Seeing things differently

Thanks again to Jennifer Yankanna, Community Giving, CNIB for speaking to the Club about the role of the CNIB and what we can do to help.  The CNIB is one of the oldest charities in Canada.  There are 22,000 clients registered in BC, with only about 3,300 in the Lower Mainland.  The CNIB provides rehab services including:  orientation and mobility (cane training), independent living skills, and low vision services.  There are three different types of canes, for which the purpose is to identify the person to others.  The CNIB also has a Vision Mate volunteer program which brings volunteers together with the visually impaired clients.  The CNIB also provides counselling and referral services.  The children's camp (Zajac Ranch) is another successful program.  There is an early intervention program for children 0 to 5 years and there are vision support teachers in all schools.  Funding comes mostly from donations (very little government or Coastal Health grant funds).  One of the fundraising events is the popular 'Night Steps'.  If you see a visually impaired person, introduce yourself and offer to be a "sighted guide" - let the person take your shoulder or slide their hand to your elbow (that's how they are trained) and let them lead you.  Jennifer is also a member of the local Lions Club.