The Hub is an innovative, fully accessible space where people
with sight loss in the GTA can come for social and emotional support, learn new
skills, take part in programs, workshops, host events, hang-out and thrive in
an engaging space.
She explained that people with vision loss
often experience isolation as it can be intimidating to venture out and
socialize. The Hub aims to change that by providing a safe and accessible
environment for members of the community to meet.
The Hub and many of the neighbouring businesses are equipped
with beacons to help people with sight loss navigate the neighbourhood. It was
fascinating to see how the technology works: when a beacon is installed in a
building, it connects to a GPS app called BlindSquare and relays a
verbal navigation to user’s phones. The beacons essentially provide directions
and navigation indoors and outdoors including
a description of the business, the layout or floor plan of the shop, and the
goods for sale or on display.
The Hub aims to level the playing field for community
members with sight loss with specialized life-enhancing programs,
classes and workshops to enable people with sight loss to lead fuller,
more independent lives and redefine what it means to be blind. Many of the program leads and volunteers are
people living and working with sight loss themselves.
"Our Hub is a space that will help community members with sight loss
smash barriers in areas of access, employment, research & technology and literacy
to create an inclusive community where individuals with sight loss thrive,"
said Bonfanti.
Accessible computers for community members are also
available for people who want to update their resumés, get online to learn new
programs and just spend time in a social environment while researching new
tools and programs or train for a new job. There is also a very cool virtual
reality room on the top floor where
community members (both with sight loss and full vision) can simulate various
situations for people living with sight loss - such as walking across a busy street.
There is a kitchen where members can try out their cooking
skills, and children can learn to help their parents in the kitchen. Oh, and
let's not forget the "Doggy Zone" at the front door for those K9
helpers and best friends to have a drink, relax and socialize with other dogs,
there's an array of toys for them to enjoy.
This two-storey facility is so inviting with large windows
and a painted mural at the front entrance by local artist Leyland Adams. A tactile tree created by Kate Ramos trails along
the staircase and features the hand-prints of the many
volunteers and employees who helped open this inclusive environment!
To learn more The Hub and upcoming events, check out http://www.cnib.ca/en/ontario/gta/Pages/default.aspx
and be sure to follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CNIBOntario/
and Twitter at @CNIB_Ontario
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