Since losing his eyesight in 2013, Derek has been passionate about advocating for, and educating others about the blind community. Derek has been dedicated to trying to break down the walls of misconception and myth around the lives of blind people.

Recent Reports:

July 13, 2022 - Community reporter Derek Lackey in Winnipeg describes “Ultimate Dinosaurs,” a new exhibit at the Manitoba Museum.

Dorothy has been an advocate for people with vision loss and for meaningful legislation to protect the rights of everyone with disabilities in Ontario and Canada for many years. She currently volunteers for the CNIB in northern Ontario and in Ontario, the CCB (Canadian Council of the Blind) group in the Sault and the Northern Ontario and Rural GTT (Get Together with Technology) group which meets monthly by teleconference. Dorothy has a long association with Friends of the Library groups in Prince Township and for many years in Sault Ste. Marie, and with the Friends of Canadian Libraries group, which will now become a Committee under the auspices of the Ontario Library Association.

Recent Reports:

June 28, 2022 - Community reporter Dorothy Macnaughton in Sault Ste. Marie describes this year’s Go North Music Festival . She also tells us about the Agawa Canyon Tour Train 

More details:

• The Go North Music Festival runs July 8 to July 9 at St. Joseph Island in Ontario at Richards Landing Centennial Grounds at 1511 Richards Street 
• For more information, contact 705-246-2625 ext. 201 
• You can also email community@stjosephtownship.com 
• For ticket information, visit here 
• The Agawa Canyon Tour Train runs August 1 to October 10 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. 
  • The duration is 4 Hours up to Agawa Canyon Park. There is a 90 Minute stop at the park, then a 4.5 hour return trip
  • The station depot is located at 99 Huron St in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario 
  • For more information, email: contact@agawatrain.com  or visit here 

Elizabeth holds a master’s degree from the University of Western Ontario in Occupational Science. She presently works as an assistive technology educator and community engagement specialist at BALANCE for Blind Adults. Elizabeth is passionate about assisting clients gain independence using assistive and mainstream technology, and using technology to connect clients to both their digital and actual communities. She co-authored Creating a Culture of Accessibility in the Sciences and has worked for several years mentoring post-secondary students with disabilities, helping them to find and implement new learning strategies. Elizabeth sits as an active member on the Ontario government Education Standards committee where she provides consultation and helps develop strategies to inform a more inclusive education landscape.

Recent Report: 

Tuesday, June 7, 2022:

Elizabeth talked about her personal experiences of her involvement in the Ontario provincial election process, not just with the election on election day, but my overall experience engaging in canvassing, phone bank work, and outreach for my local MPP, sharing some accessibility challenges and solutions.  

She also spoke about the pre-election experience of canvassing and its attendant access challenges and her experience with accessibility on voting day.  

Finally, Elizabeth share her thoughts on ways to facilitate inclusive participation for folks who want to engage in civic volunteering.

Shaini Saravanamuthu is a 30-year-old living in Montreal, Quebec. Though Shaini has a rare eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa, she doesn't let it define who she is or stop her from living her best life. Shaini is a full-time accountant and creativity junkie who loves baking, cake decorating and event planning and decor. She loves exploring new places and trying new things! 

Recent report: 

July 22, 2022 - Community reporter Shaini Saravanamuthu describes the current state of COVID-19 in Montreal. She also tells us about an upcoming Holi event in the city to celebrate the festival of colours.  

More Details:

Topic 2:  Labothéry!- Craft Your Signature Tea! 

They have 3 locations: 

Westmount, 5223 Sherbrooke St W, Montreal. 

Brossard, 9140 Boul. Leduc #150.- Quartier DIX30/Brossard. 

Place Ste-Foy, 2450 Boul. Laurier #E40A, Quebec City. 

Email: labothery@gmail.com 

Website:  https://www.labothery.com/ 

Topic 3:   Experience the outdoor HOLI event in Montreal 

Date: August 13 and 14 

Location: The Old Port, Montreal 

Cost: Tickets 25.50 ahead of time  

Website: https://www.holimontreal.com/