Ontario South (Greater Toronto)

Elderly woman in red is walking and being guided by another woman who is wearing a yellow shirt and olive green pants.

Mission and Values

Learn about our mission and the values that animate everything we do.

A graphic art illustration of three people walking down a city sidewalk. One icon has a white cane and is accompanied by a person who is providing sighted guide. To the right of them is an icon of a woman pushing a shopping cart. The woman is entering a storefront.

Accessible Communities

The ability to access and enjoy your own community is essential for everyone. Engaging in the many things that our local neighbourhoods offer is vital for the overall wellbeing of all community members, including people who are blind or partially sighted. When places are inaccessible and lack a sense of inclusiveness, everyone misses out.

Meet Shawn Johnson

Born in Peterborough, Shawn now lives with his family in Hiawatha First Nations, Ontario. He is First Nations Mississauga Ojibwe and is a Sun Dancer. Shawn lost his sight in 2010 at the age of 50. His first visit to CNIB Lake Joe was in 2013, and he hadn’t missed a year until the pandemic closed in-person camp in 2020.

A young woman holds a microphone close to her mouth. She is smiling and preparing to sing.

Share your talent: seeking local photographers & entertainers

We’re looking for talented photographers and entertainers with sight loss for our in-person Connecting the Dots events in Toronto and Vancouver!

A black and white photograph of Ben walking in a forest. He holds his white cane up in the air near his waist.

Bernard’s White Cane Story

For many years, Bernard was reluctant to use the cane or be connected with the sight loss community because he was afraid of being stigmatized. Now his cane is a source of pride and as a Ghanian Canadian he uses it to advocate for other causes like Black Lives Matter.

Julia smiles and poses for a photo. She is sitting in a wheelchair and wearing a green shirt and black pants,

Julia’s White Cane Story

Julia shares with us her experiences as an active person who uses a wheelchair as well a cane, and what drives her passion for educating younger people on what her white cane means.

Ramla smiles and poses for a photo against a white background. She is wearing a grey dress and a hijab.

Ramla’s White Cane Story

Ramla was born in Somalia and began her white cane journey in Canada. She realized that if she wanted to live an independent life, she would need to use a cane. Now as an avid cane user she brings awareness to others.

A selfie of Jason. He has a goatee and is wearing a blue shirt.

Jason’s White Cane Story

Jason was a long-haul truck driver in Manitoba before he lost his sight suddenly. He spoke to us about how he learned to use a cane virtually and adjusted to life as a cane user during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A white cane with a rolling ball tip scans tactile paving on a sidewalk.

About the White Cane

There are different types of white canes used by Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Learn more about what they are and how they are used.

A guide dog and its handler at a graduation ceremony. The handler pets his golden retriever guide dog. The dog is wearing a graduation cap.

Class of 2022

As part of CNIB Guide Dogs' class of 2022, 16 Canadians who are blind or partially sighted are graduating with their guide dogs on International Guide Dog Day (April 27) after completing intensive training.

Via Rail Canada

Founded in 1977, VIA Rail Canada connects and unites cities and people by offering passenger rail services from coast to coast to coast. Every day, VIA Rail Canada strives to provide a safe, accessible, efficient, reliable, and sustainable travel experience that meets the needs of Canadian passengers.

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