CNIB New Brunswick
A Year in Review
2012-2013
Vision Rehabilitation Programs and Services
CNIB is the primary provider of vision rehabilitation services
in New Brunswick. Our programs and services reduce the
personal, social and economic costs of vision loss, while
improving the overall health and well being of New
Brunswickers who are blind or partially sighted.
Through individual instruction and structured group
programs in communities throughout the province, over the
last year CNIB specialists taught skills and provided
opportunities to individuals to:
 overcome the emotional impact of their vision loss
through adjustment to vision loss programs;
 learn how to use magnification, colour contrast and
lighting to maximize remaining vision;
 acquire skills to independently manage everyday
activities such as preparing meals, using the telephone
and identifying money;
 learn street crossing techniques, way finding and cane
skills to travel independently in their homes and
communities;
 acquire valuable life skills and preparing for
independence, employment and post-secondary
education after high-school graduation; and
 learn how to use assistive technology to access
information, to enhance job readiness or to maintain
employment.
In January 2013, CNIB volunteers Marian Zaichkowski and
Carm Powers received the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal
from His Honour, Graydon Nicolas, Lieutenant Governor of
New Brunswick.
CNIB’s Eye Safety Program educates organizations and
their employees about eye protection, building a culture of
safety and reducing the associated costs of workplace eye
injuries. In 2012-2013, CNIB facilitated 24 eye safety
workshops to a total of 757 participants across the province
thanks to the support of WorkSafeNB, McCain Foods, New
Brunswick Construction Safety Association, New Brunswick
Forestry Safety and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
This year, 343 new clients utilized CNIB’s vision
rehabilitation services in New Brunswick.
Partnerships
Throughout New Brunswick, CNIB has focused on developing
partnerships with community organizations, health care
providers, educators and seniors groups to increase referrals
and better connect people who are blind or partially sighted
to the many supports and services available in their region.
CNIB partnered with the Canadian Red Cross to provide
vision risk assessment sessions in seniors’ public housing
buildings. Together, we provided resources, product
demonstration and vision health information to hundreds of
seniors living in 44 buildings across the province.
After meeting with senior directors from the Department of
Health, CNIB began offering presentations to health care
professionals across the province as a way of increasing
awareness about vision rehabilitation services and providing
resources for patients with vision loss who need support to
live independently and safely in their own home. Meetings
with nurses, rehabilitation specialists, social workers and
dieticians from hospitals and the extramural program has led
to an increase in new referrals and has resulted in requests
for more presentations.
CNIB continues to build positive relationships with the
Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority and
educators and specialists working in the Francophone
School Districts to better meet the needs of school-age
children who are blind or partially sighted. Through this
collaboration, the number of new clients between the ages
of 0-18 has tripled in comparison to the previous year. The
focus has been on improving independent living skills,
easing the transition from high-school to post-secondary
education or employment and providing library services,
support groups and opportunities for social interaction.
A strong relationship between CNIB and eye care
professionals is essential in reaching people who are
experiencing vision loss at an early stage. As a result of our
participation in the New Brunswick Association of
Optometrists’ annual general meeting and educational
events throughout the year, CNIB has seen a significant
increase in referrals from optometrists.
More than half of the people who come to CNIB in New
Brunswick are referred by an ophthalmologist or an
optometrist.
Special thanks to United Way serving Saint John, Kings
and Charlotte, United Way Central NB Inc., United Way of
Greater Moncton & Southeastern NB Region Inc. for
supporting CNIB programs and services.
Fund Development
People of all ages who are blind or partially sighted enjoy a
better quality of life and are empowered to succeed because
of the generosity of New Brunswickers. Individuals, service
clubs, businesses, foundations and organizations continue to
make our work possible.
The generosity of our friends is received in many ways
ranging from event sponsorships, attending or hosting an
event to giving a donation, providing a project grant, or
making a planned gift.
During Vision Health Month in May 2012, CNIB hosted
events and presentations to spread the message to
eliminate avoidable sight loss in Canada. Special thanks to
the New Brunswick Association of Optometrists and the
48 Doctors of Optometry from across New Brunswick who
participated in the Toonie Campaign raising funds for our
vital programs and services.
Dining in the Dark took place in three communities this
year – Moncton, Fredericton and Miramichi – with more than
320 guests enjoying an evening of exceptional food,
inspiration and blindfolds.
CNIB recognizes the passion and commitment of the Lions
Clubs across New Brunswick. Thanks to their continued
support, no New Brunswick resident has to face the
challenges of vision loss alone.
The Tecolote Foundation continued to demonstrate their
commitment to seeing beyond vision loss with another
gracious donation in support of Low Vision Services in
Charlotte County. CNIB is truly grateful for the Foundation’s
support over the years and celebrate our longstanding
friendship.
As part of Eye Bike 4 Sight, Tim and Amanda Doucette of
Moncton cycled from one end of Prince Edward Island to the
other – a route that took them seven days and 354kilometres to complete. Together, they raised funds and
awareness for CNIB’s vision rehabilitation programs and
services offered to individuals who are blind or partially
sighted in the Maritimes.
2012-13 has been a year of growth for Volunteer Services in
New Brunswick. With dedicated staff support, we have been
able to focus on building the Vision Mate program,
revitalizing the Ambassador program and recruiting office
volunteers who are active on a daily basis.
25,000 New Brunswickers are living with blindness or partial
sight.
Employment Action Plan
CNIB participated in developing the Employment Action
Plan for Persons with a Disability in New Brunswick,
through our membership in the New Brunswick Disability
Executives Network. The plan outlines a vision,
recommendations, key indicators and an implementation
plan for improving access to education, training and
employment opportunities for persons with a disability in the
province. CNIB will continue to work with NBDEN in
providing feedback to government departments responsible
for implementing recommendations in the upcoming year.
Government Funding
CNIB would like to recognize the Department of Social
Development for funding essential vision rehabilitation
services for another three years. As well, CNIB would like to
acknowledge the Department of Post-Secondary
Education, Training and Labour for its continued
partnership in providing employment and technology
services to working-age New Brunswickers who are blind or
partially sighted and for providing financial support and
collaboration opportunities to advance the CNIB Library
Partners Program.
CNIB Financial Report
Revenue (Fiscal year ended March 31, 2013)
 41% Support from the Public
 58% Government Funding
 1% Fees for Service & Misc Income
Expenditures (Fiscal year ended March 31, 2013)
 86% Services, Public Education and Research
 7% Fund Development and Gaming
 7% Administration
Note: Government funding includes $75,000 for Library
Services.
Heartfelt Thanks
CNIB recognizes the New Brunswick Division Board
members’ commitment to vision health and thanks them for
their contributions in 2012-2013:
Marian Zaichkowski, Chair
Andrew Daley, Vice-Chair
Shilo Bellis
Aloke Chatterjee
Cynthia Goodwin
Arline Hachey
Robert Lockhart
Margaret Lyons
Hélène Martin
Josée Martin
Dr. Jeff Palk
CNIB Centres
130-77 Westmorland St.
Fredericton, NB
506-458-0060
T120-22 Church St.
Moncton, NB
506-857-4240
A150-40 Charlotte St.
Saint John, NB
506-634-7277
270 Douglas Ave.
Bathurst, NB
506-546-9922
cnib.ca/nb