CFB continues with its on-going mentoring activities. In early September, three members met in Langford on the outskirts of the city of Victoria to walk a trail called the Galloping Goose. They rode a commuter bus to practice a route in the area.

Also in early September, some members went to the grocery store and baked some excellent biscuits.

Before leaving for the NFB convention in July, some members went shopping for clothes and essentials for the trip to Orlando. They learned about the latest fashions, made optimum use of customer service and had fun trying on clothes. In June, several members walked around downtown Victoria to practice cane technique and travel skills.

On May 7, CFB held a successful “Find Your Freedom” day-long white cane workshop run by Denise Mackenstadt, NOMC, Orientation and Mobility Specialist, National Orientation and Mobility Certified instructor, Washington State.

At the workshop, Denise discussed the “Structured Discovery,” or problem-solving method of travel training for blind people, which differs from the conventional, route based method of travel teaching.
Photo: CFB Table at the convention

Over the last year, CFB held five blind youth mentoring conference calls on employment, independent travel, Braille, cooking and the Federation. Conference calls consist of a round table discussion where people ask questions and share experiences.

CFB will hold its sixth conference call, “Keeping Connected: Your Role As Advocate For Yourself and Others,” on Wednesday, September 28, 6:00pm Pacific time. People of all ages are welcome.

The Canadian Federation of the Blind sincerely thanks Coast Capital Savings for its support of the Blind Youth Mentoring Program. If you or someone you know is interested in signing up as either a mentor or a mentee, or both, please contact us.