PROGRAMS

COMMUNITY OUTREACH & AWARENESS PROGRAM

The Community Outreach & Awareness Program has been an on-going vital resource that enables the CCB to assist British Columbians in obtaining relevant information pertaining to vision loss and blindness.

This program allows the CCB to advocate with government ministries, agencies and relevant organizations where need is identified such as:
– accessibility concerns
– education
– employment
– assistive devices
– library services
– transportation
– and health issues.

MEMBERSHIP ENHANCEMENT  & SOCIAL INTEGRATION PROGRAM

The Membership Enhancement & Social Integration Program is facilitated through the on-going delivery of mentoring individuals and community networking, recreational and social activities, advocacy, public awareness, knowledge, and education.

Providing mentorship and resource materials to the membership and communities of British Columbia through community outreach, education, attending community events, displays, and other venues is an effective method to create awareness.

WHITE CANE WEEK

Since 1946, thanks to the CCB’s initiative, the first full week of February has traditionally been celebrated as “White Cane Week” in Canada.

The objective of White Cane Week nationally has always been educational.

From the first ever White Cane Week with only a handful of individuals who were blind or vision impaired participating, White Cane Week has become a national network of special events, hands-on demonstrations, open houses, and tours taking place from coast to coast.

In early years, the Week was used to demonstrate the concerns for good rehabilitation and blindness prevention. However, in more recent times, events have begun to emphasize the equal capabilities and talents of people who are blind and visually impaired.

Over the years, the White Cane Week program has evolved to reflect the changing situations of people who are blind and vision impaired.

GET TOGETHER WITH TECHNOLOGY (GTT) PROGRAM

“Close your eyes, now pick up your smartphone or tablet… keep them closed while you begin your everyday tasks on those devices.
Impossible you say?
For thousands of people who are blind or partially sighted, this is the challenge. A challenge that with training and peer mentoring, can be overcome”.

The Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB) has implemented a program called Get Together With Technology (GTT) which helps blind and partially sighted Canadians to explore and integrate assistive devices in their home and work lives. The groups meet monthly to discuss new and updated devices, and participants teach other how to include assistive technology in their daily lives. You can get personalized training on how to use your computer, your smart phone, a talking book player, and other low and high-tech devices through the GTT Program. It offers exciting opportunities for people to engage with accessible technology through:

• Accessible consumer-driven training.
• Hands-on experience with new technology.
• Individualized and group skill development.
• Peer leadership and mentoring.

The GTT program was started in Ottawa in 2011 by Kim Kilpatrick and Ellen Goodman to give people a chance to share low and high-tech solutions, tips, and resources, and was soon brought under the CCB National umbrella as a consumer driven service and participation initiative.

The Get Together With Technology – GTT blog provides information about upcoming GTT meetings, conference calls, meeting notes, and resources.

Facebook: Get Together with Technology – GTT

Twitter: @GTTProgram

For more information please contact:

Kim Kilpatrick
Toll Free: 1-877-304-0968 Ext. 513
Email: GTTProgram@Gmail.com