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Two women sit on a couch with a Connecting the Dots sign behind them.

Registration Now Open for Connecting the Dots 2024

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!

2024 Conference Dates and Locations

Montreal – October 16, 2024

(French In-Person)
Location: Tour KPMG, 600 Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, QC

Toronto – November 1, 2024

(English In-Person and Online)
Location: Deloitte Canada, 8 Adelaide St W #200, Toronto, ON

Edmonton – November 4, 2024

(English In-Person)
Location: The Westin Edmonton, 10135 100 Street NW, Edmonton, AB

Halifax: May 2025*

(English In-Person)

*The date and location for the Halifax event is yet to be finalized. Please stay tuned for updates.
 

Register for Connecting the Dots 2024

Why Attend Connecting the Dots 2024?

Connecting the Dots is more than just a conference...it's a unique opportunity to:

  • Learn about the latest trends, research, and innovations in the sight loss community.
  • Engage with a network of experts, academics, employers, and entrepreneurs.
  • Experience the latest in accessible and assistive technology at our interactive Vendor Alley.
  • Explore programs, services, and resources available to individuals who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.
  • Discover employment opportunities and learn how to create accessible workplaces.

Ticket Pricing

  • CNIB Participant – $20  
  • Attendant, CNIB Employees, and staff members of nonprofit organizations – $40 
  • General Public – $60

Register for Connecting the Dots 2024

What’s New This Year?

This year, we’re looking at the conference themes of education, technology and employment through the lens of our ambitious five-year strategic plan, The Way Forward, and our three key commitments:  

  • Attitude is Everything - Increase understanding and dispel misconceptions.
  • Safe and Accessible Journeys - Remove barriers and create safe journeys.
  • Our Kids Will Thrive - Support parents and kids in and out of the classroom.

Together, we’ll reflect on how the themes of education, technology, and employment intersect with these key areas of focus. For example…

  • In what ways does a child's classroom experience shape their potential to achieve and maintain meaningful employment?
  • How can overcoming attitudinal barriers unlock greater opportunities for employment?
  • How will accessible technology advance safe and inclusive navigation and social connections within our communities?
  • And much, much more!

More News

The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) went on strike this morning, Friday, November 15. CNIB is working to minimize the impact the strike will have on Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, or who have low vision, particularly as it relates to the delivery of alternative-format materials provided through our partners at CELA (Centre for Equitable Library Access).
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.
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.
Read more news