Under direction of CNIB, the NYC works to ensure that current and new CNIB initiatives, programs, and policies are reflective of, and responsive to, the needs of children and youth who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. The council meets bimonthly to share ideas and collaborate on projects that affect CNIB's organizational activities. The NYC also provides opportunities for members to grow as future leaders through training, fellowship and practical work.
Our mission
CNIB's National Youth Council advocates for equal and equitable opportunities for youth who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.
Our vision
A world where youth who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision thrive in their autonomy and empowerment.
Your CNIB National Youth Council
Between meetings, council members are actively engaged in their roles and projects in a team environment, promoting collaboration, communications and leadership. Meet the young leaders who are driven to change what it is to be blind today!
Will Honcharuk – Chair, Vancouver, BC
Will Honcharuk is in his fourth year at Western University, where he is working towards a Business Administration degree from the Ivey School of Business and a Bachelor of Media Studies. In his free time, Will enjoys camping, theatre, and film history. Will became a National Youth Council member because he is motivated by creating a positive impact on the next generation of young Canadians with sight loss. Upon graduation, Will hopes to utilize his business and multimedia marketing knowledge to develop best-in-class concepts and become a force for change in the world of accessible marketing.
Emilee Schevers – Vice Chair, Kawartha Lakes, ON
Emilee Schevers is a Registered Early Childhood Educator Education pursuing her post graduate certificate in Mental Health and Disability Management at Mohawk College. In her free time, Emilee enjoys get outdoors with her family, going on walks, and painting her nails. Emilee became a National Youth Council member because she is passionate about creating awareness for vision loss and making the world a more accessible place. This also inspired her and her sister to create Tru Faces – an online community and social media movement for individuals with disabilities to share stories, experiences and educate about their lives. Follow Tru Faces on Instagram and Twitter.
Eitel Houedakor – Executive Member, Montréal, QC
Meet Eitel Houedakor: digital accessibility expert by day, judo champ by dusk, and committed member of the National Youth Council around the clock. As a Digital Accessibility Consultant and Assistive Technology Program Coordinator, Eitel excels in empowering individuals through enhanced digital inclusivity, and imparting knowledge of game changing assistive technologies. His academic journey in software development and accessibility underscores a steadfast commitment to eliminating barriers within the digital world and beyond. Through his work, he strives to ensure these young individuals are provided with the opportunities to not only participate fully in society but to thrive and flourish within it.
Alicia Chenier – Sudbury, ON
After graduating from Early Childhood Education, Alicia is now getting her Bachelor's Degree in Disability Studies at Toronto Metropolitan University. She is passionate about public speaking and raising awareness about disabilities and accessibility. Alicia shares her life on social media as a brain tumour fighter and survivor, chronic illness warrior, and person living with sight loss. During her time on the National Youth Council, she hopes to develop resources to help youth with sight loss achieve academic success in high school and post-secondary studies. You can learn more about Alicia's journey by following her on social media: Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Kylie Matthews – Massey Drive, NL
Kylie is currently attending Memorial University Grenfell Campus in her second year of a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Social Cultural Studies. In her spare time, Kylie hangs out with friends and family, goes to the gym, and loves to travel internationally. Kylie joined the National Youth Council because she wanted to fill the need for Newfoundland and Labrador to have CNIB representation at a national level. Due to a rare medical condition, Kylie lost the majority of her vision suddenly at age 16. Since then, she has become a strong advocate for education and accessibility surrounding vision loss. Her goal is to educate the public on how individuals with vision loss can accomplish anything they put their mind to.
Aadim Rajan – Burnaby, BC
Born and raised in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, Aadim recently completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree at The University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business. In his spare time, Aadim loves to try new restaurants, binge-watch Netflix, or go for a run. Passionate about people and purpose, Aadim is ecstatic to be joining CNIB and to be supporting the organization in providing a voice for people impacted by blindness.
Curtis Ruttle – Calgary, AB
Curtis has been a member of the National Youth Council for the past four years and continues to work towards helping others. In his spare time, he enjoys photography, blind hockey, skiing / snowboarding, and skateboarding. Curtis became involved with the National Youth Council to help make a difference in the lives of people living with sight loss, advocate, and work alongside other youth a similar mindset and goals. During his time on council, he has worked in differing capacities on many different projects. Curtis continues to work hard on his Accessible Skateboarding Program for youth with low vision and has recently partnered with CNIB to grow the program. To learn more about the project, visit altroute.ca or check out Alt Route on Instagram!
Ayesha Shakil – Saskatoon, SK
In her first year of Health Studies at the University of Saskatchewan, Ayesha embarks on her path to become an optometrist. With an interest in eye health, she envisions a future as an optometrist, driven by a passion for making a meaningful impact. Ayesha is a dedicated volunteer with CNIB and has been inspired by the organization’s mission to enhance the lives of Canadians living with sight loss and hopes to help in creating fun opportunities. Ayesha enjoys baking and knitting, as it serves as a creative outlook and as a stress reliever. Ayesha looks forward to contributing to CNIB’s mission!
Get involved
Applications for the CNIB National Youth Council are officially open!
Each year, the National Youth Council seeks diverse youth representation from across Canada. Join the CNIB National Youth Council and help drive change on issues that affect young people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. Find out the specific responsibilities and tasks required of National Youth Council members and how you can apply.