TannerTalks educates, motivates and inspires people about the abilities of visually impaired, totally blind and deaf/blind individuals.

Now an award-winning speaker, at the age of 25 Frances Tanner found herself making a journey of a lifetime − the path from sight to total blindness in what seemed to be the “blink of an eye”.

TannerTalks evolved from the lack of awareness that Frances encounters daily coupled with her desire to share with and teach others about the misconceptions surrounding life in the world of the visually impaired.

Frances’ keynote speeches and workshops are humorous and engaging, filled with real-life experiences, practical techniques, interactive skills, transitional tricks and “eye opening” tales.

Presentations range from 15 minutes to 1.5 hours. They are provided to all audience types − including conferences, associations, training workshops, information sessions, employee development and self-improvement workshops, guest lectures, fundraisers and more. All are customized to suit the needs and focus of the host organization. Workshops, seminars and training programs combine useful data with interactive role-playing and simulations to develop practical skills.

TannerTalks can provide up-to-date information on new methods, enhanced skills and quicker recognition of blind or visual impairment needs for such diverse groups as:

·        emergency and essential services (police, fire, ambulance)

·        nursing and medical groups

·        teachers and all educational staff

·        seniors’ clubs/centres

·        Service and retail businesses and organizations

·        travel agencies, destination management and hospitality department staff (front desk, restaurant, guest services, conference planners)

·        disabled population advisory committees.

·        not-for-profit organizations

·        social and community groups (churches, camps, after-school programs, retired business clubs)

·        service clubs (i.e. Lions Foundation of Canada, Kiwanis, Rotary, Small Business Clubs and a wide variety of breakfast/lunch/dinner events)

·        sports and recreation clubs (specifically highlighting inclusion desires)

·        youth and children’s groups (Brownies/Girl Guides/Beavers/ Cubs/Scouts, as well as the YMCA/YWCA)

TannerTalks programs are based on Frances’ personal experience of living the path from brightness to darkness and back to triumph. The sessions are both functional and fun, infused with her positive outlook on life!

The TannerTalks Programs

The Gift of Giving

This talk is particularly enjoyed by seniors’ clubs, church groups and service clubs

Story Time

Specifically for leisure audiences, general interest, community services, schools, sociology/psychology academics

The Freedom Walk

For fundraising events, children and youth clubs, transitional and inspirational focus groups, retired business associations

Doing It MY Way

Essential insight for city/community services, special needs groups, the hospitality business, tourist destinations/travel agencies, customer service providers.

Tips & Tricks from TannerTalks

Comprehensive suggestions for ALL audiences.

Seeing Things from a New Perspective

This session is ideal for nursing/public health groups, recreation/sports organizations, employment help /job transition centres, care givers, retail and service organizations (banks, libraries, kiosk vendors, food outlets), legal/investment firms.

Seeing is Believing, but Feeling is for Real

A general interest session that also works well for hospital/medical personnel and for self-improvement groups.

Inner Sight

An inspirational session for anyone recovering from sudden tragedy, this presentation encourages healing from significant loss, motivating participants to learn how to think ahead and adapt their lives to change.

Living in the Dark

For adaptive life teachers/providers and family counseling sessions involving sudden or progressive vision loss.

Peace of the Paddle

Inspiration and instruction for outdoor enthusiasts (kayakers, canoers, conventional campers, backcountry trippers)

Blind Sight

Description under revision

That’s the Way I See It!

Description under revision

Trading Places

Description under revision

Presentations and sensitivity-training sessions are customized to meet your requirements, and can be delivered both during the daytime and in the evening. Fees vary depending on location, duration and negotiated components.

TannerTalks also has assistive devices available for purchase; these can be ordered for personal use, business aids or simply as a gift (gift-wrapped if desired).

Contact Frances for more information on all presentations: