Know Your Rights: A Step in the Right Direction

Through Know Your Rights, CNIB Quebec has developed plain language resources (handbooks, videos, training, etc.) to empower Quebecers who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind to better understand their rights, navigate the provincial legal system, and self-advocate to challenge discrimination.

"It's a step in the right direction to grow CNIB's Advocacy program in Quebec,” says David Demers, Executive Director CNIB Quebec.

Rethinking Advocacy

While looking for ways to strengthen CNIB's advocacy work in Quebec, David heard about the development of the Know Your Rights project at CNIB Ontario.

Because Quebec's legislative system differs from Ontario's, David saw this project as a golden opportunity to develop and adapt the project for Quebec.

“One of the goals of the project was to present legal information in a way that speaks directly to our community’s specific experiences and concerns,” says David. "There are many organizations that advocate for the rights of people living with disabilities, but this project is more about making information accessible and equipping people with the knowledge, tools and resources to advocate for themselves.”

The project is helping to solidify CNIB's Quebec advocacy program, thanks in part to support from the Chambre des notaires du Québec.

David says he hopes the project will help create a more inclusive and informed society for people who are blind or partially sighted.

Know Your Rights, One Training Session at a Time

The Know Your Rights team created a legal information training program for participants, staff and businesses alike. Training workshops identified the legal issues behind many real-life discriminatory scenarios that people who are blind or partially sighted may encounter.

Training workshops for participants will help attendees gain confidence in their ability to self-advocate and challenge discrimination.

"By being well informed, it is easier to defend one's rights calmly,” says David. "People might be surprised by what they learn, and more importantly, they might be able to help other participants by sharing their experiences and knowledge."

Training workshops for businesses and organizations will help attendees better understand how to serve a customer with sight loss and respect their rights.

The Know Your Rights training workshops take place throughout September. An English language workshop is also scheduled for October 5. To participate, visit: https://inca.ca/en/support-us/advocate/quebec-advocacy/know-your-rights/training?region=qc

Know Your Rights: A Step in the Right Direction