CANADIAN NATIONAL INSTITUTION FOR THE BLIND
- Local Contact:
- Gerry Braak - 604 485-5028
- gbraak@shaw.ca
CNIB's vision is "A world of independence and equality for people who are blind or visually impaired". The number of people who are legally blind in Powell River is now over 100.
In Powell River, a CNIB community representative is available to assist visually impaired persons in our community. Regular meetings allow for members to gather the information of service requirements, which are relayed to the Vancouver Office where they are arranged for the needed personnel to visit Powell River on a regular basis. Visits can include a vision nurse that can assess optical solutions that may assist in preserving self reliance and the ability to stay in their own home. Many elderly persons are either too frail or do not have family to escort them or they are simply lacking funds to travel to Vancouver for low vision assessment, mobility training or the opportunity to learn what visual aids are available.
Statistics show that visual problems increase through age and 80% of severe visual problems are in the 75-80 year old category. The problem for the aged can be compounded by the loss of hearing, mobility and self esteem. Visual impairment is not restricted to the elderly. In addition to the core programs, talking books, library services, and teaching of braille, Powell River's CNIB assists young people and their families with role modeling, peer support and summer camps.