Arko Ypma
Arko Ypma is a volunteer who has supported CNIB with tireless dedication to the organization and its clients.
Arko lost his sight in a car accident. He became a client of CNIB and has subsequently given back to the organization through selfless volunteerism.
Arko’s current labour of love consists of teaming up with a volunteer colleague to run an eight week support group for seniors who have recently experienced vision loss. The New Horizons, New Dreams program has helped empower seniors with vision loss by providing useful information and peer support.
Arko notes that among the goals of the sessions is to teach the participants to “build self esteem through reinforcement” as well as other goals such as “becoming more independent and free”, and “taking charge of responsibility.” During the sessions Arko has shared with the group his humour and inspirational, quotes which he reads from a braille notepad.
Arko is never alone when running the sessions. He is always accompanied by Ollie. Arko and Ollie are living examples that people with vision loss can maintain independence lead a good quality of life. Ollie is Arko’s fourth dog.
The eight weekly sessions provide seniors with vision loss with a social support network and the opportunity to learn about CNIB and other community services that are available to them. Sometimes, there are even guest speakers during the sessions. These guest speakers help to provide motivation for the seniors to continue to enjoy life, despite vision loss. Each weekly session focuses on a different subject. Topics include assertiveness, moving forward, dealing with denial, learning and listening, and functioning in the kitchen.
For Arko, one of the most rewarding aspects of running the New Horizons, New Dreams program has been to watch the results reflected in the individual participants.
“Where there’s life, there’s hope” says Arko “Its inspiring when they (seniors with vision loss) realize, they are not alone, that others share challenges as well. Each person goes away with a new packet of information and restored spirit”, states Arko. “The program brings together those who are in different stages of fighting the same battle.”
Volunteers like Arko Ypma make the battles just a little bit easier to fight.