Programs
The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC) is an organization dedicated to providing blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted individuals with the opportunities they need to compete on an equal basis with other members of Canadian society. Through our scholarship and mentorship programs we hope to enhance the lives of many blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted Canadians.
Mentorship
The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians offers an exciting opportunity for children, youth and adults experiencing partial or total vision loss to connect with experienced blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted role models, in order to share experiences, ideas, and strategies.
The Mentorship Program provides support, information and inspiration through regular contact with mentors via telephone, email, letter-writing or in person.
The mentorship relationship allows individuals to learn from the experiences of others, as well as gain valuable emotional and practical support for many of life's challenges.
"As you may know, peer support and role modelling are crucial elements in the skills development and personal adjustment to vision loss process. As a mentee with the AEBC Mentorship Program, you will have the benefit of the skills, knowledge and life experience of a blind, deaf-blind or partially sighted adult. We trust that the mentoring relationship will be a fulfilling experience for both mentor and mentee."
We believe that everyone is an expert in his or her life, and that our experiences shape who we are. By reaching out to others facing similar experiences, we can facilitate partnerships and a cooperative approach to support, information-sharing, and problem-solving.
It is important to have mentors- people who inspire, challenge, and support us. As well, it can be comforting to know that others have faced, and overcome, similar challenges. We believe that the AEBC mentorship program is an important tool of empowerment for the many Canadians facing partial or total vision loss, and that this program is rewarding for everyone involved. If you are looking for support, information or skills development or if you have such skills as Braille or computer technology, or knowledge about such things as self advocacy, or life experience with such things as guide dogs, please email info@blindcanadians.ca or call 800-561-4774.
Check out the AEBC's handbook here.
Scholarships
Each year, the AEBC offers scholarships to recognize outstanding blind, deaf-blind, and partially sighted post-secondary school students. This year there will be five awards in total: 3 (three) $1,000.00 scholarships and 2 (two) $700.00 scholarships. Each scholarship will be accompanied by a year's free membership to AEBC. They are as follows:
- The AEBC National Achievement Scholarship (National) for $1,000.00
- The Alan H. Neville Memorial Scholarship in memory of an AEBC Pioneer and valued Advisor (National) for $1,000.00
- The AEBC Rick Oakes Scholarship for the Arts (National) for $1,000.00
- The Reverend Leslie Ball Scholarship for the Performing Arts (National) for $700.00
- The Reverend Leslie Ball Scholarship for Vocational Training and Trades (National) for $700.00
