In the early 1970s I was employed as a braille transcriptionist at the CNIB Maritime Division headquarters in Halifax. A sighted person was my reader.
We were transcribing a Handicrafts Manual one day and were dealing with the subject of chair caning. At one point in the manuscript reference to “reseating a chair” was made. I don’t know what I was thinking of at the time (I think it happened to be payday), but I spelled “reseating” as follows: receipting.
I was spelling it that way as I wrote it down when my reader broke out into a big guffaw. As a result of that goof, I had to redo the page and I was more than halfway finished at the time. Needless to say, I didn’t live that one down for a while.
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Read more articles from the April, 2019 issue of Insight:
In October, CNIB introduced “Get on Board!” – a new advocacy campaign centred on accessible transit as part of our strategic commitment to Safe and Accessible Journeys. The “Get on Board!” campaign examined the accessibility of buses, light rail, and ferries operated by 13 transit authorities and shed light on the obstacles encountered by individuals with sight loss when navigating publicly funded fixed-route transit services in various municipalities across Canada. It also provided opportunities for CNIB to develop and strengthen relationships with government and transit officials in each participating community. While the fall launch laid the foundation for our ongoing advocacy work, we’re excited to introduce the next phase of the "Get on Board!" transit campaign.
Today, 23 new partnerships, including 15 guide dogs, seven buddy dogs, and one ambassador dog, formally graduated as part of the CNIB Guide Dogs Class of 2024.
As part of the celebration, viewing parties of the graduation ceremony were held in communities across Canada. For many graduates, these events signified not only the end of months of anticipation and formal training – but also a tribute to all the individuals who supported each dog in their journey, making these partnerships possible.
April 17, 2024 – Yesterday, the Government of Canada released Budget 2024 and announced that the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit will start in July 2025, pending a regulatory design process. The benefit will be funded with $6.1 billion over the next six years.
This investment equates to a proposed maximum of $200 per month for eligible recipients who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Further, Budget 2024 does not invest in a strategy or programs that enable people who are blind or have low vision to join the workforce.
While the passage of the Canada Disability Benefit Act was an important first step, CNIB joins the growing list of organizations and advocates calling on the government to commit to more support to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.
Sail into summer with a taste of the Caribbean! CNIB is proud to present Sailing on the 6ix – A Night of Senses boat cruise event aboard the Obsession 3. Let’s bring the Caribbean experience to life with the tastes, sounds, and excitement of Toronto’s renowned Caribbean Carnival. Thursday, May 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.