Kamloops visually impaired fishers say life is about ability, not disability

The White Cane Club gives people with low vision a family-friendly environment and assists members in taking part in activities.

The fun fishing derby lets people with vision loss experience a sport they may not normally get to try.

“For the club itself, we call it a real feel-good event that we can do these things for people who are less lucky than we are in terms of getting out going fishing and enjoying the conversation,” says Dave Helmer with the Kamloops and District Fish and Game Association.

Member of the White Cane Club, Carol Skuta has been legally blind for nine years and has not been fishing in that time. On Sunday, she caught four fish — and enjoyed every second of it.

“It makes me feel very good. I feel very blessed to be able to do these things because not only do we fish but we go lawn bowling as well.”

Getting out on the water to catch some fish may be a simple task for most but for the visually impaired it presents some challenges.

A spokesperson for the club, Short says being able to fish with friends and be involved in everyday activities makes each member’s day.

“It’s about inclusiveness. It’s about ability rather than disability, and we who have vision loss we can still get out and do things.”

Short adds the members of the club say experiencing the little things in life can change your perspective — and no one should take their vision for granted.

“What I tell people is that I’m too damn busy to sit in a corner and cry about things. It’s about your attitude. You’re dealt the hand you are dealt and you go forward from that,” Short adds.

Fish were caught, hot dogs were eaten, and memories were made at the latest visually impaired fishing day on Sunday.

by Connor Gunn

Kamloops visually impaired fishers say life is about ability, not disability

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