Kingston, Ontario. book club creates community for people with vision loss – Kingston | The Canadian News

For avid book lovers like Anne Jewell, finding accessible reading materials is a must.

That need is being facilitated by his membership in the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) book club, unique to Kingston.

“It is an opportunity to connect with people who have the same obstacles and also to connect with people who have such varied and interesting points of view about the books that are read,” says Anne Jewell.

“I learn something every month.”

As the CNIB Book Club celebrates its 10th anniversary, Jewell celebrates eight years of reading with the group.

“Regardless of people’s vision loss, whether they are blind, visually impaired or deafblind, we welcome everyone to that community,” says Caitlin Bruce of the CNIB.

“It’s just to connect with other people who share that love of reading and really enjoy it and want to connect with others every month.”

Members of the reading club are connected to CELA, the Center for Equitable Library Access, which offers people with reading disabilities a wide range of books in different formats, from braille and large print materials to audiobooks.

“It is certainly different. And I still miss holding that book and turning the page, ”says Jewell. “I think I will always miss him. But you know, now I’m used to listening to books. “

According to CELA, it is estimated that only between five and seven percent of published works are available in accessible formats for people with reading difficulties.

“If you haven’t experienced that, you’re not sure where to go, what resources there are,” says Bruce. “So we can absolutely point people in the right direction on how to get started.”

Jewell says the group has helped her navigate her vision loss journey and encourages others to follow suit.

“It will help you fight through the first moments of losing your vision,” she says. “And you will get a lot of really good ideas from people and you will meet very interesting people.”

The small, close-knit group meets the third Wednesday of each month, September through June, sharing a love of reading, learning, and a determination to overcome obstacles.