General
211 Nova Scotia is a free, confidential service that operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It exists to connect individuals to community groups, government organizations and social services that are available across Nova Scotia. The service helps residents of Nova Scotia who are looking to find the right community or social resource, but do not know where to start.
In addition to searching on the 211 Nova Scotia website, there are various ways for people to contact 211 Nova Scotia, including calling 2-1-1.
Education
Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority (APSEA) is an inter-provincial agency that is jointly funded by the governments of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador.
APSEA provides free support to students, aged 0-21, who have hearing loss and/or sight loss. To determine if you are eligible to receive services from APSEA, you can refer to their Eligibility for Service page on their website.
APSEA provides support in many different forms, including:
- in-school and in-classroom support to improve accommodations
- advocating for students within school settings
- developing resources for educators who work with children and youth who have sight loss
APSEA also has a Production and Library Services department that provides students with alternate format materials to support their instructional needs.
The Centre for Equitable Library Access and National Network for Equitable Library Service also provide information about library services that are available to Canadians with print disabilities.
The National Educational Association of Disabled Students (“NEADS”) is a national charity that advocates for full access to education and employment for post-secondary students with disabilities. Among many other resources, NEADS offers a guide on how to enhance the accessibility of post-secondary institutions.
Employment
The Solutions Learning Centre is a Dartmouth-based organization that is funded by the provincial government. It provides participants with free employment training programs that assist with job preparation and provide job-specific skills.
You may contact the Solutions Learning Centre by phone at 902-468-1320 or by email at info@sollc.ca.
The Halifax Workers Action Centre is a Halifax-based organization that is committed to improving the lives and working conditions of low-waged and marginalized workers. They do so by providing free legal information and education to workers.
You may contact Halifax Workers Action Centre by email at halifaxwac@gmail.com or by phone at (902) 221-0755.
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is a national charitable organization that offers free guide dogs to those with sight loss. This service is free for applicants and is supported by donations and fundraising activities.
CNIB is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. CNIB delivers innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Some ways CNIB can assist include:
CNIB’s Come to Work Program connects job seekers who are blind or partially sighted with prospective employers. To boost participation in the world of work, CNIB’s Come to Work Program also provides the following services:
- Helping you with resume writing, job searches and job retention
- Helping you and your employer develop and implement a job accommodation plan
- Providing employers and employment agencies with training and education about how to accommodate people who have sight loss
CNIB Mentoring Program provides job seekers and employees with skills and strategies to effectively engage employers. Mentors answer your questions and share their firsthand experiences in the workplace.
CNIB Entrepreneur Program provides resources and inspiration to help people who are blind or partially sighted to succeed in their business ventures.
CNIB Resources for Employers
The CNIB Foundation has created the following resources for employers to make the workplace more accessible:
- Workplace accommodations: Examples of tools and technologies that can be used to accommodate people with sight loss. This site also includes a link to some quick tips for creating an accessible workplace.
- Creating an inclusive workplace: Simple tips about how to be comfortable and supportive of co-workers with sight loss.
- Hiring someone with sight loss: Tips for employers around making the recruiting process (e.g. job advertisements, etc.) and interviews accessible to job candidates with sight loss.
CNIB Virtual Programs
CNIB offers a range of free virtual programs for children, youth, adults and families.
Technology Training
Join CNIB tech leads from across the country for programming that highlights the suite of programs, apps, products and services that will help empower you to achieve your personal and professional goals.
The Virtual Vision Mate program exists to address the feelings of isolation that many people with sight loss experience. Through the Virtual Vision Mate program, Canadians who are blind or partially sighted are connected with sighted volunteers to engage in virtual, weekly conversations.
CNIB Online SmartLife Store is an interactive retail experience that gives people with disabilities hands-on access to the latest breakthroughs in assistive technologies, as well as tried-and-true favourites. SmartLife’s goal is not necessarily to sell products but to give customers the skills and confidence they need to make the most out of assistive tools that can help them lead better lives.
CNIB’s Advocacy Staff can assist clients with advocating for themselves and understanding their human rights in Nova Scotia. CNIB’s Guide Dog Program can assist guide dog handlers with advocating for themselves and understanding their rights.
CNIB’s Guide Dog Program also raises, trains and matches guide dogs with Canadians who are blind or partially sighted
Vision Loss Rehabilitation (VLRC) is a not-for-profit national healthcare organization and the leading provider of rehabilitation therapy and healthcare services for individuals with sight loss. VLRC provides people with the practical skills they need to live safely and independently. VLRC’s services are tailored to the unique needs and goals of each person. VLRC’s services include, but are not limited to:
- Assistance with navigating new environments and using mobility tools;
- Assistance with maximizing remaining vision with optical and non-optical devices;
- Assistance with developing or restoring key daily living skills, such as learning new ways to cook, shop and manage your home;
- Assistance with accessing information and using technology; and
- Assistance with post-secondary education and employment planning, and ongoing support.
VLRC has offices located in Halifax and Membertou. You can contact VLRC by phone at 902-453-1480.