Braille Belongs:
Canadian Federation of the Blind Convention Report 2009
Written by Erin Lacharity, CFB Member at Large.
The fourth annual Canadian Federation of the Blind Convention was held at the Traveller’s Inn, City Centre, from April 30 to May 3, 2009.
This year’s theme, “Louis Braille: From Literacy to Liberty,” was special because it commemorated the great inventor Louis Braille, born on January 4, 1809, who created the six-dot reading system.
On Friday May 1, the convention officially began with Vice-President Mary Ellen Gabias’ fabulous Braille workshop. Mary Ellen showed us how to use the slate and stylus. Some of us, who had some experience with this tool, practiced making tactile pictures; others learned how to Braille the alphabet.
Following the Braille workshop, we went on the cane walk to the White Spot where lunch and good fellowship commenced.
The adaptive technology and blindness resource exhibit began in the afternoon. Several companies and organizations set up tables including: HumanWare, Revenue Canada, Triumph Vocational Services, Personal Communication Systems, Novax Industries and the Greater Victoria Public Library Assistive Services.
We got the chance to demo some of the latest adaptive technology, learn about programs available in the community, check out Federation literature, try a NFB long white cane and buy a CFB t-shirt.
HumanWare brought various technologies such as the Braille Note MPower, Viktor Reader Stream and the Trekker Breeze. Personal Communication Systems brought the Apple Mac mini using VoiceOver.
That evening we celebrated Louis Braille’s birthday with good food and a large birthday cake. The top of the cake read “Happy 200th Birthday Louis Braille” with Louis Braille’s name Brailled in icing dots. “Thank you to Thrifty Foods at Hillside Shopping Centre for supplying the birthday cake.”
Following the celebration, we had a wild time at the “Rowdy and Raucous CFB Auction.” People bought various lovely, wacky and delicious items. The evening was full of laughter, and Paul Gabias, for the second year in a row, showed his whit and talent as the auctioneer. Thus, Friday was a fun kick—off to our convention.
Saturday’s conference began with opening remarks by the acting Mayor of Victoria, Councilor Lynn Hunter, and by Dr. Paul Gabias, founder of the Canadian Federation of the Blind.
Doreen LomLomulwut Pelkey from the Tsawout First Nation welcomed us to the traditional territory and sang a beautiful traditional First Nations prayer song. I felt the power of her song and the intense emotion within the sounds of the language.
People won various door prizes throughout the day including a Louis Braille 2009 Bicentennial silver coin, scrumptious Roger’s Chocolate, candy and other fabulous items.
Elizabeth Lalonde, CFB president, delivered an up-lifting speech regarding the 10th anniversary of the Canadian Federation of the Blind and our accomplishments. The speech inspired me and made me remember why I became a Federationist.
Doris Belusic, CFB secretary, presented a stunning biography of the beloved Louis Braille, our inventor and our hero. I was transported to the time of the French Revolution, the quaint, unique village of Coupvray and the Paris school for the Blind. It was wonderful to hear the Federation spirit revealed in the person of Louis.
The next speaker was Marilyn Rushton, a blind vision teacher from the Vancouver school district. Ms Rushton gave an inspiring speech on her experiences as a vision teacher and how she empowers her students to problem-solve and become equal and active members of their class. I especially liked her humorous story of how she reads books in Braille to her grandson, and how he came to know “Bwaille.”
The rehabilitation and training panel, facilitated by Mary Ellen Gabias, demonstrated the vital need to improve rehabilitation for blind people in Canada.
Ken Westlake, who lives in Kelowna BC and is a graduate of BLIND, Inc in Minnesota talked about his experiences at this intensive and empowering Federation training centre.
At the finale of his talk, Ken rung the Freedom Bell given to him by the staff at Blind, Inc. The freedom bell is rung whenever blind people are working to make positive change for the blind.
Ken’s presentation encouraged me, and I expressed my desire to go to a training center to become as independent as I can be.
Paul Gabias delivered an informative talk entitled “Blindness and Goodwill: More is Required for the Prosperity and Integration of the Blind in British Columbia and Canada”. In this speech, he discussed his many challenges that were quickly mastered and how a blind man could become completely self-sufficient and respected within his community.
Next, Mary Ellen Gabias read an article that she had written for the Braille Monitor, entitled “Ironing Things Out”. This article talked about the challenges or misconceptions that we face, which can be thought to be associated with blindness, but are not because of blindness. This witty, food-for-thought article taught that some challenges may only be challenges because we are simply afraid to try something new.
Frederick Driver, long-time supporting member of the CFB, presented a paper entitled “Blind Immersion: A Proposal for a New Approach to the Education of Blind Children.”
Throughout the day, people made brief presentations about the importance of Braille in their lives.
Steven Sleigh and his colleague travelled from Ottawa to attend the convention. Steven, who works for Canada Revenue Agency, spoke about the disability tax credit for people with disabilities. He also gave an eloquent presentation about his own experience as a legally-blind person self-identifying at work and retaining his job despite discrimination.
Patrick McCarthy, Customer Service Representative from HumanWare, spoke about the latest Braille technology and how it can empower blind people in the workplace.
Many presentations and inspiring messages left me feeling elevated in spirit and full of Federationism.
As evening drew near, the banquet was close at hand; the highlight of every convention. Elizabeth Lalonde’s banquet address entitled “The True Courage of Blindness is the Courage to Educate” was moving and struck a deep cord within me. I felt the power of her strength as our leader and her strength as an independent woman come through her speech. In her soft, young voice she exhibited great pride and power in her message that we must educate the public about our capabilities as blind people and continue to spread the spirit of Federationism everywhere.
This convention was memorable and up-lifting. It was especially moving when Dr. Abebe Teklu, Professor at the University of Victoria, gave a stellar performance of his poem entitled “In Praise of Louis Braille (the man who created the Braille writing system)”. This poem was filled with awe and emotion for the man who made our reading capabilities soar because of his remarkable invention. I was moved beyond words at Abebe’s true emotion and gratitude for having Braille in his life. I was touched when Abebe presented his poem to the Federation as a gift!
Sunday was a relaxed affair of breakfast and the annual General board meeting of the CFB. Many good-byes were said and excited remarks were uttered about the wonderful convention. It was nice to have one more day among so many of my fellow Federationists.
The Canadian Federation of the Blind 2009 convention was a true marvel and success! We hope to see you next year for another stunning event!
A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors who have made this Convention a success:
Victoria Imperial Lions Club,
Kiwanis Club of Victoria,
Traveller’s Inn (City Centre),
A-British Columbia,
Thrifty Foods Hillside Shopping Centre,
Personal Communication Systems,
First Nations Training and Consulting Services, Victoria BC.
Thank you to the businesses and individuals who donated door prizes and auction items, including:
Island Farms,
The Sidney Pier Hotel and Spa, Sidney, BC,
HumanWare,
Executive House Hotel, Victoria BC,
Beklens Restaurant, Cordova Bay, Victoria BC,
Serious Coffee, Esquimalt location, Victoria BC,
Country Grocer, Victoria BC.
COSMETIQUE a La Carte Skin Care Center, Victoria BC,
Tim Hortons.
Finally, thank you to all the people who contributed to the success of this convention. See you next year!