Community Report - Central

Listen to NOW with Dave Brown weekdays 9 to 11 a.m. Eastern to find out what's happening in your community! Tune in weekly to hear from our community reporters across the country bringing you information on events and happenings in the blind and partially sighted community across Canada. Click here for more reports in other regions: Atlantic, Pacific and West.

Derek Lackey

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 Macnaughton

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:

August 23, 2022 - Community reporter Dorothy Macnaughton from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, previews the upcoming Fall Rendezvous. She also describes visiting services offered by the city's public libraries.

More details:

The Fall Rendezvous runs Sept. 21–24 at Ermatinger Clergue Historic Site.
- The Historic Site is located downtown at 800 Bay Street and is easily accessible for people with disabilities.
- This free event will have War of 1812 re-enactments, cultural celebrations, living history, musket demonstrations, cannon fire and more.
- For more information, contact: 705-759-5443
- Visit their website here
The Visiting Library Service is offered by The Sault Ste. Marie Public Library.
- To Register, fill out form here
- Once the form is complete email it to: visiting.library@cityssm.on.ca
- For more information, contact: 705-759-5236

Elizabeth Mohler

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

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.