Seeing Beyond Vision Loss
A Year in Review 2013-2014: Newfoundland
and Labrador Division
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 Newfoundland and
Labrador.
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
Newfoundlander and Labradorian 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 Newfoundland and Labrador are referred
by an ophthalmologist or a doctor of optometry.
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
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New peer-support group connects local teens
Last fall, CNIB launched its first-ever Teen Support Group connecting seven
youth who are blind or partially sighted. This peer-support group serves as an
avenue for teens to share their experiences, make friends and assist each other
in overcoming the challenges and social barriers sometimes faced by individuals
with vision loss.
The group has gone a long way towards expanding each participants’ social
horizon – and has helped strengthen independent living skills as teens learned
how to navigate grocery stores and shop effectively, and participated in cooking
lessons.
Building a brighter future for children and youth
More than 25 children participated in CNIB’s summer intervention program which
helps grade-school students maintain and build vision rehabilitation skills during
the summer months.
Over the last year, CNIB continued to provide post-secondary orientation to
grade 11 and 12 students from rural and urban areas who are blind or partially
sighted. The program helps students transition from high school to university,
college or other post-secondary institutions. Four students toured university and
college campuses throughout St. John’s, and took part in orientation and mobility
and independent living skills activities.
Annual family summer camp helps kids be kids
In August 2013, 70 campers from across the province attended CNIB’s annual
summer family camp in Bishop’s Falls. The four-day camp featured activities for
children and youth with vision loss and their families, including swimming, crafts,
Zumba and archery.
Heartfelt thanks to the VOCM Cares Foundation who donated $10,000 to fund
this year’s family summer camp.
In the blink of an eye
A few devastating seconds is all it takes to go from 20/20 vision to no vision
when a worker isn’t wearing protective eyewear. Over the last year, 953 workers
in Newfoundland and Labrador participated in CNIB’s Eye Safety Program,
through 32 interactive workshops that focused on the importance of vision health
and safety.
Developed and launched in 2010, CNIB’s Eye Safety Program educates
organizations and their employees about eye protection and aims to foster a
culture of eye safety within the workplace.
CNIB’s Eye Safety Program is proudly supported by: Workplace Health, Safety
and Compensation Commission; Husky Energy; Newfoundland and Labrador
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Construction Safety Association; Newfoundland and Labrador Doctors of
Optometry; and Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Meet the Coveyducks
When her six-year-old daughter, Morgan, was diagnosed with astigmatism and
two lazy eyes, Robin Coveyduck felt shock and relief. For more than five years,
her daughter accepted her vision as ‘normal’ – assuming everyone saw the world
the same way she did. Instead of telling her parents that the words in her
children’s books were blurry and distorted, Morgan learned to memorize each
line by-heart.
After receiving notes from Morgan’s school saying her letter recognition wasn’t
up to par and that she struggled with concentrating in class, Robin took her
daughter to see their local optometrist, Dr. Sarah Hutchens. Morgan’s visual
acuity was 20/100 in one eye and 20/200 in the other.
“We were shocked to learn how poor Morgan’s eyesight really was and that she’d
likely been living with vision problems since birth,” says Robin.
Morgan’s family and teachers thought her symptoms were in line with attention
deficit disorder; she was even on a waiting list to be tested.
“It turned out that things like Morgan’s issues with concentration, not being able
to focus on tasks and becoming easily overwhelmed and frustrated...they were
all a result of her vision loss, not ADHD,” she says.
Following her daughter’s diagnosis, Robin and her family began working with
CNIB’s early intervention specialist who helped Morgan and her parents adjust to
her vision loss – and ensure the family has access to the programs and
resources they need to help Morgan lead a full, active life – just like any other
child.
The Coveyduck Family’s story is fairly common. Poor vision can often be
misdiagnosed as learning problems or behavioral issues. In fact, research shows
that one in six school-age children diagnosed with a learning disability actually
has a correctable vision problem.
More than 80 per cent of early learning is visual, and poor eyesight can
significantly affect a child’s ability to perform in school and develop to their full
potential – therefore, comprehensive eye exams are critical to protecting a child’s
sight.
Robin urges all parents to make their family’s vision health a priority, “every
parent wants their child to be healthy and happy – and regular visits to the
optometrist are an important part of that.”
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VISION REHABILITATION
CNIB’s vision rehabilitation specialists deliver programs and services where
Newfoundlanders and Labradorians need them most: in their own homes and
communities, over the phone, online and at CNIB centres in St. John’s, Corner
Brook, Grand Falls-Windsor and Happy Valley-Goose Bay.
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.
Adjustment to Vision Loss Counselling
CNIB’s Counsellors provide one-on-one counselling and facilitate structured
peer- support 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.
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 sighted- guide 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.
Employment Services
Career and Employment Specialists provide career explorations services,
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workplace accommodation assessment, post-secondary transition planning, and
support to employers and employment agencies.
Early Intervention
Early Intervention Specialists help children and youth reach developmental
milestones and build social skills through one-on-one instruction and peer
programs. Families discover resources, receive counselling and participate in
workshops on raising – and advocating for – a child who is blind or partially
sighted.
PHILANTHROPY AND VOLUNTEERS
Hollywood meets George Street in CNIB event
In September 2013, CNIB brought the glitz and glam of Hollywood to St. John’s
as we hosted our fifth annual Vision’s Lounge event. Presented by Technip
Canada, Hollywood Northeast featured a live auction, music and entertainment,
appearances by local CBC celebrities and TV personalities, one-of-kind martinis
and extraordinary cuisine...fit for the a-list stars of Hollywood.
Hosted at Dusk on George Street, Dr. Edna Turpin returned as honorary chair for
the event, which raised more than $120,000 in support of vision rehabilitation
services in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Blindfolded guests raise funds for vision rehab
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 237 guests did at CNIB’s Dining in the Dark fundraisers in
2013-14. Presented in partnership with Browning Harvey Ltd., Dining in the Dark
events were held at Gitanos’ Supper Club and Tapas Bar in Corner Brook, and
Raymond’s Restaurant and Gypsy Tea Room in St. John’s.
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.
Community Giving
 CNIB received outstanding support from local foundations this year, including
the Cal LeGrow Foundation, Retired Teachers Association, and VOCM Cares
Foundation who all funded a number of CNIB’s early intervention programs
for children and youth.
 The International Grenfell Association awarded CNIB $50,000 to equip our
Happy Valley-Goose Bay office with the unique products, low vision aids and
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assistive technologies needed to provide vision rehabilitation assessments
and services to our growing number of clients in the Labrador region.
Volunteers provide one-on-one sighted assistance
Imagine losing some or all of your vision. How would you tackle everyday
activities you often take for granted? CNIB’s Vision Mate program 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, labeling and organizing household items, as well as
enjoying leisure and recreational activities together – like playing cards and going
for walks. Thanks to funding from New Horizons, Vision Mates have been
matched with clients in St. John’s over the last year – and the program is
expanding across the province.
Meet Tyler Butler
Although Tyler Butler hasn’t been able to see since he was a toddler, he doesn’t
believe that he has a disability.
The 18-year-old student hasn’t let anything stop him from reaching his goals and
is eager to break down any barriers that get in his way.
“I don’t believe that being blind is a disability,” says Butler. “I have to make
adaptations, but I’m still able to do everything I want to do. There is nothing that
can stop me once I put my mind to it.”
Armed with a $3,000 scholarship from CNIB, the Queen Elizabeth Regional High
School graduate began his first semester of post- secondary education at the
College of the North Atlantic this past fall.
The longtime CNIB volunteer and ambassador is currently enrolled in the
Business Management Marketing program and hopes to one day use his degree
to own and operate his own business.
“I like taking on new challenges – and I’m excited to see what the future brings,”
he says. “The road to success is never easy, but I’m not going to let anything
stand in the way of reaching my goals.”
GOVERNMENT FUNDING
Towards a common goal
CNIB would like to recognize the Department of Health and Community Services
and Eastern Health for providing funding for essential vision rehabilitation
services.
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As well, CNIB would like to acknowledge the Department of Advanced Education
and Skills for providing funding so that CNIB can continue providing employment
assistance services to working-age Newfoundlanders and Labradorians who are
blind or partially sighted.
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.
Testimonial: “I was working as a registered nurse when I suddenly lost my vision
to optic neuritis. After the healthcare system diagnosed my eye condition, I then
relied on a charity – CNIB – to learn to live independently again and regain my
confidence.” – Cindy A., who volunteers to raise awareness of programs for
individuals with vision loss.
CNIB FINANCIAL REPORT
Revenue
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2014
 Support from the Public: 29 per cent
 Government Funding: 54 per cent
 Fees for Service and Misc Income: 17 per cent
Expenditures
Fiscal year ended March 31, 2014
 Services and Public Education: 79 per cent
 Philanthropy: 14 per cent
 Administration: 7 per cent
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HEARTFELT THANKS
CNIB couldn’t do the work we do without the incredible support of our volunteers,
community partners and donors. We also recognize the Newfoundland and
Labrador Division Board members’ commitment to vision health and thank them
for their contributions in 2013-2014:
CHAIR
Jim Hynes
VICE CHAIR
Trevor Giles
PAST CHAIR
Patricia Suvak
Danny Barrett
Jason Blair
Dr. Sarah Hutchens
Trina Oake
Philip Strong
CNIB Centres
70 The Boulevard
St. John’s
(709) 754-1180
3 Herald Ave., 1st Floor
Corner Brook (
709) 639-9167
1A O’Neill Ave.
Grand Falls-Windsor
(709) 489-6515
49 Grenfell St.
Happy Valley-Goose Bay
(709) 896-8302
Visit us online at cnib.ca/nl.
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