Canadian National Institute for the Blind Amateur Radio Program Shack

 Operating Desk at the CNIB Amateur Radio Program Shack

 CNIB Amateur Radio Program shack with manager
Randy Nelson VE3WRN at the controls

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) Amateur Radio Program

Over 460 blind and visually impaired amateurs across Canada enjoy the services of the CNIB Amateur Radio Program.  Founded in 1967, the Program fosters Amateur Radio as a hobby for the blind and visually impaired.

Walter Young, VY2WSY, of Pleasant Grove, P.E.I. became a participant after reading about the Program in the CNIB Vision magazine: Walter said, "Years ago as a teenager, my uncle tried to get me interested as he was a 'ham.' I never thought more of it until I read this article. I realized I should have a hobby to keep myself occupied and it renewed my interest."

The Amateur Radio Program provides assistance to any blind or visually impaired person who wishes to become an Amateur Radio operator, including training, testing and equipment supply. We provide training through audiocassette tapes as well as Braille and large print. We will also find volunteer Radio Amateurs, both blind and sighted, to help anyone interested in getting started. In order to make radio equipment more accessible and affordable, we have a leasing plan as well as a free loaner program.

Participants in the Program also receive newsletters and magazines on tape regularly throughout the year.  Our challenge is to locate blind and visually impaired people who are not aware of the Amateur Radio Program and the services we provide. If you know of someone who would enjoy becoming an Amateur Radio operator, please contact us at the number below.

The Program is financed by donations from three sources, Amateur Radio Clubs, individuals, and charitable foundations. We rely on clubs and individuals each for about one third of our operating funds, with the remaining third coming from foundations. Clubs have found various means of raising funds for the Program. including adding an additional dollar at flea markets and other special events, an extra dollar on the membership fee, and outright donation from the club treasury. Individuals contribute through donating equipment to the Program which, if unsuitable for use by the blind, is then sold with proceeds going to the Program. They also contribute by cash donations during their lifetime and by bequests in their wills. Recently one individual left $35,000 with the money earmarked for purchase of loaner rigs. Each contributor receives a receipt from the CNIB as a charitable donation for tax purposes. Without this financial support, we could not continue the Program.

Please make your cheque out to:
CNIB Amateur Radio Program
1929 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, ON
M4G 3E8

We are pleased to announce that Randy Nelson, VE3WRN, is our new full-time manager. Randy has been an active participant in the program for over 12 years and is excited about his new role. Please feel free to call him with any questions at (416) 480-7438 or by e-mail at amateurradio@cnib.ca

The Program is sponsored by the CNIB but managed and financed through fundraising activities and a dedicated team of volunteers.

Visit our web site at www.cnib.ca/amateurradio

Sidebar Article

Walter Young VY2WSY 30, of Pleasant Grove PE became interested in Amateur Radio after reading an article in the CNIB Vision magazine.

"After losing my eyesight to macular degeneration, I came across an article by a lady that was involved in Amateur Radio. Years ago as a teenager, my uncle Bruce MacLean, VY2BM tried to get me interested as he was a "ham". I never thought more of it until I read this article. I realized I should have a hobby to keep myself occupied and it renewed my interest."

"I contacted George Fanjoy VE3PEB, chairman of the program in Toronto and requested more information. I received training cassettes on theory and Morse code. I then called my uncle Bruce to see if he would help. We met once a week on Sundays. Bruce explained the theory and taught me Morse code. He had an old straight key with an oscillator that we practiced with. Bruce would send something to me in code and then I would send it back to him. That was over the course of last winter."

"In August of 2001, I was ready to take my test. The Amateur Radio Program was very helpful in offering assistance to my instructor and examiner. The Morse Code test was a breeze. I was averaging 8 words per minute. I think it was my persistence in learning code that helped. I was very nervous during the exam. Before I knew it, it was over. Two weeks later, I received my Amateur Radio license in the mail. The initials in my name are part of my callsign VY2WSY."

"I received a call from Randy Nelson VE3WRN, manager of the CNIB Amateur Radio Program congratulating me on becoming an Amateur Radio operator. He said I would have a surprise coming in the mail. That turned out to be a plaque with my callsign."

I would like to thank my uncle Bruce for all his efforts in assisting me. I would also like to thank members of the Charlottetown Amateur Radio Club for their support. I especially appreciate the efforts of Ernie Buchan VY2ERN for examining me. There are too many other names to mention here. Last but not least, I would like to thank the CNIB Amateur Radio Program. Through their lease program, I purchased an HF rig to get on the air. I enjoy the White Caners net on 80 meters."