Seeing Beyond Vision Loss: A Year in Review 2013-2014

seeing beyond vision loss
A YEAR IN REVIEW 2013-2014
We’re here
every step of the way
Established in 1918, CNIB provided
food, clothing, residences and library
services to blinded veterans and other
Canadians living with vision loss.
Our organization has evolved over the
last 96 years: in addition to charitable
programs – such as education,
advocacy, research and client support
– CNIB has become the primary
provider of vision rehabilitation in Nova
Scotia and Prince Edward Island.
CNIB’s vision rehabilitation programs
and services reduce the personal,
social and economic costs of vision
loss, while improving the overall health
and well being of individuals who are
blind or partially sighted. CNIB helps
individuals to see beyond vision loss
and lead full, active lives.
Whether that means learning to cook
again after a loss of sight, going back
to school, maintaining employment,
travelling safely and independently
with a white cane or getting support
to adjust to the emotional and social
impact of vision loss.
As we approach CNIB’s centenary in
2018, we look forward to continuing
to work in partnership with those
we serve, as well as with other
organizations, the medical community,
and government to create a future in
which every Nova Scotian and Islander
with vision loss has the opportunity to
fully participate in life.
COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
Collaboration with allied health professionals
improves quality of life
CNIB is working in partnership with allied health
professionals and academic communities to
create an exceptional client experience, while
improving the quality of life for individuals who
are blind or partially sighted.
In fact, more than half of the people who come
to CNIB in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward
Island are referred by an ophthalmologist or an
optometrist.
Working collaboratively and leveraging our
respective strengths:
• enables us to reach individuals before their
vision loss has a severe, lasting impact on
their health, independence and quality of life
• leads to better outcomes for individuals
with vision loss
• reduces pressures on hospitals and care
facilities
Since May 2010, our partnership with the Eye
Care Centre in Halifax has linked patients
with CNIB’s vision rehabilitation services
and programs. CNIB volunteers reach out to
patients and their family members in each of
the waiting rooms at the Eye Care Centre,
providing information on CNIB’s services and
demonstrating popular products for everyday
living.
First-year occupational therapy students have
completed part-time fieldwork placements with
CNIB since 2008, working alongside vision
rehabilitation specialists to assist individuals who
are blind or partially sighted.
Our partnership with Dalhousie University’s
School of Occupational Therapy has been so
successful that we recently began providing
OT students with full-time fieldwork placements
for six months of the year. The students facilitate
group programs, conduct research and assist
with follow-up training for independent living,
orientation and mobility and assistive technology.
Bus operators learning how to
better assist riders
with vision loss
In February 2014, CNIB partnered with
Metro Transit in Halifax to begin delivering
ongoing, comprehensive training designed to
enable bus operators to effectively communicate
with – and provide a better quality of service to
– passengers who are blind or partially sighted.
During the interactive 90-minute training
session, bus operators learn about vision
loss and the sighted-guide technique.
They also learn best practices for assisting
passengers, including announcing the route
number when the operator pulls up to the curb,
alerting riders of their designated stop
and if any obstacles impede their path of travel
(e.g., ice, snow and construction).
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United Way funding
reduces social isolation
Ongoing funding from the United Way of Prince
Edward Island has enabled CNIB to continue
offering a peer-support group that connects 11
youth and young adults who are blind or partially
sighted with one another.
The program provides opportunities for
participants to develop self-confidence and selfesteem, learn social and life skills, and develop an
increased sense of community.
Over the last year, CNIB’s Young Adults Group
has gone a long way towards expanding each
participants’ social horizon and reducing the social
isolation that is often associated with vision loss.
Eye Safety program
marks major milestone
CNIB’s Eye Safety program celebrated its
200th workshop in the Maritimes in November
2013 during a provincial tour hosted by the
NS Department of Labour and Advanced
Education.
Over the last year, 906 workers in Nova
Scotia and Prince Edward Island participated
in CNIB’s Eye Safety Program, through 26
interactive workshops that focused on the
importance of vision health and safety.
Developed and launched in 2011, CNIB’s Eye
Safety Program educates organizations and
their employees about eye protection.
Keeping active with
leisure programs
CNIB launched a variety of leisure programs
in 2013 – including an audio book club, yoga
sessions, and walking and knitting groups – which
provide clients the opportunity to get together
while sharing their stories and tips. It also reminds
everyone involved that they can still do the things
they love – but they just may have to learn how to
do them a little differently.
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CNIB’s Eye Safety Program is proudly
supported by: Construction Association
of PEI, Novartis Pharmaceuticals,
Nova Scotia Construction Safety
Association, NS Department of Labour
and Advanced Education, Workers’
Compensation Board of Nova Scotia,
and Workers’ Compensation Board of PEI
VISION REHABILITATION
CNIB programs and services
delivered where our clients need them most
CNIB’s vision rehabilitation specialists deliver
programs and services where Nova Scotians
and Islanders need them most: in their own
homes and communities, over the phone,
online and at CNIB centres in Charlottetown,
Halifax and Sydney.
Initial Interview
Registration and Referral Coordinators assist
new and returning clients to identify their needs
and then connect them to services, programs
and resources.
Client Support Services
Staff provide clients with information about
library services, CNIB ID cards and community
concessions.
Low Vision Assessments
Low Vision Specialists provide explanation and
information about eye conditions and vision
health, as well as instruction in the use of low
vision aids such as magnifiers, and how to
use lighting and colour contrast to maximize
residual vision.
Orientation and Mobility
Orientation and Mobility Specialists teach
people how to travel safely, independently
and confidently in their home, community and
workplace. Instruction includes the sightedguide technique (a safe way to walk with a
sighted person), way-finding skills, long cane
techniques and street crossings.
Assistive Technology and Products
Assistive Technology Specialists provide
information, demonstration and training
enabling people to use screen magnification,
screen-reader programs, cell phones with
accessible features and other technologies.
Children, Youth and Family Services
Opportunities for parents with vision loss and
parents of children with vision loss to learn
about resources available – and through
peer-support programs, share challenges and
identify solutions.
Adjustment to Vision Loss Counselling
CNIB’s Counsellors provide one-on-one
counselling and facilitate structured peersupport programs to help individuals come
to terms with their vision loss, understand
their emotions, and accept the support and
training that will allow them to continue to live
independently.
Independent Living Skills
Independent Living Specialists provide training
in skills, techniques and adaptive aids to
carry out everyday activities, like preparing
meals safely, identifying money and using
the telephone. Instruction also includes
organizational and labelling techniques for both
household and personal items.
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VOLUNTEERS
CNIB matches Vision Mates
with 35 clients in 2013-14
More than 30 Vision Mates have been matched
with clients from Yarmouth to Sydney since
the program was launched in Nova Scotia
in June 2013 – thanks to funding from New
Horizons. Within the first month of the program
launch in Prince Edward Island in March
2014, five Vision Mate matches were made in
Charlottetown and Summerside.
This innovative volunteer initiative matches
individuals living with vision loss with
specially-trained volunteers who offer friendly
companionship and help with day-to-day tasks
and errands.
Vision Mate volunteers assist individuals with a
variety of tasks including reading mail, grocery
shopping, errands, labeling and organizing
household items, as well as enjoying leisure
and recreational activities together – like
playing cards and going for walks.
Meet
John Owen
CNIB volunteer John Owen is the perfect
ambassador for the Island’s new Vision Mate
program. The retired business owner, who recently
lost his sight to necrotizing fasciitis, knows firsthand how instrumental a support system can be in
adjusting to life with vision loss.
“I’m very fortunate because I have a great deal of
support from my wonderful wife, brother and close
friends – however, there are many individuals
whose loved ones do not have the time or the
capacity to provide assistance with those everyday
activities we often take for granted,” says John.
Activities like picking out birthday cards, attending
community events, going to the bank or out for
leisurely strolls. But John believes the Island’s
Vision Mate program is so much more than
volunteers helping clients with little, everyday
things.
Volunteer recruitment
soars in Nova Scotia
In 2013, CNIB’s volunteer team has seen
significant growth in Nova Scotia. Nearly 75
of the current 135 volunteers in the province
began volunteering with CNIB in the past
year.
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“Vision loss can often be a very devastating and
isolating experience,” he says. In fact, compared
to people who are sighted, people with blindness
or partial sight experience increased isolation and
depression, and reduced socialization.
“A Vision Mate is a friend. It’s a one-on-one
relationship that gives the individual someone
to confide in, and the opportunity to socialize,
be more active and get out of the house more
frequently,” John says. “A Vision Mate match
can make a big difference in reducing the
stress, anxiety and loneliness that’s sometimes
associated with blindness.”
PHILANTHROPY
A Centre of
Excellence
CNIB’s Vision Rehabilitation Centre of
Excellence in Halifax offers a dynamic,
interactive and inspirational learning
environment for individuals who are blind
or partially sighted – thanks to a complete
range of leading-edge vision rehabilitation
technology, assistive devices and
accessible design.
Individuals receive one-on-one and group
services including information, support,
instruction and learn about available
resources.
The establishment of our Centre of Excellence
would not be possible without the incredible
support of our four founding sponsors:
Marjorie and Sheldon Fountain, The
Windsor Foundation, The John and Judy
Bragg Family Foundation, and Westwood
Developments Inc.
Thanks to the continued generosity of our
donors, CNIB clients have learned best
practices for safe cooking in our new
Independent Living Suite, which includes
a fully accessible kitchen.
Accessible signage
Heartfelt thanks to Eye Catch Signs Ltd.
for producing and generously donating much
of the signage for our Halifax Centre of
Excellence.The accessible signage includes
large-print, colour contrast, braille and audio
features that read the poster text aloud. Our
Maritime-themed, donor wall – also designed
by Eye Catch Signs Ltd. – is home to a
growing number of customized fish recognizing
the contributions of our champion sponsors.
“CNIB taught me how to navigate my
university campus independently and
use public transit to go to the bank,
grocery store and library. I don’t know
where I would be without my new
mobility skills.”
Alycia P., who is working towards her
Bachelor of Psychology and recently
received her first-ever guide dog thanks
to her extraordinary mobility skills.
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Community giving
• The United Way of Cape Breton
provides vital funding for CNIB’s Low Vision
services in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
Thanks to their ongoing support, CNIB has a
full-time Low Vision Specialist in our Sydney
office who provides Cape Bretoners with
information about vision loss and instruction
in the use of magnification, lighting and
colour contrast to help maximize their
remaining sight.
• In August 2013, more than 100 golfers and
volunteers hit the links at Belvedere Golf
Club as part of CNIB’s annual Philip Bower
Memorial Golf Tournament in Charlottetown.
All proceeds supported vision rehabilitation
programs and services on the Island.
• During Vision Health Month, many
optometrists throughout Nova Scotia and
Prince Edward Island donated $2 to CNIB
for every eye exam conducted during the
month of May.
Blindfolded guests
raise funds
It’s not unusual to close your eyes to
savour a bite of a favourite dish. But have
you ever consumed an entire meal that
way – replacing sight with touch, taste and
texture?
That’s precisely what 620 guests did at
CNIB’s Dining in the Dark fundraisers in
2013-14.
In the last year, Dining in the Dark events
were held at the Holland College Culinary
Institute in Charlottetown, the Best Western
Glengarry in Truro, Horizon Achievement
Centre in Sydney, and daMaurizio
restaurant and Dalhousie University in
Halifax.
6,544
the number of
996 CNIB clients in PEI
the number of CNIB
clients in Nova Scotia
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Based on a restaurant concept popularized
in Paris and New York, blindfolded guests
took part in a unique culinary experience
where they explored flavours, textures and
aromas in a whole new way.
Meet
Carole Spicer
Music has been a part of Carole Spicer’s
life for as long as she can remember. So
when the retired teacher was diagnosed
with macular degeneration nearly four
years ago, her first concern was finding a
way to read the choir music she now had
trouble seeing.
Macular degeneration is a progressive eye
disease that causes damage to the macula,
the central part of the retina responsible for
seeing fine details. When memorizing lyrics
and music notes no longer cut it, Carole
asked her ophthalmologist to refer her to
CNIB.
“I’ve been a singer all of my life, and it was
one thing I refused to give up because of
my vision loss,” says Carole.
During an assessment with CNIB’s Low
Vision Specialist, Carole learned a number
of sight enhancement techniques like
scrolling, spot checking, and the use of
eccentric viewing to help her read choir
music again – as well as identify solutions
for everyday tasks that had become a little
more challenging since losing her vision.
Today at 79 years old, Carole leads a very
active life: she enjoys volunteering and
remaining involved within her community,
tuning into Blue Jays games on the radio,
singing with her church choir and
performing the occasional solo.
With an aging population, the number
of seniors diagnosed with age-related
vision loss will continue to increase.
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GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Towards
a common goal
CNIB would like to recognize the Government
of Prince Edward Island’s Department of
Community Services and Seniors and
the Province of Nova Scotia’s Department
of Community Services and Department
of Health and Wellness for funding vision
rehabilitation.
Their continued support ensures that CNIB is
able to deliver essential vision rehabilitation
so that Islanders and Nova Scotians are
able to learn skills and techniques to live
independently and remain active in their
communities – to see beyond vision loss.
Impact of vision loss
Compared to people who are sighted, people
who are blind or partially sighted experience:
•
•
•
•
•
Three times as much clinical depression
A greater number of medication errors
Twice the risk of falls
Four times the risk of serious hip fractures
Premature admission to nursing homes
– three times earlier on average
• Two to five times more difficulty with daily
living
• Twice as much social dependence
Access to vision rehabilitation services
significantly reduces the incidence of falls,
fractures, medication errors and depression
– and enables people to live safely and
independently in their homes.
“I was working as a full-time nurse when I lost my sight to optic nerve atrophy, resulting from
a brain tumour. Grocery shopping, crossing the street and making dinner had suddenly
become these impossible tasks. After my surgeries, I relied on CNIB to help me learn how to
fully participate in life again.”
Barb M., who enjoys volunteering in her community and slipping on her snow shoes for her
winter walks at a nearby golf course.
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CNIB FINANCIAL REPORT
Revenue
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2014
Expenditures
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2014
7%
7%
27%
35%
58%
66%
n Support from the Public
n Government Funding
n Fees for Service
n Services and Public Education
n Philanthropy
n Administration
and Misc Income
“A car accident
changed my life forever.
While the health care
system was there to fix
my broken body with
steel rods and years of
physiotherapy, it was
a charity – CNIB – that
helped me learn to live
independently despite
limited vision.”
Colleen H., who
volunteers to raise
awareness of programs
for individuals with
vision loss.
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Heartfelt Thanks
CNIB recognizes the Nova
Scotia-Prince Edward
Island Division Board
members’ commitment to
vision health and thanks
them for their contributions
in 2013-2014:
CHAIR
Dr. Rhett MacDonald
VICE-CHAIR
William Blight
PAST CHAIR
Colleen Henderson
Allen Fownes
David Hilchey
David Hirtle
Ron Jones
Robert MacLeod
Glenda Parsons
Kevin Walsh
CNIB Centres
201-342 Grafton St.
Charlottetown PE
(902) 566-2580
6136 Almon St.
Halifax NS
(902) 453-1480
45 Weatherbee Rd.
Sydney NS
(902) 564-5711
cnib.ca/ns | cnib.ca/pei