August 1, 2005 (Sent by email)

To Whom it May Concern:

RE: story on Macular Degeneration aired August 1, 2005

I am President of the Canadian federation of the Blind, (CFB) a nonprofit, grassroots organization of blind people who are working to change what it means to be blind in this country. We believe it is respectable to be blind, and that blindness is not a handicap, but a characteristic. CFB members work to empower blind people to obtain the skills and confidence needed for independence.

I understand your program’s need to air medical breakthroughs dealing with research and eye health. However, when showing such stories, we would appreciate if you would publicize the message that with the right training and a good attitude, blind people can live independent and productive lives. We would also appreciate if you would devote some air time to the positive achievements of blind people and the potential for all blind people, no matter what age, to live happy and full lives.

I will paste an article below called “The Cure” from our most recent volume of “The Blind Canadian,” our CFB publication, which will give you some idea of our perspective on this issue. I will also include our brochure for your quick reference. I would be grateful if you would take the time to look at our website to learn more about our organization and how we are changing what it means to be blind in Canada.

I am happy to answer any questions or provide you with more information. Thank you very much for your time.

Sincerely

Elizabeth Lalonde, President
Canadian Federation of the Blind (CFB)
P.O. Box 8007
Victoria, British Columbia
Canada V8W 3R7
Phone (250) 598-7154
Toll-free 1-800-619-8789
E-mail info@cfb.ca
Web site www.CFB.ca