Complaints about how effective CNIB is in serving the blind community are resonating, says a project manager for the charitable organization.

Diane Bergeron, CNIB vice-president, international affairs and engagement, says some service changes have occurred and others continue to be assessed sa国际传媒渟o that we can keep pace with their needs and expectations as well as the opportunities of the time.sa国际传媒�

In a statement to Black Press, Bergeron said these changes have included important transformations in how some of CNIBsa国际传媒檚 key services are funded and deliveredsa国际传媒攎oving away from charitable models for rehabilitation and library services, and toward sustainable models that place the accountability for these services in the public sector.

sa国际传媒淲e agree there is still much more to do to create the equal, inclusive future Canadians who are blind or partially sighted deservesa国际传媒攅specially when it comes to the disparity in employment rates, and access to the mainstream and specialized technologies that are powerful tools of independence in todaysa国际传媒檚 world,sa国际传媒� stated Bergeron.

sa国际传媒淚n recent nationwide consultations, our community has told us change is needed in these areas, so as we move into our next century of operation we will be renewing our dedication to this work.sa国际传媒�

The need for changes strike a chord with Joyce Mainland, a Kelowna resident and mother of a 35-year-old blind daughter, who has grown frustrated with the CNIB.

Mainland says the CNIB, with office locations in Kelowna and Kamloops to serve the southern Interior, has dropped the ball in working to develop programs that allow for more inclusion of blind people in society similar to what is done for people with other disabilities.

sa国际传媒淧eople who are blind or slowly losing their vision need help and services and theysa国际传媒檙e not getting it,sa国际传媒� said Mainland.

sa国际传媒淚t seems like the (CNIB) has outlived its usefulness.sa国际传媒�

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Mainland says she looks at other disability rehabilitative services, often covered by the Medical Services Plan, offered for people with stroke recovery, speech and paralysis issues, and feels blind people are left behind in both access and MSP support.

sa国际传媒淚f someone is losing their vision, they are sent to a charity. There has to be a paradigm shift in how we deliver services for the blind and visually impaired,sa国际传媒� Mainland contended.

She compares it to the Red Cross blood safety controversy, which led to another organization, Canadian Blood Services, being formed to oversee blood donations.

More specifically, she cites the example of CNIB creating a special library service for blind people, rather than advocating for new technology advances that can allow members of the blind community to access public library books and services.

Graeme McCreath, a blind community activist and executive member of the Canadian Federation of the Blind, recently stated the lingering charity status of the CNIB has resulted in blind Canadians suffering 100 years of social stagnation.

sa国际传媒淒espite national studies recommending upgrading blind citizens to independent, equal citizenship alongside our fellow Canadians, the power of the CNIB and complicit successive governments have assured our inferior charity status prevails,sa国际传媒� said McCreath.

sa国际传媒榃orking-age blind citizens were, and still are, one of the most unemployed, welfare dependent, socially isolated and disadvantaged groups.sa国际传媒�

The CNIB, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this week, was created directly because of the high profile gas-blinded heroes of the First World War and survivors of the 1917 Halifax harbour explosion where two ships collided, one laden with explosive munitions bound for the WW I battle front, to become a custodial service provider for the blind.

Bergeron said CNIB acknowledges the concerns expressed by Mainland, McCreath and others, saying there is always room for improvement.

sa国际传媒淎t the same time, countless more individuals and families would tell you about the life-changing difference we make through our worksa国际传媒攁nd that theresa国际传媒檚 an important role for us to play going forward,sa国际传媒� she said.

Bergeron cited her own life example, afflicted with retinitis pigmentosa, a progressive eye disease caused me to lose my sight completely by age 35.

sa国际传媒淎t every stage and in every part of my life, the training and support Isa国际传媒檝e gotten from CNIB has been vital to my confidence and independence. From essential skills like traveling with a white cane, reading braille and using technology, to overcoming the practical challenges of blind parenting, CNIB has been there for me,sa国际传媒� she said.

sa国际传媒淭he skills I learned laid a strong foundation for an active, happy life and a fulfilling career in municipal and provincial government prior to my current role. I could not be personally more grateful for this organization, and I know Isa国际传媒檓 not alone.sa国际传媒�

To report a typo, email: edit@kelownacapnews.com.

barry.gerding@blackpress.ca
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