Please direct English media requests to:
Karin McArthur
Lead, Marketing & Communications, CNIB
416-486-2500 ext. 7486
Karin.McArthur@cnib.ca
Please direct French media requests to:
Sarah Rouleau
Lead, Marketing & Communications, INCA
514 934-4622 p.233
Sarah.Rouleau@inca.ca
If you need general information, please call 1-800-563-2642 or email info@cnib.ca.
Blindness is a spectrum.
You may imagine blindness as complete darkness, but that is rarely the case. Most people impacted by blindness have some degree of sight. Blindness covers the spectrum of visual disability. It has many causes, and each impacts sight differently. Everyone's experience is unique.
Our mission is to change what it is to be blind through innovative programs and powerful advocacy that enable Canadians impacted by blindness to live the lives they choose. Blindness should never be a reason to settle for less. Everyone should have an equal chance to realize their dreams, whatever they may be. We work people who are blind or partially sighted as they pursue, active, independent, enriching lives while chasing their dreams – and we help smash the stigma and barriers that stand in their way.
There are many terms for describing visual disability. At CNIB, our preferred term is:
- People who are blind or partially sighted. “Blindness” means more than a complete lack of sight. We take it to mean the full spectrum of visual disability, from mild to significant.
- People impacted by blindness: “People impacted by blindness” refers to people who are blind themselves as well as their extended network of family and friends. We use this term to describe the entire community that CNIB serves.
Changing perceptions about blindness.
As we continue to change what it is to be blind, how we speak about blindness is key. While it's not unusual to feel depressed, angry or isolated when you experience a loss of sight, hearing others tell their stories and share their experiences can challenge misconceptions about blindness. Together, we will strip away fear and help build understanding, acceptance, and pride to foster a sense of community. When we share personal experiences, we change perceptions about blindness and transforming our communities into beacons of accessibility and inclusion, where everyone can live, work and play without barriers.
Photos of people who are blind or partially sighted.
Photos should capture people who are blind or partially sighted in an authentic and positive light, while showing diversity in age, ethnic background and level of sight loss. When possible, photos should feel candid and not staged. They should highlight people impacted by blindness living the lives they choose and doing regular activities with confidence and independence such as navigating their surroundings with a white cane or guide dog. When publishing an article about sight loss, photos of people with other disabilities should be avoided. If you need guidance, CNIB is an excellent resource.