Picture from https://sites.aph.org/hall/inductees/baker/
Right beside the plaque for Madeleine de Roybon d’Allonne
Commemoration
A passionate advocate of the rehabilitation and training of the blind, Baker was born nearby. In 1914 he enlisted in the Canadian Army and was blinded while in action in Belgium. He was hospitalized in England where he embraced the philosophy of self-reliance espoused by Sir Arthur Pearson, the prominent newspaper owner who was himself partially blind. Returning to Canada, Baker was instrumental in the formation of the Canadian National Institute for the Blind in 1918 and, as its General Secretary and Managing Director (1920-64), worked tirelessly to improve the medical, rehabilitative and educational services for veterans and the handicapped. He received many honours for his efforts and in 1951 was elected first president of the World Council for the Welfare of the Blind.
Background
Baker was blinded by a sniper’s bullet at Mount Kemmel, Belgium where he was an engineer. He recuperated at a hostel run by Sir Arthur Pearson whom he met there. His desire to help the blind was further motivated by the many people suffering sight damage as a result of the Halifax Explosion in 1917.
Among other leading roles, he was president of the American Association of Workers for the Blind in the U.S. He was presented with the Migel Medal for Outstanding Services to the Blind by Helen Keller.