[nfbmi-talk] new book on blindness issues in Canada!

[fred olver]

NEWS RELEASE

Victoria author examines the status of blind people in Canada 

and calls for replacement of the current charity-based system 

 

Vancouver B.C. - (January 29, 2011) -The author of a book just
released says an 80 per cent unemployment rate among blind
Canadians is an unnecessary violation of human rights. In his
book The Politics of Blindness, Victoria resident Graeme
McCreath, who is blind himself, calls for a complete overhaul of
services for blind Canadians stating the Canadian National
Institute for the Blind (CNIB) is an unsuitable vehicle to serve
the best interests of blind Canadians. 

McCreath, a physiotherapist and blind rights advocate, argues
that the majority of working aged blind Canadians must be given
the opportunity to participate in the workforce alongside their
fellow citizens.  The Politics of Blindness offers a whole
different approach from the traditional custodial view of
blindness and calls for more workplace training opportunities.

 "I wrote this book to help change what it means to be a blind
person in Canada," says Graeme McCreath. "For too long, blind
people have been subjected to inequality and misrepresentation.
This book tells the Canadian public the stark reality about the
status of blind people in this country."

In his book, McCreath recommends that the Canadian government
dismantle blind charities in favour of setting up skills-based
training facilities, government incentive programs to encourage
businesses to hire blind workers and a new universal federal
living allowance based solely on the characteristics of
blindness. This would end the current system which penalizes
people who want to utilize their intelligence and creativity
while engaging in meaningful work.

"I concentrated on identifying past and present mistakes in the
treatment of disadvantaged blind Canadians and I feel that my
constructive solutions offer a way to radically improve the lives
of blind citizens," says McCreath.

The Politics of Blindness is an evidence based account of the
history, present day situation and future possibilities of blind
peoples' experience.

For more information go to, www.thepoliticsofblindness.com
<http://www.thepoliticsofblindness.com/> 

Media contact: Jenn Currie | Peak Communicators | 604.689.5559 |
jcurrie at peakco.com