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Ontario
![Elderly woman in red is walking and being guided by another woman who is wearing a yellow shirt and olive green pants.](/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image_content_sm/public/summary-images/2018-08/009Moncton-2015.jpg?itok=YQnwVw73)
![A headshot of a Shawn. He is smiling and wearing a red CNIB Lake Joe t-shirt.](/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image_content_sm/public/summary-images/2022-07/6_Summary.png?itok=efQ-EKJ1)
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 black and white photograph of Ben walking in a forest. He holds his white cane up in the air near his waist.](/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image_content_sm/public/summary-images/2022-05/Ben_Summary.png?itok=VPtfYulV)
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,](/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image_content_sm/public/summary-images/2022-06/Julia-Summary.png?itok=7mjRxhvl)
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image_content_sm/public/summary-images/2022-06/Ramla-Summary.png?itok=FQwlqnke)
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image_content_sm/public/summary-images/2022-05/Jason-Summary.png?itok=aGzQ_NHL)
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image_content_sm/public/summary-images/2022-05/WC_1.jpeg?itok=9MgtahzA)
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.](/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image_content_sm/public/summary-images/2022-04/Sum_0_0.png?itok=7benUanV)
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 logo.](/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image_content_sm/public/summary-images/2022-04/ViaRail-Summary.png?itok=bff4aXgg)
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.
![Lynn Kennedy poses for a photo in front of a book shelf. A yellow graphic of hands holding a white heart outlined in black in the bottom left corner](/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image_content_sm/public/summary-images/2022-04/Lynn%20Kennedy%20-%20768w%20X%20383h%20%28black%20bkgd%29.png?itok=CFUTxFVq)
Meet Lynn – Book Club Facilitator
Everyone loves a good page turner, including Lynn Kennedy, who wanted to share her love of reading with others. In 2020, she started volunteering as a book club facilitator.
“CNIB has been a great source of support for my son, and I’m very grateful,” says Lynn. “I’ve taken a keen interest in learning how CNIB helps people with sight loss and the various programs that are available.”
“CNIB has been a great source of support for my son, and I’m very grateful,” says Lynn. “I’ve taken a keen interest in learning how CNIB helps people with sight loss and the various programs that are available.”
![A photograph of Louise Burley smiling and holding a microphone in her left hand. A yellow graphic of hands holding a white heart outlined in black in the top right corner.](/sites/default/files/styles/summary_image_content_sm/public/summary-images/2022-04/Louise%20Burley%20-768w%20X%20383h%20%28black%20bkgd%29.png?itok=GuYQJhlR)
Meet Louise – Coffee Chat Facilitator
Louise became a CNIB volunteer in March 2020 to provide support for people who are blind or partially sighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It was a time of great need and total isolation for all of us. I wanted to give back to my community as someone with sight loss,” says Louise. “Using the Zoom platform regularly provided us with a feeling of connection. It also boosted our confidence with using the technology.”
“It was a time of great need and total isolation for all of us. I wanted to give back to my community as someone with sight loss,” says Louise. “Using the Zoom platform regularly provided us with a feeling of connection. It also boosted our confidence with using the technology.”