CNIB products showcased at the Lion's Den event

CNIB representative Angela Fischer with high-contrast keyboard
T. Lucas photos

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) was established in 1918 and assists Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. CNIB Representatives Angela Fischer from Calgary, assisted by Alastair MacLean from Lethbridge, came to the Lions Den in Pincher Creek Thursday, May 23,  2013 to host a workshop to explain and demonstrate products and tools that help blind and visually challenged people live a more full and productive life.

Products designed for those with vision problems

Some of the alternatives for commonly used products incorporate large visual information or highly contrasted colors to help make them easier to see.  Some of the aids shown included a talking alarm clock, a weight scale with large numbers, a  high contrast computer keyboard, playing cards, and a variety of magnifiers.   For those who like to read there were talking book products, magnifiers and enlargers.  "It's never too early or too late to come to us," said Fischer.  The CNIB offers many of these products free to those that have proven visual difficulties.

Fischer encouraged anyone that is having difficulty with their vision to visit and talk to a vision care specialist. She said that a local vision support group is a great resource to share ideas, and come up with coping strategies for any level of difficulty.

Pincher Creek visual support group
The Pincher Creek visual support group meets once a month on the second Thursday of every month.  The location changes between Whispering Winds and Creekside Condominiums, so call Alice Cook at 403-627-3459, Susan Vogelaar at 403-627-2076, or Linda Johnson at 403-627-3533 for more information and to join the group.

May is Vision Health month.  Vision loss can strike anyone of any age, and includes a wide range of causes and levels of impairment.  To find out more about what the CNIB offers call 1-800-563-2642.

Alastair MacLean demonstrates a CCTV that enlarges text and photos.
(Full page of regular sized text on viewing plate, lower right.)

Related link:  www.cnib.ca