Ontario region switcher

Notice

For content relevant to your community in Ontario, Please select your region

The Exterior of the new Community Hub and Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre in Barrie, Ontario

The Community Hub and Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre in Barrie is now open!

CNIB recently unveiled the brand-new Barrie Community Hub and Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre, thanks to a generous donations made by the Nanji Family Foundation and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The new Hub, which is now open to members of the public, is an inclusive community space designed to empower people impacted by blindness to live the lives they choose.

 

The new Community Hub and SmartLife Centre, located at 90 Collier Street, Unit 5, Barrie, Ontario, hosts a wide array of programming including accessible technology training, advocacy resources, peer support sessions as well as opportunities within culture, recreation and sport. The Hub is also home to the second Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre – an interactive retail experience that gives people with disabilities of all ages hands-on access to the latest breakthroughs in assistive technologies, as well as tried-and-true favourites.

 

An image of the interior of the Barrie Community Hub. On the left, there is a sitting room with a couch, two chairs and a large television on the wall. In the back of the room, there is a table and chairs where individuals might gather
The interior of the Barrie Community Hub. On the left, there is a sitting room with a couch, two chairs and a large television on the wall. In the  back of the room, there is a table and chairs where participants can gather.

The new Hub also includes:

  • A tech bar where community members have an opportunity to learn more about accessible low-tech and high-tech devices.
  • An accessible kitchen and living room space where community members can try out their culinary skills or test out the latest smart home technology.
  • An agile community space where staff and volunteers can create and share ideas in an inclusive atmosphere.

Hours of Operation:

  • Monday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
  • Thursday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Drop-ins are welcome on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., however appointments are encouraged whenever possible.

For general CNIB and program enquiries, call 1-800-563-2642. For SmartLife specific enquiries and assistance with making an online purchase, call 1-866-659-1843.

 

 

As a reminder, all CNIB offices and community locations are following Ministry of Health recommendations that include wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distancing, scheduled cleaning and disinfecting, and screening protocols.

If you’re planning a visit soon, please ensure to compete a self declaration form beforehand.

 

 

More News

CNIB is thrilled to announce a generous $50,000 gift from The Arthur & Audrey Cutten Foundation in support of our Inclusive Schools & Accessible Education Project.
CNIB is proud to be among the 11 organizations benefiting from the historic $30-million donation recently announced by The Slaight Family Foundation. This transformational gift includes a $1-million investment in CNIB to support our groundbreaking accessibility and awareness initiatives.
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.
Read more news