As we commemorate National Indigenous History Month, CNIB is committed to seeking support from the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to ensure we continue to explore and engage in meaningful dialogue and unlearn colonial practices. We have served Indigenous peoples for 50 years through mobile care units and community programming. We will continue to take direction from the lived experience of Indigenous participants and amplify their voices to ensure our innovative programs and powerful advocacy incorporate the Calls to Action outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Reports. As we honour the truth and reconcile for the future, we will develop new partnerships to serve our Indigenous community and foster a more inclusive Canada. For anyone who requires support, the National Residential School Crisis Line is 1-866-925-4419.
At CNIB, we believe that everyone should be able to depend on public transit to get to where they need to go, when they need to go – from the first kilometre to the last kilometre. Join us in championing safer, more accessible journeys. Because everyone should be able to rely on public transit to travel door-to-door, safely and independently. Watch our Public Service Announcement and visit cnib.ca/transit to learn more.
The federal government recently launched a public consultation to gather feedback on the proposed Canada Disability Benefit Regulations (hereafter “the Regulations”) which, once approved by the Government of Canada, will set out technical details for the design and implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). CNIB submitted feedback to the consultation, 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 topics including eligibility criteria, payment amounts, program administration, employment supports, and more.
We are thrilled to announce that registration is now open for Connecting the Dots 2024, Canada's largest conference focused on education, technology, and employment for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. This year, we're bringing the event to four dynamic cities across Canada, and we can't wait for you to join us!
The Canada Disability Benefit Act became law in 2023 and seeks to create a new federal benefit program that will strengthen the financial security and independence of Canadians with disabilities from coast to coast to coast. Now, the Government of Canada is seeking feedback from the disability community on its proposed Canada Disability Benefit Regulations, which will set out the design and technical details of the program, scheduled to launch in July 2025. CNIB is seeking the perspectives of our community members to inform our submission to the Government’s consultation, and we’re asking you to get involved by completing our survey.
CNIB is pleased to announce that Angela Bonfanti, a 13-year veteran of the CNIB team, today became the organization’s first female president and CEO. After holding several leadership positions at CNIB – including, most recently, the position of Chief Operating Officer – Angela succeeds John M. Rafferty, who has been CNIB’s president since 2009.
