Advocacy Programs

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 Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Do you want a place where you can meet virtually and connect with other residents of Northern Ontario living with sight loss? Join us for Connecting and Improving The North Share! Share exciting places to visit that are accessible and friendly, places are less accessible to the sight loss community and what accessibility changes you'd like to see. Third Thursday of every month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. 

The Government of Canada recently released its proposed Canada Disability Benefit Regulations which, once approved, will determine technical details for the design and implementation of the Canada Disability Benefit. The Government has opened a public consultation process to gather feedback from the disability community on the proposed Regulations. In turn, CNIB is consulting with our community members to gather the perspectives of persons who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision, about whether the Regulations as proposed are appropriate. We will then use this feedback to inform CNIB’s submission to the Government.

Join us for Wheel-Trans Day at CNIB! We are thrilled to welcome representatives from the TTC’s Wheel-Trans division right here at our CNIB GTA Community Hub. They will be here to provide more than just assistance and information, but to empower and inform riders! Get firsthand insights into Wheel-trans services, receive personalized support with registration, and have all your Wheel-Trans related queries answered on the spot. Thursday, August 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Community Hub,

In June, the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) launched a notice of consultation regarding described video/audio description for online content. As in the past, CNIB is planning to submit an intervention and we are asking Canadians with sight loss to share their perspectives. Join us for a focus group discussion on Saturday, August 17 at 2:00 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

The ability to advocate for oneself is an essential skill for all guide dog handlers. Effective self-advocacy allows individuals the opportunity to communicate clearly and confidently in order to get around the barriers for any given situation. Join CNIB for an educational workshop on self advocacy for guide dog handlers. Monday, September 23 from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

In the “There's Something I Need to Tell You" Disclosure Series, join Ben Akuoko and Kate Riccomini for a six-week series as they provide informative session with various topics in the areas of disclosure: family, friends, relationships, customer service, employment and general public interaction. Find out whether to disclose, how much to disclose, and how to disclose your sight loss effectively.  Every Monday (September 23 to October 28) from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern on Zoom. 

Join CNIB for an interactive workshop on guide dog etiquette and allyship. Discover the dos and don’ts of engaging with guide dogs and their handlers. Understand how to respect boundaries and provide appropriate assistance when needed.Explore how you can be a supportive ally to guide dog handlers. Gain insights into effective communication, advocacy, and ways to foster an inclusive environment. Friday, September 27 from 12 to 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Do you live in a rural part of Canada with limited or no public transit options? Join CNIB for a virtual focus group to share your experience with us and help shape CNIB's future advocacy efforts. Focus groups will be held on October 2, 7, 9 and 19. Please select the session that that best suits your schedule.

Do you live in a rural part of Canada with limited or no public transit options? Join CNIB for a virtual focus group to share your experience with us and help shape CNIB's future advocacy efforts. Wednesday, October 2 from 7 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.