By: Dayna Noonan
As 2024 comes to an end, we would like to take the time to reflect on the advocacy work we’ve accomplished together in 2024. These events, initiatives, and campaigns would not have been possible without the contributions of our staff, volunteers, and community members.
2024 Advocacy at a Glance
SnoWay Campaign: This winter, we launched the “SnoWay!” campaign to educate municipalities and the public about their responsibilities to remove barriers caused by winter weather. CNIB called on all municipalities to review their snow-clearing policies and practices, including budgetary decisions and encouraged community members to remind residents and businesses about their responsibilities to clear winter weather barriers from paths of travel. We look forward to re-launching the SnoWay campaign in early 2025, so stay tuned!
Spring “Get On Board!” campaign for accessible public transit: In the spring, we launched the next phase of our “Get On Board” campaign, targeting 11 new regions across the country. To date, we’ve hosted 25 local town halls, met with over 30 public officials, and received over 130 secret rider surveys from across the country to identify key solutions for local transit accessibility.
Advocacy Days in Winnipeg and Toronto: For Vision Health Month in May, CNIB hosted two advocacy days and lunch receptions in Ontario at Queen’s Park in Toronto and Manitoba at the Legislature in Winnipeg. CNIB staff and volunteers had the opportunity to meet with members of the provincial legislature and Ministers to discuss opportunities for action in each province. This event helped to ensure that every child has access to a comprehensive eye exam before they begin school.
Sailing on the 6ix: In May, CNIB held the “Sailing on the 6ix” event aboard a cruise ship in the Toronto in the Toronto Harbourfront. This event was run to promote accessibility and inclusion through new and exciting ways while also bringing awareness to the Caribbean community on how to create inclusive spaces for members of the Caribbean diaspora in Canada who are blind or have low vision.
Canada Disability Benefit Regulations Consultation: We submitted our official feedback to the Canada Disability Benefit Regulations Consultation after being informed by an engagement survey distributed to our community members asking for their perspectives on key aspects of the Regulations. Our final submission brief made 14 recommendations to the Government and touched on eligibility criteria, payment amounts, program administration, employment supports, and more.
Guide Dog Access Awareness Month: In September, we hosted various educational and awareness-building activities for Guide Dog Access Awareness Month. These activities included etiquette workshops, “Advocacy 101” workshops for guide dog handlers, and a new information guide for guide dog handlers
On behalf of CNIB, we thank everyone involved in all these initiatives. You have made an incredible difference in making our communities more accessible, and we can’t wait to see what 2025 will bring!
Join us in 2025 in continuing to advocate for safe and accessible journeys by visiting cnib.ca/transit