CNIB Vision Mate program shows big results through partnerships

The CNIB says it's hoping to recruit dozens of volunteers in smaller communities in Nova Scotia who can help with a program that organizers say is showing great results.

For people with vision loss, day to day tasks such as a quick trip to the grocery store can be a challenge, but the Vision Mate program is trying to change that.

Vision Mate pairs up volunteers with people with various levels of vision impairment. There are currently 40 partnerships in the province, including one between Ron Alley and Ann Lin.

"I think that it is a fantastic program," said Alley, who lost his vision after an accident when he was 14.

Alley retired from his position as a teacher with the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority last year. In the months that followed, he needed some assistance at home. While technology and apps have had a significant impact on his independence, he said having someone help is still essential.

Alley applied for the Vision Mate program and was quickly paired up with Lin.

"Having Ann come in and go through and get all the mail and stuff out of the way is very helpful," he said. "The other sorts of things that we do, the research on the computer, the organization of files, and just going shopping."

Lin, a Dalhousie University student from New Waterford, N.S., had never met anyone who was blind before she volunteered.

"I was never affected by it, so I never knew how I could help anyone," she said.

The CNIB provided training, teaching Lin how to guide and about the common challenges people with vision loss can face. She said it changed the way she looks at the community.

Lin and Alley meet up about once a week to run errands, but their favourite activity together is playing tunes on their ukuleles. They've since performed at coffee houses and even won a small talent show.

Volunteers wanted

Program coordinator Jeff DeViller said Vision Mate has been so successful they want to expand, but he's struggling to find enough volunteers.

He has a stack of 75 applications from people asking for help in every corner of the province. He points to Sydney, Truro and Bridgewater as locations where people need the most assistance.

"It's harder to get people outside of HRM in those smaller rural communities where it actually makes a big impact on people," DeViller said.

He said the program is unique for volunteers.

"It's a real one-on-one experience and a lot of people are looking for that in a volunteer role. You also get to see progress," he said.

"You get to see that you're helping someone, you get to see the impact that you make in someone's life."

As for Lin, she said her volunteer work has built a friendship that will last for years.