Supporting members with vision-related disabilities

UPDATE: The session has been postponed to 2025. Please stay tuned for confirmation of a new date. We apologize for the inconvenience

According to the Canadian Council for the Blind’s “The cost of vision loss and blindness in Canada” report in 2021, 1.2 million people in Canada experience vision loss or blindness. This makes up 3.2% of the population. These individuals are our colleagues, members and comrades in our community. But how can we best support these people and ensure their full access to our union spaces?

The Ottawa Area Council is proud to present “Supporting members with vision-related disabilities”. This session, delivered by CNIB, will teach union members about vision loss and blindness, and how it affects many of our members.

This session will explore:

• common misconceptions about vision-related disabilities
• etiquette when engaging with individuals with vision loss and blindness
• ableism and common access barriers related to vision-related disabilities
• suggestions for making meetings more accessible
• strategies to support members and colleagues with vision loss and blindness

The presentation will be 1 hour followed by a 30-minute question and answer period.

The session will be delivered in English with French interpretation. Captions will be available.

When: Thursday, November 14, 2024

Where: Zoom

Audience: This event is open to all PSAC members who are interested in better supporting members, colleagues and community members with vision-related disabilities. Community members who are not affiliated with PSAC but are interested in attending are encouraged to email oac-cro@psac-afpc.com.

Click here to register.

If you have any accommodations, please complete this form prior to November 12:

What is CNIB?

Founded in 1918, CNIB is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. They deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Their work as a blind foundation is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast.

Learn more on their website: https://www.cnib.ca/en/about-us?region=on

About the speaker:

Kate Riccomini is a passionate advocate for the sight loss community, of which she is a part.  She is particularly interested in breaking down misconceptions about living with a disability.  Kate currently works as the Program Lead, Advocacy and Accessible Community Engagement for Ontario East at CNIB.  Kate’s other great passion is language, and she has her PhD in Linguistics.  In her spare time, Kate can be found playing video games or doing embroidery.