Blindness doesn’t define capability, but perception often tries to.
Through Watch Me, meet the people challenging that perception every day. In sport, in creativity, and in life, hear their stories, see their experiences, and watch them dispel stereotypes and misconceptions about blindness.
Stories from our community
Explore their stories
Learn more about the people featured in this video and their limitless abilities.
Anne Mok - Vancouver, BC
Anne Mok is a blind storyteller, advocate, and author living with cone rod dystrophy and NDPH (new daily persistent headache). Through her work, she bridges the sighted and blind communities with storytelling, accessibility education, and lived experience.
Anne serves on the CNIB BC/Yukon Advocacy Committee and Strategic Leadership Council, facilitates the CNIB Vancouver Seniors Connection Group, and sits on the Board of Directors for VocalEye. She is also a member of TransLink’s Access Transit Users’ Advisory Committee and Fraser Health’s Practice Council as a Patient Partner.
Find Anne on Instagram at @purposeinview
“So much of my advocacy comes from lived experience. I remember how daunting it felt to first step out into the world with my white cane, and I know how life-changing it is when someone else shows you what is possible. Through my work, my content, and my community leadership, I aim to be that example — helping shift public attitudes while also empowering those who are navigating their own sight loss journey.”
Deon Slaney - St. John’s, NL
Born with Retinitis Pigmentosa, Deon Slaney has never allowed his sight loss to limit his ambitions or his ability to live life fully and independently.
For Deon, independence is more than a personal value; it’s a message he shares with countless participants, demonstrating that with the right tools, skills, and mindset, people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision can lead rich, confident, and independent lives.
This philosophy is at the heart of his work as a CNIB SmartLife Coach, where he introduces people to adaptive tools, technologies, and strategies that empower them to advocate for themselves, participate in activities that may have once felt out of reach, and ultimately enhance their independence and quality of life.
Deon is also an avid outdoorsman who enjoys fishing, hiking, rebuilding engines, and designing model rockets. He firmly believes that blindness should never prevent someone from living confidently, pursuing their goals, or enjoying the activities they love.
Eitel Houédakor - Montreal, QC
Eitel Houédakor has transformed his experience with sight loss into a mission to promote digital accessibility and equal opportunities. A member of the CNIB National Youth Council since 2018, Eitel believes in empowering people to feel confident using technology and helping them to understand its benefits.
Since joining CNIB’s Come to Work team in 2021, Eitel has coached and supported participants who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision by introducing them to accessible technology and supporting them in building the skills to use it confidently.
Eitel is passionate about technology, innovation, writing, and literature, and is driven by an unwavering desire to create a world where disability does not limit anyone's potential.
“For me, inclusion becomes real through the technologies that give me independence, confidence, and the ability to fully participate in every aspect of life.”
Floyd Alexander - Brampton, ON
Floyd Alexander is a Deafblind advocate and community member whose life changed dramatically after surviving spinal meningitis at the age of 22. The illness damaged the nerves in his eyes and ears, resulting in both vision and hearing loss.
Through determination, rehabilitation, and learning how to use adaptive tools, Floyd rebuilt his independence and learned new ways to communicate and navigate the world. He uses print-on-palm communication, braille, a braille display, and orientation and mobility skills to stay connected and independent.
Floyd is passionate about raising awareness about Deafblindness and helping others understand that accessibility, communication, and community support can create greater independence and opportunity.
Emilee Schevers - Hamilton, ON
Emilee Schevers is a disability advocate and member of the CNIB National Youth Council who is passionate about working with children with disabilities to provide them with the same support she received growing up.
Emilee relies on accessible technology every day, including magnification tools, Meta smart glasses, and the built-in accessibility features on her iPhone, to safely navigate public spaces, read printed materials, and stay connected.
Currently, Emilee holds the title of Miss Personality North America 2025/2026 and uses the platform to share her lived experiences with low vision.
Find Emilee on Instagram at @emileeschevers
“Technology allows me to participate in activities alongside my peers without feeling like I'm "different" or a burden. Having access to technology allows me to be independent instead of relying on others for help. That is what true inclusion means to me; freedom to participate on my terms."
Lauren Wu - Halifax, NS
Lauren Wu is a freelance marketing consultant who leads an active lifestyle that includes group fitness, dance, travel, and exploring new places both at home and abroad.
She uses a range of accessible tools and supports in her daily life, including ZoomText screen magnification, audiobooks, and orientation and mobility support at the gym.
While Lauren has a white cane, she doesn’t use it every day. She wanted to be part of the PSA to share her experience and help show others that blindness exists on a spectrum, and that every person has different experiences, challenges, abilities and needs.
Kayden Williamson - Ottawa, ON
Kayden Williamson is a Grade 10 student who has been actively involved with CNIB since the age of 11. Through programs, volunteering, and playing Blind Hockey, Kayden has developed a strong connection to the sight loss community and is passionate about helping others feel included and supported.
By sharing his experiences, Kayden hopes to encourage greater understanding of accessibility and show how adaptive and accessible tools can empower young people with sight loss to participate fully and confidently in the world around them.
“I use a white cane, a BrailleNote, read contracted braille, and use a computer with 45-point font for most of my work. I also rely on magnification apps, screen readers, tactile markers, and built-in accessibility features on my devices. Altogether, these tools make school, volunteering, and daily life way more accessible.”
Stephen McKinney - Winnipeg, MB
Stephen McKinney is an Indigenous community member from Winnipeg, Manitoba who has been blind for over 31 years. He uses a range of accessible technologies and apps to navigate life independently, including JAWS, VoiceOver, Seeing AI, Aira Explorer, and Be My Eyes.
A retired goalball player, Stephen served on the Manitoba Blind Sports Association board and the Canadian Blind Sports Association Goalball Commission.
Stephen continues to stay active through blind archery, Jujitsu, and long walks with his guide dog, Roscoe.
About National AccessAbility Week
National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) is a time to recognize the leadership, achievements, and contributions of Canadians with disabilities and to reflect on the work still needed to build a truly accessible and inclusive country.
Accessibility is about more than removing barriers. It’s about creating a world where everyone can participate fully, confidently, and independently.
Watch Me was created as part of CNIB’s commitment to challenge perceptions of blindness and sight loss. By centering real people and authentic experiences, the campaign invites Canadians to rethink assumptions and see what’s possible.
Through programs, advocacy, community connection, and accessible technology, CNIB works every day to empower people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision to live the lives they choose.
Accessibility starts with action
When accessibility is built into our communities, workplaces, schools, technology, and public spaces, everyone benefits.
Explore how CNIB is supporting people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision, and how you can be part of that work.
This project was funded by the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program – National AccessAbility Week.