CNIB offers diners a blind taste test

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind is holding a fundraising dinner that will help patrons experience what it is like to be a blind person at such an event.

Dining in the Dark is scheduled for The Gypsy Tea Room in St. John's on May 29.

Guests will be offered a multi-course gourmet meal to eat while they are blindfolded.

"[It's] an opportunity to have a better understanding of what someone who's blind has to overcome each day," explained Deborah Wearn, the Newfoundland and Labrador director of the CNIB.

"An awareness."

Rezori, Crowe give it a try

CBC reporter Azzo Rezori and Here and Now host Jonathan Crowe took part in a recent Dining in the Dark media event.

Rezori expressed surprise at how, once his vision was removed, how noisy eating can be.

Crowe said without his vision, he found he found it difficult to navigate around his plate.

"I feel like I'm really making a mess here," said Crowe.

Wearn also said people experiencing vision loss do find a new normal, and there are a variety of resources available, such as a gadget which beeps when a glass is almost full of liquid.

CNIB officials also said vision loss affects one in every four people over the age of 75. The rising direct and indirect costs of dealing with vision loss in Canada's aging population is estimated at $15.8-billion. 

Tickets for the Dining in the Dark event are available through the CNIB office.