention registration is $75, which includes the Friday evening reception,
Saturday luncheon, and Saturday evening banquet.

Hotel rooms are $209 plus tax per night, which includes breakfast.

(Many of us will be sharing a room with another convention attendee to share the cost).

Our block of rooms are available to reserve until April 30.

Here is a CFB-specific link that can be used to make reservations.

Please note: parking and WIFI is complimentary

https://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/Y/YVRVMHF-CFB-20190503/index.jhtml

You can also make reservations directly by calling 1 604 438 1200 and ask for the reservation department.

Feel free to send questions to

convention@cfb.ca
or call 250-598-7154
1-800-619-8789

We are looking forward to this exciting event.

Thank you!

From the CFB 2019 Convention Planning Team

The CFB wishes to thank AMI for helping to sponsor our convention.

 

* AMI, Accessible Media INC., is a not-for-profit media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Operating three broadcast services, AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French, AMI’s vision is to establish and support a voice for Canadians with disabilities, representing their interests, concerns and values through accessible media, reflection and portrayal.

AMI’s goal is to be a world leader in accessibility, from the way they regard their customers to the employees they hire. It is the driving force behind the way they operate their business with the end purpose of making a difference and leaving a positive impression.

Hello all,

We have started a GoFundMe campaign to change a dangerous bike lane design that drastically reduces safety of blind and visually-impaired public transit riders. In this case, the new separated bike lanes and floating bus stops are in Victoria, BC, but there’s interest in them across North America, so this design could potentially set a precedent. We have obtained legal representation and filed a human rights challenge, but we need your support to help cover legal costs since CFB is a not-for-profit, entirely volunteer organization. We understand how tight money can be in our blindness community, but in this case, even a few dollars will make a difference, providing enough of us take action. Please find our GoFundMe link below.

Before you do, here’s a couple of things to note:
1. The GoFundMe fundraising website automatically suggests a 15 percent tip to be added to a given donation. On older computer systems this custom options box may be inaccessible. The GoFundMe suggested tip, which goes to them and not to our campaign, can be adjusted to a lower or zero amount if you  are able to interact with the custom options box. Or, please feel free to email your contribution directly to treasurer@cfb.ca or use Paypal at donation@cfb.ca (and note it’s for the GoFundMe campaign) and we will add your donation to it. You can also contact us at our main CFB phone number 250-598-7154 or 800-619-8789 and we will make some method work for you.

2. Please share our campaign as far and wide as you can. Remember that only a $5.00 donation by 5,000 people will enable us to reach our goal. And please encourage your social media friends to consider supporting this important cause.

Thank you. Here’s the link:

Our GoFundMe page includes a cartoon of a blind man run down in a bike lane by a bike; our campaign story; 3 news links; and, of course, a Donate button.

https://www.gofundme.com/cfb-bike-lanes

 

SATURDAY, MAY 5, 2018

8:30AM – 8:45 AM
On Site Registration ($50 donation)
Coffee and selection of teas will be available

9 AM – 5:00 PM
Full-Day Conference
MC: Mary Ellen Gabias, President of the Canadian Federation of the Blind

9 AM – 9:15 AM
Invocation: Michelle Creedy;
Introductions and convention arrangements.
Door Prize: Michelle Creedy, our “loud and proud” door prize chairperson.
(Door prizes will be interspersed throughout the convention.)

9:15 AM – 9:35 AM
“Organize: Working together to live the lives we want”- President,Mary Ellen Gabias.

9:35 AM – 9:55 AM
Organizing in Ontario: CFB on the move in the East: Ontario CFB steering committee – Erik Burggraaf, chairperson; Kerry Kijewski, Secretary; Brian Kijewski, treasurer.

9:55 AM – 10:10 AM
Deafblindness: What’s New, What’s Needed, and How the Organized Blind Can Play a Role – Elizabeth Syring.

10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
Been to a Good Movie Lately? The CFB audio description survey – Kerry Kijewski, project leader; Erik Burggraaf, technical manager.

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM
Living the Life You Want Through Training: Report of the Pacific Training Centre for the Blind – Elizabeth Lalonde, Executive Director, Pacific Training Centre for the Blind, Secretary, Canadian Federation of the Blind; PTCB staff and students;

10:45 AM – 11:30 AM
Blind Friendly Cities: the Inclusive Design Imperative –Oriano Belusic, Vice President, Canadian Federation of the Blind; Heather Walkus, Certified Assessor, Accessible Building, Environment and Human Rights Design; Bevan Thistlethwaite, founder, Integrated Biosensors.

11:30 AM – 11:40 AM
A Magazine That Matters – Doris Belusic, Editor, Blind Canadian.

11:40 AM – 11:55 AM
Questions and comments.

12 PM – 1:10 PM
Lunch, included as part of registration.

1:15 PM – 1:40 PM
Guide Dogs: provincial and federal challenges to human rights and a community that’s fighting back!– Graeme McCreath, Treasurer, Canadian Federation of the Blind; Oriano Belusic, Vice President, Canadian Federation of the Blind; Heather Walkus, Coordinator for the National Coalition of Persons using Guide Dogs and Service Dogs.

1:40 PM – 2:05 PM
Changing Attitudes Through Academia: the BeingBlind.org Project and Much More–Laura Yvonne Bulk, OT, MOT, BSW, PhD Candidate, Rehabilitation Sciences.

2:05 – 2:25 PM
Breaking Barriers in Employment: Getting the Job is the First Step – Donna Hudon, member of the Canadian Federation of the Blind Executive, Community Services Worker.

2:25 PM – 2:30 PM
Camp Bowen: Protecting a Covenant and Keeping Faith with the Blind – Members of the board, Camp Bowen Society.

2:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Advocacy Concepts and Strategies: Knowing Our Human Rights and How to Protect Them – Moussa Magassa, Human Rights Education Advisor, University of Victoria.

3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Getting the Word Out There in an Organized Way: the Canadian Federation of the Blind and Social Media – Kelby Mullin, Learning and Technology Coordinator, Victoria Disability Resource Centre.

4:00 PM – 4:10 PM
Reports, resolutions, and discussion.

4:15 PM – 5:00 PM
Annual General Meeting; includes election of President, second vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

5:00 PM
Adjournment.

9 am – 5 pm, Sandman Inn, 2852 Douglas Street

— Learn how blind Canadians are organizing and moving beyond thetraditional view of blindness to empowerment and equality

Victoria, BC–The Canadian Federation of the Blind (CFB) convention provides an excellent opportunity for blind and partially blind people to get together, learn from each other, and encourage one another to succeed.

“We get refreshed at the convention, and motivated to go back into the community and live our lives with purpose,” said Mary Ellen Gabias, President and co-founder of the CFB. “The convention also gives sighted people a chance to learn about the diversity, independence and potential of people who are blind.”

This year at the convention, blind people will discuss employment, post-secondary education, inclusive design, human rights, blindness independence training,and strategies for reducing the high unemployment rate–nearly 80 percent–of blind Canadians.

The CFB is excited to welcome new members from Ontario who will be starting anew division of the CFB and helping to expand the cause of the organized blind.

The CFB convention will be held Saturday, May 5 from 9 am to 5 pm at the Sandman Inn, 2852 Douglas Street, in Victoria BC. Convention registration is $55 and includes lunch.

The CFB ishosting a fun trivia night at Norway House, 1110 Hillside Avenue on the preceding Friday evening May 4, 2018,6:30pm to 9:30pm. Admission to the trivia night is $25 per person, and will be collected at the door. All proceeds from this event will go to support the CFB and its important work.

The CFB wishes to acknowledge sponsors of the convention: the Kelowna Knights of Columbus and the Victoria Imperial Lions Club.

The Canadian Federation of the Blind is a grassroots organization of blind people committed to the equality and empowerment of blind Canadians. Through advocacy, public education and mentoring, members work for change, promote a positive perspective on blindness, and together gain confidence and skills.

For more information, to attend the trivia night, or to register for the convention, please contact the President, Mary Ellen Gabias, at 250-681-2495, or call us toll-free at 1-800-619-8789. Please also visit our website at www.cfb.ca