The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) visited Estevan to highlight programs for blind, deaf-blind, and low-vision individuals and to teach them about advocacy.   

The CNIB Mobile Hub offers a variety of activities and technologies that could aid those with low vision. They also offer a support group for low-vision individuals and their caretakers.  

During the sessions, they encourage participants to bring in community members to talk with the group and provide additional information or services that could benefit those in the immediate community.  

Program Coordinator and Peer Support for CNIB Aashini Patel said they are working on expanding programming in the province.  

“Maybe not everyone is interested in a small meeting group, maybe someone is interested in art or a fitness program or something. So, we are trying to start in rural communities in person,” said Patel.  

Patel noted that when people lose their sight or become a deaf-blind person, they tend to isolate themselves.  

“Then we try to start from within the person to the outer world. We help them, but first, you have to accept it, then you can do it.”  

Amanda Titman, Team Lead for Advocacy and Programs in Saskatchewan for CNIB said that the purpose of the Mobile Hub is to bring opportunities and information to communities such as Estevan and Weyburn.

“Our communities need to know that they’re not alone in this fight and that there is hope, and that other people are going through the same situation as them or very similar, "said Titman. 

She said it is important that they get out to the rural communities whether it's a smaller city or larger town to make sure that each community feels supported.

The information sessions are held about twice a year, and each time CNIB brings a different set of topics, and resources to discuss with participants. The sessions are an opportunity for them to gauge each area's specific needs when it comes to resources and programming. 

For those in the southeast who are dealing with vision loss, there is a support group held at the Estevan Lions Club Nicholson Centre on the fourth Wednesday of each month. The next one will be held on April 24.