November 12 - Remembering

Yesterday was Remembrance Day and Lyle and I went to the service at our local Legion. In between the singing, the speeches, the laying of the wreaths, and the moments of silence, I was also reminded of the beginnings of the CNIB – The Canadian National Institute for the Blind. These days the agency prefers to be known as simply CNIB. This change in name reflects the more encompassing nature of the agency, as it offers services not only to those who are blind but also to those who experience low vision.

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:

www.cnib.ca