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A cartoon drawing of a briefcase with thick black border. "CNIB Come to Work"

CNIB Foundation launches Come to Work

New program aims to lower jobless rate in Canada

Thursday, November 22, 2018

TORONTO, ON — Today, the CNIB Foundation launched Come to Work – a new program that connects job seekers who are blind or partially sighted with employers who want to discover the full potential of Canada's talent.

"A job is so much more than just a paycheque: it's a means to self-reliance, a source of identity and pride, and a gateway to a brighter future," says Angela Bonfanti, Vice President, CNIB Foundation. "In 2017, through public meetings, telephone and online surveys, we spoke to more than 4,000 Canadians impacted by blindness, and 91 per cent of them told us employment levels are a serious problem facing people with sight loss in Canada." 

The unemployment rate for Canadians with sight loss is 14.5 per cent, triple Canada's general unemployment rate. To lower the jobless rate and drive economic growth, the CNIB Foundation's Come to Work program introduces employers to an innovative talent pool of Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

"Come to Work is about opening doors to talent with sight loss. We're partnering with top employers to create full-time, part-time and contract work, and paid internships/returnships," says Wayne Henshall, Manager, Career Support Program and Impact Evaluation, CNIB Foundation. "Our partners are committed to engaging talent with different perspectives to create a culture of collaboration and innovation to enhance company culture and maintain a competitive edge. Together, we're creating a Canada where everyone can come to work."

Visit cometowork.ca to learn more.

 

About the CNIB Foundation
Celebrating 100 years in 2018, the CNIB Foundation is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work as a blind foundation is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast. To learn more or get involved, visit cnib.ca. 

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For more information, please contact:
Karin McArthur
Lead, Communications
CNIB Foundation
437-922-7353
Karin.McArthur@cnib.ca 
 

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