From the Canadian Federation of the Blind 2012 convention agenda:
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
Lao-tzu, The Way of Lao-tzu,
Chinese philosopher (604 BC – 531 BC)

“The Canadian Federation of the Blind (CFB) and the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) have come together to share in a journey, a journey to empower one another, to raise awareness about the unlimited potential of blind people, and together change what it means to be blind.”

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.”
– Helen Keller

The Canadian Federation of the Blind held its fifth convention, ‘The Journey,’ in Victoria, BC, at the Capital City Center Hotel, on May 11 – 13, 2012.

Close to 50 participants attended and shared in this important event that brings blind people together from across distances to empower and learn from each other. Federation conventions provide one of the best ways for blind people to learn about the potential, capabilities, accomplishments, advocacy, high expectations, positive attitudes, confidence and independence of blind people; and to truly know that it is respectable and OK to be blind. Conventions also give blind people an opportunity to experience what it is like to be in the majority.

Special Guest

Members of the Canadian Federation of the Blind were honoured to welcome special guest and keynote speaker, Mike Freeman, and his wife, Connie, to the convention. Mr. Freeman is a board member of the National Federation of the Blind in the United States, the largest and most influential movement of the organized blind in the world. A resident of Washington State, Mr. Freeman is also president of the Washington affiliate of the National Federation of the Blind. Mr. Freeman is a leader among blind people, and shows through his words and actions the capabilities and potential of the blind community.

Blind Youth

The convention this year attracted an impressive number of blind youth, who are future leaders of the organization. These young people spoke, showed their talents and participated fully in the weekend’s activities.

Several of the youth presented on Saturday’s employment panel, and actively demonstrated a desire and hunger to find gainful employment for themselves.

Thanks to a grant from Coast Capital Savings, the Canadian Federation of the Blind sponsored youth to attend the convention through its Blindness Youth Mentoring Program, and with a generous donation from the Victoria Imperial Lions Club, the Federation also assisted with their transportation costs.

Highlights of Convention:

EBay Seminar

On Friday morning, May 11, Mary Ellen Gabias, National and International Employment Advisor for the Blind, ran a workshop on the benefits and challenges of selling on EBay as a blind person. Federation members, Oriano Belusic and Heidi Propp, demonstrated the process of listing an item for sale on EBay, using a talking computer.

Adaptive Technology and Resource Exhibit

On Friday afternoon, the Federation hosted an Adaptive Technology and Blindness Resource Exhibit, which featured vendors, such as HumanWare, AbleTech and Personal Communications Systems. Convention attendees tried portable refreshable Braille displays, PDAs, magnifying devices, a Mac running Apple’s screen reader, VoiceOver, and other fun electronic gadgets. Attendees also checked out long white Federation-style canes, which they kept, free of charge; browsed blindness literature; and learned about Braille.

Welcome Reception

At the Friday evening reception, members met and enjoyed the company of other blind attendees, old friends and new, many from out of town. BC Saanich South MLA, Lana Popham, attended and spoke about the importance of choice in one’s rehabilitation options and the urgent need for government-funded intensive blindness-skills training in the province.

‘Rowdy and Raucous’ Auction

Later that evening, members held a ‘Rowdy and Raucous’ auction and sold a variety of donated items to raise money for the organization. West Coast smoked scallops, a specially-made quilted table runner, and treats baked by blind members were some of the items that enticed bidders.

Dean Yano, the Western Canada representative from HumanWare, generously donated a Victor Stream digital recorder, which claimed the top bid of the evening.

Saturday’s Conference

The conference took place the following day, Saturday, May 12.

Canadian Federation of the Blind president, Elizabeth Lalonde, and National Federation of the Blind of Washington president, Mike Freeman, welcomed conference attendees at the opening ceremonies, and blind musician, Karl-Erik Sonvisen, performed an electric guitar rendition of ‘Oh Canada.’

Throughout the day, members and guests gave informative and inspirational speeches on a variety of blindness-related topics, such as the long white cane, Braille literacy, independence, rehabilitation, employment, expectations, empowerment, sports and recreation, advocacy, the Federation, and a positive perspective on blindness and the abilities of blind people.

Specific presentations included: perspectives from blind adults about their postsecondary and employment experiences; speeches from people who have attended intensive blindness skills training centres in the U.S.; information on the latest adaptive talking and Braille technologies; an update about library services for the blind; a talk from a blind author on his new book, ‘The Politics of Blindness: From Charity to Parity’; a panel discussion of human rights cases related to blind Canadians, such as the case of accessible electronic textbooks; a presentation about ‘Blind Beginnings,’ a nonprofit for blind children and their families; a live interview with members about their experiences losing their sight and learning nonvisual skills; the story of a blind Spanish teacher and new citizen to Canada; the adventures of a blind marathon runner, and that of a blind skier and biathlon competitor; and a goalball athlete. (Note: Goalball is a team sport, designed for blind athletes, in which participants use a heavy ball with bells inside. It is a fast-paced game and is a Paralympic sport.)

Banquet

Following the conference, members and guests visited, reminisced and enjoyed their meals at the banquet dinner. Keynote speaker, Mike Freeman, topped the evening with his banquet address titled, ‘The Patterns of Blindness.’

Talent Night

Later at the talent night, blind performers played guitar and piano, sang and rapped, told jokes and recited original poetry.

Annual General Meeting

On Sunday morning, May 13, the Canadian Federation of the Blind held its Annual General Meeting.

Elizabeth Lalonde, the organization’s president for nearly a decade, stepped down from her position to pursue other goals related to the empowerment of blind Canadians. Members thanked Elizabeth for her dedication, time and accomplishments during her presidency. A new board was elected. (See the following article to learn more about the new board of the Canadian Federation of the Blind.)

Mike Freeman put out an invitation for everyone to attend the National Federation of the Blind of Washington State Convention, which will be held October 19 – 21, 2012, in Vancouver, Washington.

Thank You to Convention Sponsors

The Canadian Federation of the Blind wishes to thank the sponsors of its 2012 convention, including: the Victoria Imperial Lions Club; Coast Capital Savings; Capital City Center Hotel; HumanWare; AbleTech; Personal Communications Systems; and the National Federation of the Blind.

The Federation would also like to thank its volunteers and those who attended and made the convention such a success.