Fall 2005 Canadian Corner

Canadian Corner
By Wendy Nichols, AER Canadian Representative

Accolades and Tributes

Congratulations go out to the many volunteers involved in the Canadian Vision Teacher's Conference, Times and Tides, held in beautiful Halifax, Nova Scotia, in May 2005. Despite the chilly weather, the atmosphere was charged with warmth and energy, adding to the great success of both the pre-conference workshop (sponsored by AER) and the conference following it. It's hard to beat that 'down east' hospitality, lobster, and laughter, in addition to exceptional presentations and keynote speakers paired with enthusiastic exhibitors!

Jennifer Shields and Ann MacCuspie did an awesome job as co-chairs, with the incredible Angie Boutilier holding down the "fort" in administration. Thanks to all three of them, and to all the volunteers and committees, for bringing together more than 200 Canadians who share a professional interest in the field of visual impairment. The pre-conference workshop, Dr. Christine Roman who presented on CVI, was so well-received that we are looking at plans to have her back in Canada again, so stay tuned!

John Martin and I staffed the AER Canada booth as exhibitors, and are pleased to announce that we were successful in membership recruitment and retention during the conference. It was great seeing so many members in attendance and as presenters, including Martha Simmons, fellow AER Board Member, who ventured up north from Louisiana! We have established contacts across the country as we pursue a Canadian National agenda for the education of children with visual impairments. Services vary from province to province, and we need a united and strong advocacy voice for children from coast to coast.

What a send-off to a brilliant career at ASPEA for Ann MacCuspie, who retired in June. On behalf of AER Canada, I wish Ann all the best during her retirement, and congratulate her on her many years of dedicated service to AER, to education, and to children with visual impairments. Her contributions to our work continue to inspire many of us, and I am proud to count her as a colleague and friend. I wonder if she has any ideas about what to do with all her free time? I have a few options in mind for the day when Ann is rested and ready! Thanks, Ann, you deserve the best!

I also wanted to pay a public tribute to Linda Studholme, CNIB National Director, former Canadian Representative to the AER International Board, who also served on numerous AER Committees and Committee Member at ACVREP, and friend. Linda came to CNIB Ottawa just before I was transferred to the Toronto office in 1984, and I know that she has made a difference in the lives of many Canadians involved in services to people with visual impairments, and in mine. Standards, accreditation, policies, and programs were Linda's forte, and her hearty laughter and smile added immensely to our experiences over the years. Linda fought a brave battle on behalf of our field, but could not win her personal battle with cancer. Rest well, my friend, I look forward to seeing you again one day in eternity.

Thanks also to Mark Richert as he heads off to his new position at AFB from AER. Mark has been most receptive to the needs of Canadian AER members. I shall miss his keen mind, his wit, his musical talent, and his friendship, in addition to his hard work on behalf of the board and membership of AER. Congratulations on your new role, Mark, and thanks from the Canadian membership, John, Anna, and me!

As I sign off, I cannot thank John Martin and Anna DeSimone at the AER Canada office enough as they continue to perform their duties there. Keep up the great work!

Hope the summer has been great for everyone in AER! I look forward to seeing many of you at an AER workshop, conference, meeting, or event soon. Get involved! Get a member! Become a volunteer! You'll love it! I do!