Through the Know Your Rights project, the CNIB Foundation has developed plain language legal information and resources (fact sheets, videos, training, etc.) to empower Ontarians who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind to better understand their rights, navigate the Ontario legal system and self-advocate to challenge discrimination.
The project began in the fall of 2018 when the development of these important resources was graciously funded by the Law Foundation of Ontario.
"We began the Know Your Rights project by convening focus groups across Ontario. We found many patterns of discrimination, with serious issues in the workplace, housing, and accessing services," says Avery Au, Project Lead, Know Your Rights.
Published in English and French in a range of accessible formats, the legal information handbooks cover eight topic areas:
- Education
- Employment
- Housing
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- Built Environment
- Government & Consumer Services
- Self-Advocacy & Essential Legal Information
In addition to the handbooks, the Know Your Rights team has produced several educational videos, and facilitated training for CNIB staff and community partners.
"Our goal was to present this information in a way that speaks directly to our community’s specific experiences and concerns," says Avery. "We have invested in training CNIB staff to be more knowledgeable and confident in their ability to provide relevant legal information and connect participants with legal services."
The CNIB Foundation continues to seek out opportunities to advance this vital work. We will be working with law students from Pro Bono Students Canada over the next year to expand our legal information resources.
Learn more at cnib.ca/knowyourrights.