Canadian Council of the Blind (CCB)

The Canadian Council of the Blind, also known by its acronym 'CCB' is a Federally Chartered (registered non-profit charitable organization) 'National' Consumer/Advocacy Organization, founded in 1944 in London, Ontario.  Over the years the CCB has grown and evolved to become recognized as Canada's "voice of blind Canadians".

The Canadian Council of the Blind head office is now located in the Ottawa, Ontario.  Starting out with but a handful of individuals there are now some 85 plus affiliated Clubs across Canada.

For purposes of definition and understanding, the distinction between the 'CCB' and the 'CNIB' should be noted.  Simply put, the CCB membership and all those the Canadian Council of the Blind speaks on behalf of are "the blind speaking for themselves."   The CNIB is the 'service agency' that exists to provide a variety of specific services to the needs of the blind and visually impaired population.

ORGANIZATION:

The CCB operates on a three tier level; National Board of Directors consists of a National President and nine elected Directors, representing each Division.  The CCB Constitution also allows for three appointed National Board Members.  The National Board directs operations at the national level.

Divisions are based within each Province with the exception of Nova Scotia/Prince Edward Island, combining two provinces, and British Columbia/Yukon Division representing one province and a territory.  The Division directs provincial level operations of the CCB within their boundaries.  Each Division has an elected Executive Committee made up of a Divisional President and other executive officers.  At the community level, the CCB is represented by affiliated Clubs throughout Canada.  Each Club has its own elected Executive Committee and sends representatives to its Division's conferences.

Individual Members constitute the heart of the organization, filling the ranks of the Council's different levels and determining the CCB's direction by democratic process.  The Canadian Council of the Blind exists as a vehicle through which the membership expresses its will.

MISSION:

To establish, organize, and maintain a nation-wide association dedicated to assisting and enhancing the individual and collective efforts of individuals who are blind or vision impaired in:

• Regaining self-confidence and self-reliance;
• Reclaiming self-esteem and independence; and
• Retaining, refining and exercising a strong and vigorous voice in all matters affecting the well-being of individuals who are blind and vision impaired.

OBJECTS OF THE CANADIAN COUNCIL OF THE BLIND:

• To promote the well-being of the blind through higher education, profitable employment, social association, and to create a closer relationship between blind and sighted friends.
• To organize a nationwide organization of blind persons and groups of blind persons, throughout Canada.
• To promote measures for the conservation of sight and the prevention of blindness.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the Council shall be:

1. To promote equality for Canada's blind and visually impaired.
2. To promote equal opportunities for education and employment of blind persons.
3. To promote equal access of information.
4. To continue efforts in strengthening a nationwide awareness of the COUNCIL as the strong and reasonable Voice of the Blind and Visually Impaired in Canada.
5. To promote integration between the blind and visually impaired and the sighted population.
6. To promote recreational and social activities for the blind and visually impaired throughout Canada.
7. To promote measures for the conservation of sight and prevention of blindness.
8. To promote among the membership (and all blind and visually impaired Canadians) a sense of purpose and self-esteem as a first class citizen.
9. To monitor and assess the services provided by Canada's service delivery agencies, and to ensure the quality of service is equal throughout Canada and in all its regions.
10. To ensure that these services address the ever-changing needs of Canada's blind and visually impaired.
11. To promote through advocacy and the monitoring of government services and legislation on all levels, that the ever-changing needs of the blind and visually impaired are addressed on all issues.
12. To promote and ensure that in the development of technology, the needs of Canada's blind and visually impaired are considered.
13. To promote equal treatment of the blind and visually impaired in a free and democratic society without limitation or discrimination.

CCB DIVISIONS:

1. Newfoundland/Labrador
2. New Brunswick
3. Nova Scotia/Prince Edward Island
4. Quebec
5. Ontario
6. Manitoba
7. Saskatchewan
8. Alberta
9. British Columbia/Yukon

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