2012-2013 Newfoundland and Labrador Annual Review
Vision Rehabilitation Programs and Services
CNIB is the primary provider of vision rehabilitation services in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our programs and services reduce the personal, social and economic costs of vision loss, while improving the overall health and well being of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are blind or partially sighted.
Through individual instruction and structured group programs in communities throughout the province, over the last year, CNIB specialists taught skills and provided opportunities to 3,431 individuals to:
·overcome the emotional impact of their vision loss through adjustment to vision loss programs;
·learn how to use magnification, colour contrast and lighting to maximize remaining vision;
·acquire skills to independently manage everyday activities such as preparing meals, using the telephone and identifying money;
·learn street crossing techniques, way finding and cane skills to travel independently in their homes and communities;
·acquire valuable life skills and prepare for independence, employment and post-secondary education after high-school graduation;
·learn how to use assistive technology to access information, to enhance job readiness or to maintain employment.
Highlights
Over the last year, CNIB saw a revitalized volunteer program in Newfoundland and Labrador. With dedicated staff support, the contribution of volunteers increased our capacity in many areas. The Vision Mate program was launched in St. John’s and volunteers are working in their communities providing one-on- one sighted assistance to people with vision loss.
In October 2012, CNIB celebrated the grand opening of our first- ever office in Labrador. The office is located at the Friendship Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and is operated by a full- time Independent Living Specialist. This office also acts as a base for service delivery by CNIB Specialists who visit the area.
Fact
This year, 176 new clients accessed CNIB’s vision rehabilitation services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Partnerships
In 2012-2013, CNIB continued working on strengthening our relationships with government departments, community agencies, and optometrists and ophthalmologists. In February 2013, we entered into a formal partnership with the Memorial University School of Social Work, which will give students the option of choosing CNIB for their field placement.
Post-Secondary Orientation
CNIB delivered its fourth annual Post-Secondary Orientation Program to ease the transition from high school to post- secondary school for students who are blind or partially sighted. Eight students toured university and college campuses, and took part in orientation and mobility as well as independent living skills activities throughout St. John’s.
Summer Intervention & Family Summer Camp
In August 2012, 27 children participated in CNIB’s summer intervention program that helps maintain and build vision rehabilitation skills. In addition, 82 campers attended CNIB’s summer family camp, including children, their families and interveners.
Eye Safety Program
CNIB educates organizations and their employees about eye protection, building a culture of safety and reducing the associated costs of workplace eye injuries. In 2012-13, CNIB facilitated 40 eye safety workshops to a total of 1,200 participants across the province thanks to the support of WHSCC, Rio Tinto- IOC, Vale, 3M, Nalcor Energy, NL Association of Optometrists, NL Construction Safety Association and The Telegram. In January 2013, CNIB formed a new alliance with the College of the North Atlantic to educate trades students at 17 campuses across the province of the importance of practicing eye safety.
Post-Secondary Peer Support Group
In our ongoing efforts to ensure that people who are blind or partially sighted have every opportunity to complete training and become more employable, CNIB introduced its first-ever Post-Secondary Peer Support Group in the fall of 2012. The group acts as an avenue for students to share experiences and assist each other in overcoming challenges and barriers that may exist in the pursuit of a post-secondary degree or diploma.
Fund Development
People of all ages who are blind or partially sighted enjoy a better quality of life and are empowered to succeed because of the generosity of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Individuals, service clubs, businesses, foundations and organizations continue to make our work possible. The generosity of our friends is received in many ways ranging from event sponsorships, attending or hosting an event to giving a donation, providing a project grant, or making a planned gift.
In May 2012, Vision Health Month was once again launched at Government House, which provided an opportunity to celebrate the success of CNIB’s Everyday Hero Campaign. Since its inception in 2009, this campaign has been led by CNIB volunteer Jim Hynes and has raised over $430,000 through the generous support of many Everyday Heroes through their networks of colleagues, friends and family. In 2012, Jim Hynes committed to raising a million dollars by 2020 with a goal of reducing the incidence of vision loss in the province.
Our 4th annual Visions Gala – Luna Luau, presented by Technip Canada, was held in September and raised $175,000. The theme successfully provided a memorable evening including a live auction and signature martinis. We are thankful to Dr. Edna Turpin, Event Chair, who has raised more than $400,000 over the last four years.
In February 2013, Browning Harvey Ltd. presented our second exclusive Dining in the Dark event at Raymond’s Restaurant. Guests were once again treated to an exquisite five-course meal with wine pairings while wearing blindfolds. Event Chair Anna Patten of Browning Harvey was delighted to announce that the event raised $25,000.
The McKesson Canada Foundation donated $20,000 to upgrade the Snoezelen Room in St. John’s allowing CNIB to accommodate the growing demand among clients and others in the community.
The Telus Community Board donated $18,500 to support the Post- Secondary Youth Orientation Program. This year, eight students from across the province learned about community supports that are available, how to safely use public transportation, assistive technology resources that willhelp them pursue their education, and had the opportunity to perfect everyday living skills such as grocery shopping and cooking.
Government Funding
CNIB would like to recognize Eastern Health and the Department of Health and Community Services for funding essential vision rehabilitation services. Our partnership with Eastern Health, positioning CNIB within the continuum of vision health care, has resulted in increased referrals and enabled CNIB to open a Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay to provide services to individuals in Labrador.
CNIB would also like to acknowledge the Department of Advanced Education and Skills; through this partnership, CNIB delivers an employment and assistive technology program, ensuring working-age adults have the skills and opportunities to find or maintain employment.
Finance
Revenues (Fiscal year ended March 31, 2013)
·29% Support from the Public
·54% Government Funding
·17% Fees for Service & Misc Income
Expenditures (Fiscal year ended March 31, 2013)
·79% Services, Public Education and Research
·14% Fund Development and Gaming
·7% Administration
Heartfelt Thanks
CNIB recognizes the Newfoundland and Labrador Division Board members’ commitment to vision health and thanks them for their contributions in 2012-13:
Patricia Suvak, Chair
Jim Hynes, Vice-Chair
James Maher, Past-Chair
Danny Barrett
Jason Blair
Shane Budgell
Deanna Cheeke
Terry Gardner
Trevor Giles
Dr. Sarah Hutchens
Dr. Trudy Metcalfe
Philip Strong
CNIB Centres
70 The Boulevard
St. John’s
(709) 754-1180
3 Herald Ave., 1st Floor
Corner Brook
(709) 639-9167
1A O’Neill Ave. P.O. Box 442
Grand Falls-Windsor
(709) 489-6515
49 Grenfell St.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
(709) 896-8302
cnib.ca/nl