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:

August 4, 2020 - Derek Lackey from Winnipeg tells us about his personal experience of attending his sister's wedding during COVID-19. He also tells us about CNIB’s upcoming virtual sessions on travel tips and physical activity for the summer.

More details: 

• CNIB’s virtual meeting on travel tips will take place on August 13 at 11 a.m. Central Time 
• CNIB virtual meeting on physical activities takes place on August 20 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
  • Be sure to wear some active clothing 
• For more information on both events, contact CNIB's Brianna Fuellbrand at 204-789-0931 or via email at brianna.fuellbrandt@vlrehab.ca 

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:

July 15, 2020 - Community reporter Dorothy Macnaughton discusses new recommendations by the AODA Alliance for the eventual re-opening of schools. She talks about family get-togethers during COVID. And tells us about the next Northern Ontario and Rural GTT group meeting.

GTT meeting details:

• Date: July 21, 7pm ET, Zoom
• Contact: gttprogram@gmail.com

CWDO details:

• CWDO’s letter to the Minister of Education
• AODA Alliance brief

Guy was born and raised in Sudbury. He was born with retinitis pigmentosa and with having limited sight he relies on his guide dog Dixon. Guy is currently attending Laurentian University working towards a degree in social work. He is married to a beautiful loving woman and he has an eight-year-old son who he describes as his "whole world". 

Recent Reports:

June 24, 2020 - Community Reporter Guy Carriere tells us about his new student placement. He also shares an update on Sudbury's plans for re-opening and describes some of the city’s virtual Canada Day celebrations. 

More details: 

• Sudbury's virtual Canada Day event will stream on social media, CTV Northern Ontario’s website, and EastLink TV on July 1, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Eastern 
• For a full list of activities visit Science North's website

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 Reports:

July 30, 2020 - Elizabeth Mohler tells us about Donna Jodhan’s audio mysteries and Toronto Public Library's initiative to operate as food banks during the pandemic. She also shares her experiences with Phase Two of re-openings in Toronto. 

More details: 

• To purchase Donna Jodhan’s audio mysteries, visit here 
• To learn more about the Toronto Public Llibrary's food banks, visit here