May 30 - One Hundred Years

Well, it hasn’t quite been one hundred years since the beginning of CNIB, but the date is drawing closer. The actual date and the one planned for a celebration is March 18, 2018. This past week I attended one of the initial planning sessions for the big event. Actually it was a brain storming session to generate ideas for the centennial celebration. These ideas will then be taken to a meeting at the national level, where it will be decided just which of the many suggestions are the most feasible. I was excited by the meeting because I have been aware for some time that the one hundred year mark for CNIB was coming up. I have also been aware that it has been nearly five years since  my White Cane Connections Walks across Canada in 2012. Because of these two things, I have decided to do another series of walks. My plan is to start in the spring of 2017 and health, weather and family commitments permitting, I would continue the walks in the spring of 2018.The 2017 walks would encompass only the western provinces. Naturally, I would let all of you be the first to know when planning becomes more definite. I feel excited that there might be an opportunity to reconnect with some of you and to possibly meet other white cane users.

May 22 - Dreaming

As I waited for my flight to be called, I moved closer to the windows overlooking the taxiway. Men and women in brightly colored jumpsuits moved about on the tarmac and as I looked up, a large Air Canada jet droned in for a landing. Restlessly I turned to scan the crowd for my daughter. This was our flight and if she didn’t get a move on we would be late. Then I truly opened my eyes and rolled over. Of course I had been dreaming. Now I say of course, because there are so many things out of sync with my dream that have totally no basis in the reality of my world of vision loss. I could no more identify the lettering or ensignia on the side of an aircraft than I could fly over the moon. Although I might be able to catch the movement of figures on the tarmac, I would be unable to identify them as either men or women or have the remotest notion of what they might be wearing or doing. Then, for me the saddest part – I would be unable to see the face of my daughter if she was coming towards me. Fortunately, my family all know this about me and always call out to me when they approach me out of a crowd of people. I am always grateful when I dream with full sight. It is surprising to me just how much my mind recalls from the past. During my waking hours I have become accustomed to partial sight and for the most part I don’t think of it as being anything unusual. Seeing details and vivid colour is a wonderful dreamtime experience. Sometimes in my dreams I even move about without needing to use my white cane. I  do like dreaming!

May 7 - Descriptive Video

Yesterday, as I sat in the waiting room of my dentist office, I noticed that the TV was broadcasting with descriptive video turned on. This is quite an amazing feature for people who can’t see the action on the screen. Basically, when movement occurs without dialogue, an overriding voice explains what is happening.

I remember the first time I watched a movie this way. My friend, Norma, had borrowed a “describe video” from the CNIB Library. There were a group of us watching and what with the chatter of friends and the munching of snacks, I found it difficult to also concentrate on the voice describing the action. I think that watching a movie or television program this way does require a new learning skill. People who lose their sight in adult years often need to adjust to new ways of doing things.

For instance, I have always been an avid reader. When I needed to switch from seeing the printed page to a new way of reading – that is, listening to the spoken word, it was a challenge. Listening to a voice – human or computerized – is quite different from seeing the print and turning pages of a book. Listening requires attentiveness and an ability to tune out other background sounds.

Not all TV programs provide descriptive video. Usually for those that do, there is an announcement at the beginning of the program.  Then, if you wish to watch that way,  there is a button on the remote to turn on the service.

All this is part of what is called "accessible programming”.  This same protocol can be used in the design of other things in the visual world. Universal design, which results in universal accessibility, means opening the doors for everyone. We can all assist by advocating for the removal of barriers to universal accessibility.