CCB BC - Yukon Division
“The voice of the Blind”
May/June newsletter
THE OBSERVER
May/June 2024 Edition
President’s Message
Hello, I am happy to announce, I will be going to Whitehorse representing the CCB at CNIB’s Hub on June 4th. Where CBC North has confirmed an interview with myself and CNIB’s Anna Booth at the start of the event and will return later in the day for an update. The weatherman is saying showers all day with sunrise at 4:37am and sunset at 11:22pm. The Division has been planning for this trip for quite some time and I look forward to our plans finally coming to realization.
I hope everyone enjoyed the AGM and Connecting workshops, I know I did. It was so nice to see everyone and meet new delegates with their guides. In person, one on one communication is the best!
I sure hope everyone has a great summer. Please take care. Patricia Chicquen, Division President
Remembering Kelvin
On March 5th, the CCB BC-Yukon Division lost a dedicated Board member and friend when 1st Vice President Kelvin Adams passed away due to complications from being a long time diabetic. He was an idea guy and managed to continue with his Director duties even while dealing with illness and personal loss. Kelvin will be remembered fondly for his sense of humour, his sincerity and his enthusiasm; helping the Division be strong and resilient to benefit all members. Kelvin will be missed and we are thankful, he lived to see some of his efforts come to fruition. A celebration of life was held at the family residence on April 27th.
Membership Tidbits
Division Sports days
Watch out for more information in the coming weeks for the return of our Winter Sports Days! We are now making plans and an official announcement will be coming to your inboxes soon; and please feel free to share far and wide!
CCB BC-Yukon Division Connecting Workshop
April 24, 2024
Sharing The Dropbox link of our day with approximate times of presenters on the recording as well as further information are shared below the link.
Here is the Dropbox link for the recording:
https://docsend.dropbox.com/view/n46xa3iernj6if8i
Approximate times to locate presenters on the recording with further information:
**00:00 minutes Diagram Accessibility: Update and Upcoming Research – Yichun Zhao a research student from the University of Victoria is conducting research projects on workplace accessibility, particularly focusing on improving current information practices in a mixed-visual professional setting where people with different visual abilities exchange information, collaborate and work together. If you are interested in talking to Yichun, please contact him at yichunzhao@uvic.ca
**19:30 minutes BC Blind Sports Stretch
**25:01 minutes BC Blind Sports Presentation – Susan Flanagan Member Services Coordinator for BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association 604-325-8638 or toll free 1-877-604-8638 or email susan@bcblindsports.bc.ca
**53:01 minutes speaker Scott Rees – blind Swimmer who swam the strait of Georgia last summer email srees@knightpiesold.com
**1 hour 28 minutes Descriptive Video Works Presentation – Melissa Hope Client Services Manager email melissa@descriptivevideoworks.comand Laura Davies Creative Services Manager email laura@descriptivevideoworks.com– what goes into creating the description tracks for your favourite TV shows, movies and video games; challenges and fun of crafting descriptions, break down guidelines and what’s next for his exciting art
**2 hours 49 minutes speaker Leanne Cassap ICBC Road Safety & Community Coordinator email Leanne.Cassap@icbc.com
**We encourage you to reach out to your local ICBC Road Safety & Community Coordinator (you can find a contact list for your local coordinator at the end of this newsletter).
*** Ron Bergen email roncares59@gmail.com– Ron Cares Society Community Care Kit Program – continuing their Community Care Kit Program for local people in need, including those experiencing homelessness, Seniors/Elders, First Nations, refugees, new immigrants and low-income families
New Memberships or Renewing Your Memberships
CCB BC-Yukon Division members traditionally pay their membership dues through their Chapter. An option for independent members or for members who find it easier to pay their CCB National dues online may go to:
https://ccbnational.net/shaggy/membership
Where you can either pay by PayPal or credit card. If you do take advantage of CCB National’s membership payment option, be sure to know your Chapter’s name; and in BC independent members or members who may not be sure what their Chapter’s name is use the Festival of Friends Chapter. And if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to emailccbbc-yukondivision@telus.net
A Special Treat For You!
Movie time, from a dog’s perspective
– written by, anonymous guide dog
Sorry, I can’t divulge my true identity because I’m not supposed to be on the computer but I thought I’d sneak on to write this little item because of its uniqueness.
Just to fill you in, I’m a guide dog. I went to a special school for training before being teamed up with my handler. My handler went to school also and that is where we were paired up as a team.
Recently my handler and I attended some sort of meetings that were put on by the Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) BC-Yukon division. It was ok, but to be honest the meetings were a bit long and boring (I slept a lot). I got lots of loving in, pats, belly rubs, etc, but people were respectful and always asked my handler first and NEVER touched or distracted me while I was in harness and/or working. Talking to me or distracting me while my handler is trying to move about is another huge “no no”, but there was none of that at this event.
There were 5 other guide dogs there and even a sixth when some swimmer dude came in to talk to the people. I got to pose in a picture outside with him but we didn’t have a chance to chat.
The best part of the entire conference was when I took my handler to the Movies. Yes, you heard me right, I took them (see what I did there).
The adventure started when we all boarded a bus at our hotel. Us dogs and our handlers were invited to board first because it takes a little extra time to position us under, not on, the seat. (rip off, but that’s a topic for another day). We were joined by some 30 or so other people (I didn’t count) who were also blind or low vision.
We went to the Langley Cineplex theatre. Holy smoke, is that place big! I could have lots of fun running around in there but of course us guide dogs stay with our handlers, for the most part in harness, and we get to play and be goofy when we are at home or in a controlled environment. I digress….
After we got there it was off to the snack bar. Sadly, the availability of dog treats was limited (no, let’s go with non-existent) however my handler was given popcorn and a beverage. Sadly, us guide dogs can’t have food like that and people should NEVER try to feed or sneak us food. We are on strictly controlled diets and this is super important.
The theatre staff were excellent and didn’t freak out at all. Sometimes people get spooked or nervous about guide dogs being in places where they normally don’t see us types. Sometimes my handler needs to remind business owners that it’s the law that guide dogs are permitted EVERYWHERE my handler is allowed. Sadly, this still happens far too often and by now everyone should know that we are well trained and well behaved. We are not pets! If you can believe it sometimes we are refused a ride in a taxi cab and in ride share vehicles. This is very stressful for both me and my handler and against the law! Without being able to drive, these modes of transportation are vital for my handler and me and access should NEVER be denied!
Into the auditorium we went, and we all sat in the middle aisle row where there was a little extra room.
Now, here comes the bad part. From my perspective (confirmed with my other guide dogs buddies in attendance) the movie sucked! Why you ask, cause there was a cat that played a major role in the story line and it should have been a dog! The move was Argylle (2024) and I guess beyond the previously mentioned grievance, the movie was ok. There was lots of action and my handler was able to enjoy it because of the descriptive audio.
Oh ya, I forgot to talk about that and it’s the main reason we went. Descriptive audio is extra audio that is inserted during the breaks in the dialog where a narrative of what’s going on visually is presented. This is exciting technology and gives people (and dogs) more access to media where so much information is presented visually. Before descriptive audio my handler would never know when titles like “six months earlier” appeared on the screen, nor would they know if the burglar was watching from behind the door.
Normally at the theatre you have to wear headsets to enjoy this extra audio but at this event, the extra audio was presented to us all seeing as the majority of all in attendance were blind or had low vision. Not all movies or TV shows are available with Descriptive Audio so everyone’s help and support of that technology is appreciated so that everyone can equally access all entertainment offerings. It was cool for me, I could close my eyes and got a bit of a snooze in, especially when the cat stuff was on.
A special thanks goes out to the CCB for putting this all together. Thanks also to the Langley Cineplex theatre staff for all their help.
Ok, got to run, my human is waking up and I need to place an Amazon order before he/she wakes up. Just kidding!
Division Call Ins: Calling All Members
– your Division Call In committee: Fraser, Bob and Ann
Our Division Call Ins are normally on Zoom the first and third Thursday each month at 10am pacific time. Please join us, we hope to hear you!
**From the Division Call In May 16th with David Brun from Gateway Navigation talking about indoor navigation apps – Goodmaps / US, Waymap / UK and Aira / US; and how Aira Explorer could be used to support emergency preparedness for people who are blind, deafblind or partially sighted. Dropbox link:
https://docsend.dropbox.com/view/bmp4uqwnmmc73xn8
**From the Division Call In on March 21st with Raj Nijjar and Conor Davey from Vancity talking about fraud prevention. Dropbox link:
https://docsend.dropbox.com/view/x47iyy5zmiejhbkh
The following information is well worth resharing!
Fraud can’t happen to me. Can it…?
Fraud happens to everyone. Scams, debit card fraud, cheque fraud, online banking fraud, and identity theft are just some of the risks of this modern digital world. Learn about the latest tips and resources in fraud protection and stay vigilant to keep your financial resources safe and protected.
*Do not share or provide your debit card number or passcode/password with anyone.
*Do not have your passcode written down anywhere.
*Do not share your ATM card with anyone.
*Do not use open Wi-Fi while doing any banking.
*Do not click on any Phishing Emails or Smishing Text messages.
*E-transfers: use Auto deposit features to automatically accept INTERAC e-Transfer payments no login or security questions.
*Avoid fraudulent email and websites –always check the hyperlink.
*Do not give remote access to anyone or download Applications.
*Do not save your personal access code on any of your devices or have it written down anywhere.
*Do not save personal access codes in browsers.
Resources:
*Watch the Anti-Fraud Webinar [youtube.comhosted by Vancity on Youtube.
*Visit the Security page on Vancity.com for further information on how you can safeguard your personal and financial information in order to prevent scams/fraud.
*Visit The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre [antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca] to report fraud and more information regarding past and current fraud trends.
If your personal or financial info has been compromised:
*Contact Credit Bureaus Agencies (Equifax [consumer.equifax.ca] and Transunion [transunion.ca]), to advise your personal information has been compromised and get support to protect you from falling victim to ID Theft.
*Advise any financial institutions you have a relationship with.
*If your SIN number has been compromised, contact CRA.
Phone numbers:
*Canadian Anti-fraud Centre Report by phone: 1-888-495-8501.
*TransUnion at 1-800-663-9980.
*Equifax Victim of fraud/identity theft Phone 1-800-465-7166. After making language selection, say “fraud” or press 3.
Online Articles:
*Global News: Scam | News, Videos & Articles (globalnews.ca) [globalnews.ca]
*Better Business Bureau: Romance Scams BBB Tip: Romance Scams [bbb.org]
*Check Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Registration Search [info.securities-administrators.ca] to verify the entity you are buying crypto-assets is registered with securities regulators.
Scam prevention tips:
*No Financial Institution or Government of Canada will ask for immediate payment by INTERAC E-Transfer, Bitcoin or Prepaid credit/gift cards.
*Do your research: always verify the organization someone is calling/emailing/mailing you is legitimate before taking any action.
*Most reputable organizations will never ask for your personal information through email or text.
*Be cautious of the sense of urgency or threatening behavior.
*Avoid pop-up messages, clicking links, or opening attachments in unsolicited emails.
*Be cautious of incoming phone calls, emails, or messages on social media with unsolicited investment opportunities or general advice on investing. Fraudsters present these ‘opportunities’ and usually have a large rate of return and require little to no risk.
*If you feel as though you are pressured to commit to any large payment or contracts, it is most likely a scam.
*Use extreme caution when dealing with anyone you’ve met online. Scammers use dating websites, social media, and many other sites to reach potential targets and quickly feel like a friend or even a romantic partner.
*Never share your PAN, PAC, PIN or OTP with anyone (PAN is your Debit Card Number, PAC is your Online Banking Password, PIN is your Debit Card code and OTP is your One-Time Password).
*Use anti-malware software on all your devices to keep them safe.
*When your device prompts you to update, don’t ignore and update right away. These updates may include updated security.
*Check Website URL’s to ensure you are on the correct website. Scammers will mimic similar websites in order to trick you.
Top five steps you can take to protect yourself:
*If you think you’ve received a phishing email or text message, do not respond to it. Delete it and report it immediately to the company being faked or “spoofed”.
*Never click links in email messages unless you are sure of the destination. Links in phishing email and text messages often take you to phony sites encouraging you to transmit personal or financial information. Even if the address bar displays the correct address, don’t risk being fooled – con artists can display a fake URL in the address bar on your browser.
*Never enter personal or financial information into pop-up windows. Simply close the pop-up windows by clicking the X in the top right corner of the window (a “cancel” button may not work as you’d expect).
*Check the security certificate before you enter personal or financial information into a website. You can do this in most web browsers by checking the yellow lock icon on the status bar. If the lock is closed, then the site uses encryption to help protect any sensitive, personal information. If you have an up-to-date browser (which we recommend you always do), look for the green bar.
*Sign up for online banking alerts. Alerts are an online banking feature that automatically sends you an email and/or a text message to your mobile phone to alert you of certain changes to your account made through online banking. Best alert to sign up for: “new payee added”. If you receive an alert, you can then check.
Cryptocurrency scams and fraud attempt to steal money, personal and financial information. Fraudsters will offer you cryptocurrency buy-ins promising a high rate of return and in a short amount of time. Instead, the victim will lose their investment and sometimes their personal and financial information.
Get your cryptocurrency from well-known and reputable exchanges. Purchase any hardware wallets directly from the manufacturer.
Cryptocurrencies operate independently of a central bank and are currently unregulated in Canada. The CAFC warns that there isn’t the protection from fraud when using cryptocurrencies, as there is when using a credit card. No government agencies will ever request payment in the form of cryptocurrencies.
Investment (antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca)
*Buy crypto-assets through a registered trading platform. Check the Canadian Securities Administrators’ National Registration Search to see if they are registered with securities regulators.
*Never send money or invest based solely on the advice of someone met through social media or a dating site.
*Be extremely cautious about unsolicited offers to invest through social media or dating sites.
*Be skeptical of guaranteed high returns with little or no risk. Generally, the higher the return, the higher the risk.
*Resist the pressure to buy. Fraudsters can have you signed up before you even know it. If you ever feel you’re being rushed, remember, it’s OK to say no or ask for more time.
*Ignore the fear of missing out. Fraudsters are skilled at making it sound like their offer is making others rich while you sit on the sidelines.
*Ask questions. Fraudsters work hard to override your instincts with complex documents and use overcomplicated inconsistent jargon-filled explanations. If you can’t understand it and can’t get your questions answered, walk away.
Protecting your PIN:
*Keeping your PIN safe plays a big role in keeping your transactions secure.
*Never share your PIN with anyone (bank, family or friends).
*Avoid using obvious numbers such as your birthday, address or phone number that are easy to guess if your card is lost.
*Change your PIN every so often. If you think someone else knows it, change it immediately.
*Don’t write down your PIN or store it on your phone.
*Cover the key pad when entering your PIN in public.
March 30, 2022, Vancity Fraud & Security Webinar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9k5ieHS_pk [youtube.com
Division Call In Update
Here is the Division’s updated Call In schedule and letting you know the July and August dates may change due to summer scheduling:
*June 6th: guest speaker Rob Sleath a respected and well known advocate for Blind and Low Vision Citizens will update the BC Accessibility Act and the follow-up consultation process; how we can get involved and/or provide our input on the proposed standards to remove and prevent barriers for people with disabilities required in Part 4 of the Accessible BC Act.
*June 20th: guest speaker Gina Martin senior consultant and founder of Diverse Abilities from Victoria will talk about accessibility challenges for people with disabilities.
*July 4th & 18th and August 1st & 15th: to be announced.
If you have any requests or suggestions for future Call Ins, please let us know; we are always looking for new ideas and your input will always be appreciated!
Making A Difference
CCB in the Yukon!
Pat Chicquen CCB BC-Yukon Division President is excited to collaborate with the CNIB at their Mobile Hub in Whitehorse! This is a free event and will the first time the CCB has visited the Yukon ! This is a chance to make connections, recruit CCB members and facilitate the organization of a Yukon Chapter!
Date and time: Tuesday June 4th from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Location: Golden Age Society, 4061A – 4th Avenue, Whitehorse
Pat will be overseeing a CCB information table and speak to attending participants about the CCB from 1:00 to 2:00pm. OCR in progress. Please wait for additional content.
There will be opportunities to participate in recreational and social activities, hands-on technology training, and
CNIB SmartLife Shop will be on site.
University of Victoria (UVic) workplace information accessibility research study
– Yichun Zhao, PhD Student in Computer Science, UVic
Hello! Researchers at the University of Victoria, Department of Computer Science, together with CNIB Research, are conducting research to understand and design technology that facilitates effective communication of shared data and information in professional collaborative settings where team members have mixed visual abilities.
If you meet the following criteria, we would love to hear and learn from you!
*Being an adult (19 years or older)
*Being a professional information worker who engages in collaborative activities
*Working in a team where at least one colleague is blind or has low vision (including you)
The study involves a diary study where you will document your experiences and challenges with shared information at work, and a post-diary interview to explore factors affecting information representation and team workflows. Both take place remotely.
The study will last five working days during working hours. Your work supervisor will be informed about this. As a thank you for your time, we will provide an Amazon gift card or e-transfer of $50 CAD.
Through this study, you will gain awareness of your work practices and help tackle inclusivity and accessibility issues in diverse visual ability settings. Your insights will be crucial in designing better, inclusive technology for collaborative work, enhancing life quality and productivity for people with mixed visual abilities. The study will deepen our understanding of shared information use in professional collaboration and how visual abilities influence these processes.
This project is titled “Understanding People’s Experiences with Information Representations for Professional Collaborative Settings with Mixed Visual Abilities”, and the researcher conducting this study is Yichun Zhao, a PhD student in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Victoria. This study is taking place under the supervision of Dr. Miguel Nacenta. The University of Victoria research ethics number for this study is ##24-0092.
If you have any questions or would like to participate in this study, please contact me directly via email atyichunzhao@uvic.ca. You are welcome to distribute this recruitment information to others in your network and connections. Thank you.
Burnaby Accessibility and Walking Challenges
– submitted by Fraser Hiltz
Karim Damani, his guide dog Enzo, Vic Leach, from Walker’s Caucus and myself had our walk with the Mayor and Councilors from the City of Burnaby on Monday, March 4. Mayor Mike Hurley, Councilors Daniel Tetrault, Maita Santiago, and Transportation Director, Amy Choh, joined us for a walk around the Brentwood Mall area which demonstrated some residential and commercial surroundings. Karin, Vic and I described to the group just what challenges us as we came upon different situations, such as inconsistent curb cut slope directions and floating bus stops with adjoining bicycle lanes. Karim even gave the Mayor his white cane and invited him to close his eyes to try to find the curb cut ramp leading to the cross walk at one of the corners. They were enthusiastic and asked us many questions, the big takeaway can be summed up with their comments: “I never thought of any of this and did not know until you demonstrated this to me”.
We have provided them with position statements on curb slopes and accessible crosswalks with good acoustic pole locators and audible safe to cross sounds.
Overall, this was a very positive outing and the Councilors and the Mayor have energy to take this further to the Transportation and Traffic Planning Departments of the City of Burnaby.
CCB Provincial Book Club
The book club continues to meet the fourth Wednesday monthly on zoom at 9:00am pacific time! If you enjoy reading, good dialogue and friendships from across BC and Canada, join us!
Here are the dates and the books we will be reading:
*”Hello Beautiful” by Anne Napolitano for June 26th
*Looking for Alaska by John Green for July 24th
*Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus for August 28th
*Mexican Gothic by Sylvia Moreno-Garcia for September 25th
If you have trouble finding these book title choices, as a member of our book club, we can help you. The Zoom link is sent out monthly with date and book choice reminders.
For more information please email ccbbc-yukondivision@telus.netor contact Albert Ruel at 250-240-2343 albertruel@gmail.com
VocalEye
“Making the arts more accessible for people who are blind or partially sighted.”
MAKING ENDS MEET 50/50 RAFFLE
Due to recent cuts in government funding, our vital programs and services are at risk. Launching our second online 50/50 raffle seems like a great opportunity to rally together to help both VocalEye and a member of the community ‘make ends meet’. Tickets are on sale now!
Each ticket gives you a chance to win half of the jackpot – up to $10,000!
Choose between a single ticket, starting at $5, or ticket packages:
Single Ticket for $5
3-Ticket Pack for $10
10-Ticket Pack for $25
25-Ticket Pack for $50
*Must be a resident of British Columbia to purchase*
For support purchasing tickets, call 604-364-5949 or email info@vocaleye.ca. All proceeds go towards VocalEye programs and services that make arts and culture more accessible to people who are Blind and Partially Sighted.
Deadline: Tickets will be available for purchase until Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 5 pm Pacific Time. The draw will take place around 9 pm that evening.
About VocalEye
VocalEye is the first dedicated live description service for the blind in Canada. We offer programs and services that are designed to improve accessibility, encourage participation and prioritize the experience of blind and partially sighted people in person and online.
What we do
VocalEye describes theatre performances, visual arts and cultural events (such Vancouver Pride Parade and Vancouver Mural Fest) for people who are blind and partially sighted;
We host social gatherings around arts events (Notable Socials);
We host weekly (now scaled back to bi-weekly) online Almost Live events, featuring guest artists on a range of topics;
We host monthly online forums (Describer Cafe) covering topics; in audio description and arts access;
We host descriptive tours of public art;
We also offer sighted guide training to the public.
These programs and services are offered free of charge.
We rely on a small, but mighty team of part-time staff, dedicated volunteers, project grants, individual donations and fundraisers like this to make it all happen and we thank you for giving us a hand!
Ruth’s Corner
– submitted by Ruth Bieber
Tribute to Paul Thiele
– with video links provided by Ursula Schmelcher
I first met Paul Thiele in 1977, as I was just about to start an undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia. As a blind student I was directed to the Crane Library, housed in Brock Hall on the main UBC campus. ‘No muss, no fuss!’
Paul was definitely the man in charge of Crane Library, together with Judy Thiele the Crane librarian. The two of them were a great team, and the Crane Library was a supportive and friendly place for blind students to study, socialize and, oh yes, get text books read by professional paid readers, on the spot! It was my introduction to university life, and I dare say I took the whole Crane scene for granted. At least I did until I transferred to another university for my third year of study and beyond; one that had no Crane Library, no paid professional readers, and no hangout for blind students! What is it they say about not knowing what we have until it’s gone? In my case the shock was palatable. At Crane Library, I could purchase my text books for the semester, and they would be professionally and beautifully read within a week. The follow-up university experience was very different. I learned to do my best, to get needed titles months in advance, in order that volunteers could get them read, hopefully on time, but for sure no guaranty. I had no idea of the amount of stress I was spared while still attending UBC.
Further, the Crane Library had all kinds of equipment for blind students to assist with reading and the like. I made good use of a visualTek, which really got me through first- and second-year French.
The academic support was frankly amazing! And all thanks to Paul, but that’s not all! Did I mention socializing? I’m pretty sure more than one marriage resulted from the gatherings at Crane, and I do recall a few wonderful parties! Those were the days, that I will never forget. I am so grateful to Paul for his ‘vision’, and trust his legacy lives on. It certainly does in my mind, and in my heart. Those were two of the most wonderful years of my life! I know Paul continued on with his life and his career after my untimely departure, but those are stories for others to tell. For now, a big thanks from a grateful past student!
Before I leave completely, however, a quick post script. It goes without saying, that Paul was a pretty snappy dresser, and he tried his best to impart same on the students in his midst. For me, however, this was a bit of a problem. I recall the drainage on the UBC campus at that time was far less than efficient, therefore it was more like swimming across campus, getting from class to class. One particularly rainy day I recall having no choice but to roll up my pantlegs, lest they get soaked to the knees. Upon entering the Craine Library thus, I recall Paul declaring, “What is this, the Powell River look?” I’ll never forget that. Truly a treasured memory.
I attended Paul and Cheryl’s Celebration of Life event on April 14, 2024. Paul’s niece Ursula Schmelcher had the important parts of the afternoon filmed, see here below. There are 2 YouTube links. Ursula says, “My videographer stopped filming once we started Paul’s degree speech so my welcome and talk are separate from Cheryl’s cousin Kris’ tribute and Richard Marion’s tribute to both.
The links are Unlisted, which apparently means they are not public but anyone who is given the link can view them. These are the links:”
When I asked Ursula about being mentioned in my write-up, she says in response, “I don’t mind being mentioned in your write-up but I do think the staff at the Golf Club merit a mention as well. They were quite accommodating with our requests to tailor their service to our guests.” I couldn’t agree more about the care taken by the staff at the UBC Golf Club! Plus, so many thanks to Ursula herself for organizing this heart-felt event, and taking care of a grand number of blind people in a single sitting! Meanwhile, for anyone who has not seen it, Ursula says, “The video that was made by UBC when Paul received his honorary degree in 2021 is really lovely. He tells much of his personal history in his typical casual, humorous way, and it is quite enlightening to hear him describe his life, work and relationships.”
And so now the final word to Paul himself, so appropriate! Thank you, Paul Thiele, your legacy lives on!
https://youtu.be/JsXEVihvBFs?si=PUlyLVZyXzxrxpeK
News, Views & Tips From You
Be My Eyes is now available on Windows!
– shared by Rob Sleath
“well worth downloading and installing on your W10 or W11 computer”
Be My Eyes is officially available for download on your Windows 10/11 PC through the Microsoft Store, for free!
Download Be My Eyes for Windows
With the Be My Eyes for Windows app, you can now receive rapid, automated descriptions of screen elements, photographs and diagrams through AI-based natural language conversations, directly on your Windows 10/11 PC. By providing AI-powered descriptions of images and graphics, coupled with an interactive chatbot feature, the Be My Eyes app can be used for a wide variety of tasks, in a lot of different situations, like describing your screen, local images on your Windows 10/11 PC and online images from the internet. You can even use it to describe a graph and let chat allow you to ask a question to look up the X and Y axis values!
Just like any other Be My Eyes products and features such as the Be My Eyes mobile app, Service Directory and Groups for Friends and Family, our new Be My Eyes for Windows App is free of charge for users. You can learn more about the Be My Eyes for Windows app in our blog!
Learn More About Be My Eyes for Windows
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at info@bemyeyes.com
Highlights: CELA’s Open Book Newsletter
– from May 2024
http://celalibrary.ca/Open-Book/May-2024
Braille Literacy Canada Symposium: Touch The Future
Braille Literacy Canada is holding their fourth annual virtual braille symposium on Friday, June 14, 2024.
The lineup includes sessions on early braille literacy, teaching braille to adults and braille music and more. Registration is now open until June 11.
For more information or to register visit Braille Literacy Canada.
Your Division Board of Directors Contact Information
Remember your Division Board of Directors is here to help you. Do not hesitate to email or call for more information or clarification concerning the CCB BC-Yukon Division.
Pat Chicquen, President – 250-339-3904 – patccbbc@shaw.ca
Terry Pipkey, 1st Vice President- 250-562-1892–tpipkey@gmail.com
Vern Short, 2nd Vice President – 250-819-9152 – vshort59@shaw.ca
Ann McNabb, Past President – 604-795-7230 –ann4council@telus.net
Fraser Hiltz, Director – 604-379-0035 –fraserhiltz@gmail.com
Caroline Markel, Director – 250-301-9565 – markelcaroline@gmail.com
Rose Pokeda, Director – 250-334-8565 – rospok1@gmail.com
ICBC Road Safety and Community Coordinator Contact List
(October 2023)
**For: 100 Mile House, Clinton, Thompson, Nicola, Shuswap, East Kootenays (Cranbrook, Fernie, Kimberley), Williams Lake, Valemount
Ingrid Brakop w: 250.828.3903 c: 250.319.2251
1251 Battle Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2N7
**For: Surrey (North), Haida Gwaii
Joanne Bergman w: 604.583.8611 c: 604.314.3138
10262 – 152A Street, Surrey, BC V3R 6T8
**For: Langley, Aldergrove
Leanne Cassap c: 604.789.7483 e: leanne.cassap@icbc.com
13665 – 68th Avenue, Newton, BC V3W 0Y6
**For: Vancouver (North of King Edward), UBC, Bella Bella, Bella Coola
Paul Goodman w: 604.871.2488 c: 604.341.1674
456 W 5th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3Z3
**For: Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Agassiz, Harrison, Boston Bar, Hope
Tanis Hatch w: 604.850.8083 c: 604.768.8435
2885 Trethewey Street, Abbotsford, BC V2T 3T8
**For: Surrey (South), White Rock
Karen Klein w: 604.597.7699 c: 604.786.6483
13665 – 68th Avenue, Newton, BC V3W 0Y6
**For: Okanagan (Armstrong, Kelowna, Penticton, Princeton), West Kootenays (Castlegar, Trail, Nelson, Creston)
Christine Kirby w: 250.861.7947 c: 250.212.5119
1720 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC V1Y 7W2
**For: Vancouver (South of King Edward), Richmond
Harvey Kooner w: 604.871.2437 c: 604.786.6458
456 W 5th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Y 3Z3
**For: Prince George, Mackenzie, Peace / Liard (Chetwynd, Dawson -Creek, Tumbler Ridge, Fort St John, Fort Nelson), Robson Valley (McBride), Quesnel, Vanderhoof, Fort St. James, Fraser Lake, Burns Lake, Bulkley Valley (Houston, Telkwa, Smithers), Terrace, Kitimat, Prince Rupert
Tracey Hoffman w: 250.561.5073 c: 250.960.0120
4001 15th Avenue, Prince George, BC V2N 2X3
**For: North Shore, Howe Sound, Sunshine Coast
Louisa Mendonca c: 604.315.3161
117-151 W Esplanade, North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H9
**For: Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody (includes Anmore, Belcarra)
Kathleen Nadalin w: 604.468.3236 c: 604.786.6455
1930 Oxford Connector, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 0A4
**For: Ladysmith, Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni to N Van Island, Powell River
Rowena Narayan w: 250.390.5505 c: 250.755.6165
6460 Applecross Road, Nanaimo, BC V9R 6E6
**For: New Westminster, Delta, Ladner, Tsawwassen
Karon Trenaman w: 604.527.8766 c: 604.992.3745
1320 3rd Avenue, New Westminster, BC V3M 5T4
**For: Burnaby
Tom Webster w: 604. 439.4913 c: 604.230.1964
4399 Wayburne Drive, Burnaby, BC V5G 3X7
**For: Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Mission
Kate Woochuk w: 604.467.7738 c: 604.789.3017
22811 Dewdney Trunk Road, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 9J7
**For: Victoria, Mill Bay, Capital Reg. District, Shawnigan Lake, Salt Spring Island, Cowichan Bay, Duncan, Lake Cowichan, Southern Gulf Islands
Colleen Woodger w: 250.414.7843 c: 250.213.6070
425 Dunedin Street, Victoria, BC V8T 5H7