For those who are visually impaired help has come to Labrador with the opening of the CNIB (Canadian Institute for the Blind) Labrador office at the Labrador Friendship Centre.
“We opened an office here in Happy Valley-Goose Bay because the CNIB saw a need for our services in Labrador, say Marilyn McGale, CNIB Director.
Ashley McPherson will run the new office and will help clients with independent living skills, as well as teach brail to those in the community who have partial or full vision loss.
The CNIB will be offering services such as low vision assessments with a specialist who will work with the client.
“We can show clients how to build skills to complete everyday activities, such as cooking, identifying money, as well as teach them how to live safe and independently,” said McPherson.
The CNIB’s vital services include rehabilitation and support, all designed to make it easier for the visually impaired.
They have an extensive range of helpful CNIB products that can make life with vision loss easier, and one of the world's largest libraries for people who are unable to read traditional print by obtaining books on CD and descriptive movies, all for free.
Clients will also be able to get brail books and newspapers to read.
“All of these are simple to access and to use, through our library service,” McPherson said.
With the advancement of technology, the visually impaired have a wide range of products to help them live self-efficient lives, from talking watches, clocks and bank note readers; even talking measuring cups for those who enjoy baking.
The official open house will take place sometime in the fall.
Those needing assistance are asked to call and make an appointment at 896-8302 or visit www.cnib.ca.
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