Tashi Farmilo
LJI Reporter

The CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) Foundation’s Mobile Hub made a stop in
Gatineau on January 29 and 30, offering a series of free workshops and technology
demonstrations to support individuals with vision loss. Held at La Ressource Rehabilitation
Centre, located at 135 Boul. Saint-Raymond, the event gathered specialists, adaptive
technology experts, and community members adjusting to life with visual impairment.

Over the two days, attendees took part in interactive sessions designed to enhance
independence and accessibility. Johann Hamm, CNIB’s Adaptive Technology Coordinator, led a
demonstration on video magnifiers, showcasing three models designed to enlarge text and
images. Participants also explored a range of optical magnifiers suited to different needs, with
Hamm explaining how these tools could improve daily life.

Another session, led by Lyne Dubé, CNIB’s Adaptive Technology Program Lead, provided in-
depth training on the VoiceOver rotor feature for iPhones. Attendees learned how to customize
the settings for maximum usability, an essential skill for those relying on screen readers to
navigate their devices.

Among the most anticipated workshops was a session on coping with vision loss, facilitated by
Salma Moudrika, CNIB’s Youth Program Lead and a psychosocial intervention specialist.
Seated at a table with Najla Noori, Moudrika guided attendees through the emotional impact of
vision loss, outlining the three key stages of adjustment: shock, disorganization, and
reorganization.

“Grief doesn’t follow a straight line,” she told the group. “One day, you might feel like you’re
adapting well, and the next, something small—an anniversary, a familiar place—can bring back
that initial sense of loss. That’s normal.”

Moudrika emphasized that adaptation did not mean ignoring grief but learning to integrate it.
“Vision loss doesn’t take away who you are,” she said. “It’s about finding new ways to live, not
giving up on the things that matter to you.”

The event also served as a space for attendees to connect with others facing similar challenges.
Conversations over coffee and Timbits revealed shared struggles, from navigating public spaces
to adjusting to new technologies. For many, the workshops provided not only practical resources
but also a renewed sense of community.

By the end of the two-day event, CNIB’s Mobile Hub had left its mark. Attendees walked away
with new knowledge, connections, and, perhaps most importantly, a sense that they were not
alone on their journey.​

Photo: Najla Noori gently led Salma Moudrika to the table, guiding her to her seat before the
discussion began at the Ressource Rehabilitation Centre in Gatineau. (TF) Photo: Tashi Farmilo