Advocacy Programs

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CNIB Legal Support

Through the largest consultation process in CNIB’s history, we heard directly from people impacted by blindness across Canada that they wanted CNIB to provide more support in instances where their human rights are infringed upon. In response to their feedback and to help provide greater access to justice, we are now offering legal support (referral services and litigation funding) to Canadians who encounter legal issues they may require support with as part of the CNIB Advocacy program.

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Guide Dog Handlers Chat Group

This is a safe and supportive place for guide dog handlers from across the country to get together and chat. Share the joys and challenges of being a guide dog handler as well as tips to keep our guide dogs happy and engaged. Biweekly on Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Accessible Emergency Alerts – Focus Group

Researchers at the Neil Squire Society, want to hear from Canadians with disabilities about their experiences with emergency alerts. Emergency alerts are created and sent by authorized emergency management organizations, such as police departments, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and provincial and territorial bodies. These potentially life-saving warnings are area-specific (geo-targeted). When an alert is issued, it is broadcast on television and radio and sent to cellphones. The emergency alert focus groups seek input from individuals who are blind or have low vision about their experiences with emergency alerts – like how accessible, clear, and usable they are. By participating, you can share your insights and help improve emergency alerts for everyone. Qualified participants will also receive a $100 honorarium for their time and contributions to the focus group.

Atlantic Guide Dog Group – March Meeting

Join us to share tips on dog care, discuss guide dog access and awareness, enjoy occasional guest speakers, or just have a friendly chat. Whatever's on your mind, we're here for it! Atlantic Guide Dog Group meets on Thursday, March 20 from 6 to 7 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

Poetry in Bloom: Poetry in Spring

This Therapeutic Poetry Virtual Workshop is geared to help you experience the joys of poetry and its power to create change. Spring is known as the season of change and new beginnings. Come and experience the transformative power of poetic words to evoke emotions and the true spirit that lies within each of you. Discover yourselves in creating new beginnings! Poetry in Bloom meets every Tuesday (April 1 to April 29) from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Central Time on Zoom.

A long, straight rural road stretching into the distance. It's a foggy day and there are puddles on the surface of the road. On either side of the road, there are grass fields, trees and power lines.

CNIB Rural Strategy Advisory Committee

As part of our strategic commitment to Safe and Accessible Journeys, CNIB is launching an accessible rural transportation strategy, and we’re recruiting community advocates to join us as advisory committee members to help drive this important work forward. The Rural Strategy Advisory Committee is an advisory body designed to support CNIB's rural transportation strategy in its mission to remove barriers to travel and create safe, accessible transportation options across rural communities in Canada for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. As a representative on the committee, you’ll provide valuable input, advice, and recommendations to support CNIB’s rural transportation strategy, helping to improve access to accessible public transportation in rural areas where options are limited or nonexistent.

Two women sit at a table in an office environment, engaged in a conversation. The women on the left is wearing a purple blouse. She is holding a smartphone in her hand and wears earbud headphones. The woman on the right has long braided hair and is wearing a red blazer. Both have laptops in front of them on the table. In the background are computers and different workstations.

CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network

Advocacy is a powerful tool to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge discrimination and create change by raising awareness, influencing policies, and mobilizing community members to get involved. But finding your voice and learning how to become an advocate can sometimes feel intimidating or overwhelming. CNIB’s new advocacy peer mentorship program, CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network, aims to change that. Discover the tools and techniques you need to channel your frustrations and concerns into constructive advocacy efforts by enrolling in the CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network!

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