A Brief History of the APHVO Foundation

In the 1980s, provincial organizations including the Regroupement des Aveugles et Amblyopes du Québec (RAAQ) encouraged the creation of regional chapters.  The Regroupement des Aveugles et Amblyopes du Québec – Section Outaouais, which became the Association des personnes handicapées visuelles de l’Outaouais (APHVO) in 2002, was founded in April 1985.

When it was founded, the new organization established the following three objectives:

• To have access to adapted transport and improvements to regular transportation
• To claim rehabilitation services for visually impaired people
• To make public authorities aware of the needs of people living with a visual impairment.

The three founders, Marihel Mermier, Monique Beaudoin and Alan Conway, believed in the need for an organization dedicated to the interests of visually impaired people and advocacy for their rights.  In addition to transportation and rehabilitation, the RAAQ Outaouais is known for its activities to mark White Cane Week, its participation in events, efforts to install audible signals, the dangers of right turns on red lights, and any other awareness-raising requiring the organization’s intervention.

Over the years, the APHVO has emphasized its mission and developed partnerships with public and community organizations. The Association is assuming its role and enjoying recognition in the field of visual impairment.  The APHVO is now part of the Outaouais community.