News

Travel restrictions, including border closures caused by COVID-19, have resulted in a 300 per cent increase in interest for CNIB Guide Dogs applications.

Guide dog handlers who have travelled to the United States in the past to obtain a guide dog are now looking for a "made in Canada" solution as soon as possible.

For Maggie Wehrle, writing has always been a passion. With rod-cone dystrophy, a condition that causes her eyes to refuse to stay still and focus on an object, she's found her storytelling voice through braille.

TORONTO, November 4, 2020 – CNIB, Canada's largest non-profit serving people with sight loss, has signed a new partnership agreement with Vispero, the world’s largest assistive technology provider for the visually impaired.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CNIB Foundation has been working hard to develop innovative methods to deliver our programs and services when we couldn’t physically be together. Virtual programs have allowed us to be more cost efficient, and to eliminate transportation and geographic barriers for participants. Meaning, that we’re able to reach and empower more Ontarians with sight loss than ever before – no matter where they reside.

Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit will begin to receive the COVID-19 one-time $600 payment for persons with disabilities on October 30, 2020. The deadline to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to receive the COVID-19 one-time payment for persons with disabilities has also been extended from September 25, 2020, to December 31, 2020.

As the City of Ottawa's e-scooter pilot nears completion, the CNIB Foundation has been conducting consultations with the sight loss community to gather feedback about their experiences with the project. This is largely in response to the absence of any robust public consultation between the City of Ottawa and the disability community, outside of two presentations to the City's Accessibility Advisory Committee from the e-scooter companies in February and September 2020.

TORONTO, October 26, 2020 – The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Canada's largest non-profit serving people with sight loss, thanks BMO Financial Group (BMO) for its incredible, game-changing donation to support Canadians with sight loss.

TORONTO, October 13, 2020 – The CNIB Foundation has announced a new ongoing commitment from Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) to support Canadians with sight loss through its Phone It Forward program. CTC's generous, long-term donation will help Canadians who are blind or partially sighted access the life-changing technology that smartphones offer.

“I wouldn't be where I am today had I not had mentors and people guiding me throughout my career. I was blind at birth and I knew that I wanted to help others when I grew up.”

Canadians with sight loss will soon be able to make purchases on their own with reduced risk of compromising the security of their personal and financial information. CNIB is working together with Moneris Solutions Corporation (‘Moneris’), and supported by the Government of Canada, to create an inclusive and accessible shopping experience for everyone.