However, this wasn’t how the CNIB had its foundation. In 1918, returning WWI veterans blinded in the battle were looking for rehabilitation and employment retraining Services. Edwin A. Baker, himself a veteran who had lost his sight during the course of the war, had experienced this training at the S.T. Dunstan’s Rehabilitation Centre in England. He brought back this philosophy of independence for blind adults to Canada. Together with six other Canadians he worked to establish a national organization that would portray this image of independence for blind Canadians.
This past summer when Lyle and I walked in
Kingston, Ontario, we met at the CNIB office. The office was located in a
beautiful heritage building and our group gathered in the reception area.
Hanging over the mantel was a large portrait of Colonel Baker. What a fitting
tribute! I know that there are other references to Colonel Baker throughout CNIB,
but I was especially moved to be able to start the Kingston walk under the gaze
of the founder of the organization that has had such an impact on the lives of
so many Canadians who are either blind or partially sighted.
IF you wish, you can check out the CNIB website at:
That was interesting how CNIB was started did not know that. You will have to tell me how you get your books on the reader, is it like downloading on your computer or i pad?
ReplyDelete