Bowen Island, BC – Learn How Blind Canadians are breaking the mold and moving toward a positive, forward thinking model of empowerment and equality May 23 – 25, at the Canadian Federation of the Blind Breaking the Mold Convention.

“We get refreshed at the convention and motivated to go back into the community and live our lives with purpose,” said Mary Ellen Gabias, President of the Canadian Federation of the Blind. “The convention also gives sighted people a chance to learn about the diversity, independence and potential of people who are blind.”

Blind people will discuss employment and self-employment, blindness independence training, and strategies for reducing the high unemployment rate, near 80 percent, of blind Canadians.

Attendees will learn about exciting technologies like electronic Braille displays, screen reading software, and talking iPhones. They will also have the chance to learn more about a new accessible library initiative called the National Network of Equitable Library Services (NNELS).

Participants will take part in recreational activities such as hiking, kayaking, campfires and a martial arts demonstration by a blind martial artist.

Members are honoured to welcome keynote speaker, Gary Wunder. Blind since birth, Wunder is editor of one of the foremost blindness publications, “The Braille Monitor” and a former Programmer Analyst. He is representing the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the largest and oldest grassroots movement of blind people in North America, of which all CFB members are a part.

Mr. Wunder, who is traveling from Missouri to attend the convention, says the Federation was the first place where he didn’t get a round of applause for performing the routine activities of life as a blind person.

“If I wanted my Federation colleagues’ recognition and admiration, I had to merit them. It sounds contradictory, but, while I was learning I wouldn’t be applauded for insignificant accomplishments, I was also learning I didn’t have to possess special compensatory senses or talents to make my way in the world.”

The CFB convention will be held Friday, May 23 to Sunday, May 25, 2014, at the Bowen Island Lodge, 380 Cardena Dr, Bowen Island, (only a 20-minute BC ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay Vancouver Terminal).

The CFB wishes to acknowledge its sponsors: the Father Delester Council Knights of Columbus (Kelowna), the Victoria Imperial Lions Club and Island Savings, who are helping to make the convention a success.

For more information, or to register for the convention, please contact us at 1-800-619-8789 or visit our website at www.cfb.ca