Seeing Beyond Vision Loss
A Year in Review 2013-2014: Nova Scotia-Prince Edward Island Division
We’re here every step of the way
Established in 1918, CNIB provided food, clothing, residences and library services to blinded veterans and other Canadians living with vision loss.
Our organization has evolved over the last 96 years: in addition to charitable programs – such as education, advocacy, research and client support – CNIB has become the primary provider of vision rehabilitation in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
CNIB’s vision rehabilitation programs and services reduce the personal, social and economic costs of vision loss, while improving the overall health and well being of individuals who are blind or partially sighted. CNIB helps individuals to see beyond vision loss and lead full, active lives.
Whether that means learning to cook again after a loss of sight, going back to school, maintaining employment, travelling safely and independently with a white cane or getting support to adjust to the emotional and social impact of vision loss.
As we approach CNIB’s centenary in 2018, we look forward to continuing to work in partnership with those we serve, as well as with other organizations, the medical community, and government to create a future in which every Nova Scotian and Islander with vision loss has the opportunity to fully participate in life.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Collaboration with allied health professionals improves quality of life
CNIB is working in partnership with allied health professionals and academic communities to create an exceptional client experience, while improving the quality of life for individuals who are blind or partially sighted.
In fact, more than half of the people who come to CNIB in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island are referred by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist.
Working collaboratively and leveraging our respective strengths:
· enables us to reach individuals before their vision loss has a severe, lasting impact on their health, independence and quality of life
· leads to better outcomes for individuals with vision loss
· reduces pressures on hospitals and care facilities
Since May 2010, our partnership with the Eye Care Centre in Halifax has linked patients with CNIB’s vision rehabilitation services and programs. CNIB volunteers reach out to patients and their family members in each of the waiting rooms at the Eye Care Centre, providing information on CNIB’s services and demonstrating popular products for everyday living.
First-year occupational therapy students have completed part-time fieldwork placements with CNIB since 2008, working alongside vision rehabilitation specialists to assist individuals who are blind or partially sighted.
Our partnership with Dalhousie University’s School of Occupational Therapy has been so successful that we recently began providing OT students with full-time fieldwork placements for six months of the year. The students facilitate group programs, conduct research and assist with follow-up training for independent living, orientation and mobility and assistive technology.
Bus operators learning how to better assist riders with vision loss
In February 2014, CNIB partnered with Metro Transit in Halifax to begin delivering ongoing, comprehensive training designed to enable bus operators to effectively communicate with – and provide a better quality of service to – passengers who are blind or partially sighted.
During the interactive 90-minute training session, bus operators learn about vision loss and the sighted-guide technique. They also learn best practices for assisting passengers, including announcing the route number when the operator pulls up to the curb, alerting riders of their designated stop and if any obstacles impede their path of travel (e.g., ice, snow and construction).
United Way funding reduces social isolation
Ongoing funding from the United Way of Prince Edward Island has enabled CNIB to continue offering a peer-support group that connects 11 youth and young adults who are blind or partially sighted with one another.
The program provides opportunities for participants to develop self-confidence and self- esteem, learn social and life skills, and develop an increased sense of community. Over the last year, CNIB’s Young Adults Group has gone a long way towards expanding each participants’ social horizon and reducing the social isolation that is often associated with vision loss.
Keeping active with leisure programs
CNIB launched a variety of leisure programs in 2013 – including an audio book club, yoga sessions, and walking and knitting groups – which provide clients the opportunity to get together while sharing their stories and tips. It also reminds everyone involved that they can still do the things they love – but they just may have to learn how to do them a little differently.
Eye Safety program marks major milestone
CNIB’s Eye Safety program celebrated its 200th workshop in the Maritimes in November 2013 during a provincial tour hosted by the NS Department of Labour and Advanced Education.
Over the last year, 906 workers in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island participated in CNIB’s Eye Safety Program, through 26 interactive workshops that focused on the importance of vision health and safety. Developed and launched in 2011, CNIB’s Eye Safety Program educates organizations and their employees about eye protection.
CNIB’s Eye Safety Program is proudly supported by: Construction Association of PEI, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Nova Scotia Construction Safety Association, NS Department of Labour and Advanced Education, Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, and Workers’ Compensation Board of PEI.
VISION REHABILITATION
CNIB’s vision rehabilitation specialists deliver programs and services where Nova Scotians and Islanders need them most: in their own homes and communities, over the phone, online and at CNIB centres in Charlottetown, Halifax and Sydney.
Initial Interview
Registration and Referral Coordinators assist new and returning clients to identify their needs and then connect them to services, programs and resources.
Client Support Services
Staff provide clients with information about library services, CNIB ID cards and community concessions.
Low Vision Assessments
Low Vision Specialists provide explanation and information about eye conditions and vision health, as well as instruction in the use of low vision aids such as magnifiers, and how to use lighting and colour contrast to maximize residual vision.
Adjustment to Vision Loss Counselling
CNIB’s Counsellors provide one-on-one counselling and facilitate structured peer- support programs to help individuals come to terms with their vision loss, understand their emotions, and accept the support and training that will allow them to continue to live independently.
Independent Living Skills
Independent Living Specialists provide training in skills, techniques and adaptive aids to carry out everyday activities, like preparing meals safely, identifying money and using the telephone. Instruction also includes organizational and labelling techniques for both household and personal items.
Orientation and Mobility
Orientation and Mobility Specialists teach people how to travel safely, independently and confidently in their home, community and workplace. Instruction includes the sighted- guide technique (a safe way to walk with a sighted person), way-finding skills, long cane techniques and street crossings.
Assistive Technology and Products
Assistive Technology Specialists provide information, demonstration and training enabling people to use screen magnification, screen-reader programs, cell phones with accessible features and other technologies.
Children, Youth and Family Services
Opportunities for parents with vision loss and parents of children with vision loss to learn about resources available – and through peer-support programs, share challenges and identify solutions.
VOLUNTEERS
CNIB matches Vision Mates with 35 clients in 2013-14
More than 30 Vision Mates have been matched with clients from Yarmouth to Sydney since the program was launched in Nova Scotia in June 2013 – thanks to funding from New Horizons. Within the first month of the program launch in Prince Edward Island in March 2014, five Vision Mate matches were made in Charlottetown and Summerside.
This innovative volunteer initiative matches individuals living with vision loss with specially-trained volunteers who offer friendly companionship and help with day-to-day tasks and errands.
Vision Mate volunteers assist individuals with a variety of tasks including reading mail, grocery shopping, errands, labeling and organizing household items, as well as enjoying leisure and recreational activities together – like playing cards and going for walks.
Volunteer recruitment soars in Nova Scotia
In 2013, CNIB’s volunteer team has seen significant growth in Nova Scotia. Nearly 75 of the current 135 volunteers in the province began volunteering with CNIB in the past year.
Meet John Owen
CNIB volunteer John Owen is the perfect ambassador for the Island’s new Vision Mate program. The retired business owner, who recently lost his sight to necrotizing fasciitis, knows first- hand how instrumental a support system can be in adjusting to life with vision loss.
“I’m very fortunate because I have a great deal of support from my wonderful wife, brother and close friends – however, there are many individuals whose loved ones do not have the time or the capacity to provide assistance with those everyday activities we often take for granted,” says John.
Activities like picking out birthday cards, attending community events, going to the bank or out for leisurely strolls. But John believes the Island’s Vision Mate program is so much more than volunteers helping clients with little, everyday things.
“Vision loss can often be a very devastating and isolating experience,” he says. In fact, compared to people who are sighted, people with blindness or partial sight experience increased isolation and depression, and reduced socialization.
“A Vision Mate is a friend. It’s a one-on-one relationship that gives the individual someone to confide in, and the opportunity to socialize, be more active and get out of the house more frequently,” John says. “A Vision Mate match can make a big difference in reducing the stress, anxiety and loneliness that’s sometimes associated with blindness.”
PHILANTHROPY
A Centre of Excellence
CNIB’s Vision Rehabilitation Centre of Excellence in Halifax offers a dynamic, interactive and inspirational learning environment for individuals who are blind or partially sighted – thanks to a complete range of leading-edge vision rehabilitation technology, assistive devices and accessible design. Individuals receive one-on-one and group services including information, support, instruction and learn about available resources.
The establishment of our Centre of Excellence would not be possible without the incredible support of our four founding sponsors: Marjorie and Sheldon Fountain, The Windsor Foundation, The John and Judy Bragg Family Foundation, and Westwood Developments Inc.
Thanks to the continued generosity of our donors, CNIB clients have learned best practices for safe cooking in our new Independent Living Suite, which includes a fully accessible kitchen.
Accessible signage
Heartfelt thanks to Eye Catch Signs Ltd. for producing and generously donating much of the signage for our Halifax Centre of Excellence. The accessible signage includes large-print, colour contrast, braille and audio features that read the poster text aloud. Our Maritime-themed, donor wall – also designed by Eye Catch Signs Ltd. – is home to a growing number of customized fish recognizing the contributions of our champion sponsors.
Testimonial: “CNIB taught me how to navigate my university campus independently and use public transit to go to the bank, grocery store and library. I don’t know where I would be without my new mobility skills.” – Alycia P., who is working towards her Bachelor of Psychology and recently received her first-ever guide dog thanks to her extraordinary mobility skills.
Community giving
· The United Way of Cape Breton provides vital funding for CNIB’s Low Vision services in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Thanks to their ongoing support, CNIB has a full-time Low Vision Specialist in our Sydney office who provides Cape Bretoners with information about vision loss and instruction in the use of magnification, lighting and colour contrast to help maximize their remaining sight.
· In August 2013, more than 100 golfers and volunteers hit the links at Belvedere Golf Club as part of CNIB’s annual Philip Bower Memorial Golf Tournament in Charlottetown. All proceeds supported vision rehabilitation programs and services on the Island.
· During Vision Health Month, many optometrists throughout Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island donated $2 to CNIB for every eye exam conducted during the month of May.
Blindfolded guests raise funds
It’s not unusual to close your eyes to savour a bite of a favourite dish. But have you ever consumed an entire meal that way – replacing sight with touch, taste and texture?
That’s precisely what 620 guests did at CNIB’s Dining in the Dark fundraisers in 2013-14. In the last year, Dining in the Dark events were held at the Holland College Culinary Institute in Charlottetown, the Best Western Glengarry in Truro, Horizon Achievement Centre in Sydney, and daMaurizio restaurant and Dalhousie University in Halifax.
Based on a restaurant concept popularized in Paris and New York, blindfolded guests took part in a unique culinary experience where they explored flavours, textures and aromas in a whole new way.
Meet Carole Spicer
Music has been a part of Carole Spicer’s life for as long as she can remember. So when the retired teacher was diagnosed with macular degeneration nearly four years ago, her first concern was finding a way to read the choir music she now had trouble seeing.
Macular degeneration is a progressive eye disease that causes damage to the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for seeing fine details. When memorizing lyrics and music notes no longer cut it, Carole asked her ophthalmologist to refer her to CNIB.
“I’ve been a singer all of my life, and it was one thing I refused to give up because of my vision loss,” says Carole.
During an assessment with CNIB’s Low Vision Specialist, Carole learned a number of sight enhancement techniques like scrolling, spot checking, and the use of eccentric viewing to help her read choir music again – as well as identify solutions for everyday tasks that had become a little more challenging since losing her vision.
Today at 79 years old, Carole leads a very active life: she enjoys volunteering and remaining involved within her community, tuning into Blue Jays games on the radio, singing with her church choir and performing the occasional solo.
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Towards a common goal
CNIB would like to recognize the Government of Prince Edward Island’s Department of Community Services and Seniors and the Province of Nova Scotia’s Department of Community Services and Department of Health and Wellness for funding vision rehabilitation.