Community Report - Atlantic

Kim Thistle is a photography enthusiast, book clubber, dog walker, chocolate lover, CNIB volunteer, and hockey mom. She lives in St. John's, Newfoundland, with her husband, two teenage boys and two dogs. Kim has Usher's Syndrome (Retinitis Pigmentosa and hearing loss), and is legally blind.  

Julie Martin enjoys beachcombing, hiking trails (especially in the fall), reading, art and her flower gardens.

Julie and her husband live in Pictou County, Nova Scotia, where she is an active member of her community as a volunteer. They have three grown children and two grandchildren whose visits are always precious. Julie has retinitis pigmentosa and is legally blind, leading to her being a strong advocate for the blind and partially sighted.

Marisa Hersey-Misner, an overcomer and advocate for persons with disabilities, was diagnosed as legally blind due to Aniridia at birth.

She has encountered barriers to education, employment, accessibility and inclusion in society. Marisa currently lives in Saint John, NB, with her husband, Clayton, and CNIB guide dog, Novalee. She is the Chairperson for We Are Passengers, the Saint John Ability Advisory Committee, is Vice-President for Guide Dog Users of Canada and volunteers for CNIB. Marisa enjoys walking, nature, listening to different genres of music, capturing moments on her iPhone and learning about different cultures. But above all, her faith in God, studying scriptures, and worshipping and spending time with family and friends is her favourite pastime.