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 害羞草研究所渟o that we can keep pace with their needs and expectations as well as the opportunities of the time.害羞草研究所�

In a statement to Black Press, Bergeron said these changes have included important transformations in how some of CNIB害羞草研究所檚 key services are funded and delivered害羞草研究所攎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.

害羞草研究所淲e agree there is still much more to do to create the equal, inclusive future Canadians who are blind or partially sighted deserve害羞草研究所攅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 today害羞草研究所檚 world,害羞草研究所� stated Bergeron.

害羞草研究所淚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.害羞草研究所�

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.

害羞草研究所淧eople who are blind or slowly losing their vision need help and services and they害羞草研究所檙e not getting it,害羞草研究所� said Mainland.

害羞草研究所淚t seems like the (CNIB) has outlived its usefulness.害羞草研究所�

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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.

害羞草研究所淚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,害羞草研究所� 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.

害羞草研究所淒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,害羞草研究所� said McCreath.

害羞草研究所榃orking-age blind citizens were, and still are, one of the most unemployed, welfare dependent, socially isolated and disadvantaged groups.害羞草研究所�

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.

害羞草研究所淎t the same time, countless more individuals and families would tell you about the life-changing difference we make through our work害羞草研究所攁nd that there害羞草研究所檚 an important role for us to play going forward,害羞草研究所� 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.

害羞草研究所淎t every stage and in every part of my life, the training and support I害羞草研究所檝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,害羞草研究所� she said.

害羞草研究所淭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 I害羞草研究所檓 not alone.害羞草研究所�

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

barry.gerding@blackpress.ca
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