CNIB’s National Youth Council has been working hard all fall and winter to offer some exciting new initiatives for youth. Before diving into the exciting projects on the go, we’d like to congratulate Veronika Copping for being the 2020 National Youth Council Leadership Award Recipient. This award was created to celebrate youth with sight loss who go above and beyond in their community to make a difference. Veronika is a leader in her community, trailblazer and lifelong volunteer. As the Founder of the Juicebox Project, Veronika’s efforts have kept over a quarter million beverage containers out of our waste system and sustainably recycled. Congratulations, Veronika!
Accessibility of Online Learning Survey
Has the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted your learning? Are you getting the same supports that you would have, if you were receiving in-person learning? The National Youth Council has worked with CNIB’s Research Department to develop a survey related to the accessibility of online learning. The goal of this survey is to gain an understanding of the successes and barriers that students are currently facing because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With your feedback, CNIB will be able to better understand your education experience during the pandemic, and work with educational institutions and online learning platforms to make them more accessible. This survey will be live until Tuesday, February 16th, 2021.
Link to survey: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/JMBGVBM
Financial Literacy for Youth
Do you want to get a head start on your financial future? Join National Youth Council for “Let’s Talk Money!” This program is geared towards youth and young adults and will break down complex topics related to personal finance. No prior financial knowledge is required to join this program – we’ll start from the beginning! This Zoom session will cover topics ranging from banking basics and taxes to disability-specific topics like Registered Disability Savings Plans, Disability Tax Credits, and Assistive Devices Programs.
“Let’s Talk Money” will be co-facilitated by two National Youth Council members and will feature a guest expert related to each week’s topic. This session will be held bi-weekly on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. EST, starting February 11, 2021.
Link to register: https://cnib.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEod-igqTgrHdavFPmjysqUpxU981Kv-Fze
Accessible Textbook Issues
Are you in post-secondary school? Have you had issues receiving your textbook or course material in an accessible material? The CNIB is here to help. If you need our help, reach out! Call us at 1-833-GET-A11Y (1-833-438-2119). You'll need to provide us with some information about the textbook or information you need in an accessible format, what school you are enrolled in and an overview of what has been done. One of our Advocacy Leads will get in contact with you to work out a plan. In some instances, CNIB may be able to provide a copy of a textbook in an accessible format if all advocacy efforts have been exhausted. Before reaching out, please make sure you have done the following:
- Have you told your professor or instructor that you need course content in an accessible format?
- Have you contacted the Accessibility Services Office on campus? They are a great resource to use.
No student with sight loss should be receiving their textbooks or course materials days before an exam.
About the National Youth Council
Youth with sight loss have a voice with the National Youth Council. It gives Council members the chance to influence change and increase awareness of issues facing young Canadians living with sight loss. The Council ensures CNIB Foundation initiatives, programs and policies reflect and respond to the needs of young people with sight loss.