My Vision
We just had an Earthquake here in Ottawa – somewhere between 5.5 and 5.7 on the Richter scale. From what we can tell, the earthquake was felt across most of Ontario and the northern United States.
Our first priority was evacuating the building, counting all employees and ensuring that everyone was safe – and thankfully, everyone was safe and accounted for. We then checked the building and facilities for any damage. Again, nothing was damaged.
I am incredibly glad that there was no...
Posted on: 23 Jun 2010
With the winter Paralympics set to open in a matter of days, we anxiously await news and coverage of our Canadian athletes who, despite challenges, have proven themselves as the best in the world amidst fellow elite competitors.
With an admitted vested interest, I am particularly keen to follow the progress of Para-Nordic skier, Margarita Gorbounova, who was the 2008/09 recipient of the T-Base Sponsorship of a blind or partially sighted athlete, and is competing in her...
Posted on: 09 Mar 2010
After recently returning home from a simply unforgettable, one month trip to Tanzania, I am reminded, once again, that in no way do challenges have to limit our opportunities in life.
Despite the unfamiliar surroundings, unsettled terrain and unconventional transportation that I knew I was to encounter on this rare excursion, I did not let it stop me from participating, alongside my sighted travel partners, in all activities.
Boarding land rovers and twin engine pipers to reach our destinations...
Posted on: 28 Jan 2010
It was both a privilege and honour to be asked, and to deliver, the keynote address to the students of W. Ross Macdonald School for the Blind in Brantford, Ontario earlier this month. Because the theme of the days events was "Ways to Work", I shared with the students my personal experiences as a blind entrepreneur, from the challenges and obstacles, to the many opportunities and successes that have resulted. More specifically, I offered some practical advice for those students nearing a...
Posted on: 18 Nov 2009
With the school year now set to start in less than a month’s time, educators are already considering unique opportunities for students, geared to enhancing learning and inspiring motivation.
As a blind entrepreneur who has faced a number of challenges (including unexpectedly having to refocus education and career goals), and has created opportunities as a result (namely launching a company to fulfill consumer needs), I welcome the opportunity to visit North...
Posted on: 15 Aug 2009
Organizations involved in the delivery of essential services are providing important information in audio, braille, large print and e-Text formats to meet the diverse information needs of customers while simultaneously meeting legislative requirements. It is important for these organizations to remember that the processing and production of alternative formats is much more than receiving a print stream from their service provider. A secure processing and...
Posted on: 12 Mar 2009
Today, January 10th, marks the one year anniversary of my first post to this blog, and to the welcomed journey that I have experienced as a result. Since sharing my vision for Blind Ambition in that first entry, I have endeavoured to provide both corporate and disability interest groups with relevant information pertaining to current accessibility practices, opportunities, and legislation, as well as an open forum where these raised issues can be...
Posted on: 10 Jan 2009
With December 25th just over a month away, the North Pole is anxiously awaiting an expected onslaught of deliveries, as children from all over the world begin to send Santa their Christmas wish lists. Since 2002, T-Base has partnered with Canada Post to make it possible for blind and partially sighted children to send their letters to Santa, and alternatively have them responded to, in braille. Not only does this initiative promote independence and...
Posted on: 25 Nov 2008
Since launching this blog in early January, I have really enjoyed commenting on a variety of topics that both interest and affect me, and am most excited by the conversations it has sparked among individuals as a result. To help facilitate further discussions, I am inviting readers to enter into our “Spring into Accessibility†blog contest where one lucky blogger will win an iPod Nano! To enter, you must first register for the contest. Once you are registered, you can enter...
Posted on: 17 Apr 2008
There has been a flurry of widespread discussions since blind New York Governor David Paterson assumed his newfound position just one month ago. While the primary focus has centered around the governor’s inspirational story of success in the face of adversity, reports have also spotlighted Paterson’s attained success despite his personal choice not to learn braille, use a cane or guide dog, etc. To some observers, this active decision may demonstrate great independence, while to some...
Posted on: 09 Apr 2008
