Testimonials from Scholarship Recipients

“My biggest expense going into university was for assistive technology, something that other scholarships do not prioritize as they tend to focus primarily on direct educational costs, like tuition,” says Aidan. “I knew CNIB would understand this need, and their scholarship application process was quite straightforward. I just had to upload documents online and answer a few questions.”

In 2023, Kaitlynn was awarded a $3,000 CNIB scholarship and used the funds to purchase accessible technology and software, including a Victor Reader Stream – a handheld digital audio player (with a $595 price tag) that she uses to read books, course materials, and other online resources. “It's because of the CNIB scholarship that I'm able to have the technology and software that I need to thrive as a student,” says Kaitlynn.

While adjusting to university life was “a big change,” the $3,000 scholarship she received from CNIB enabled Acacia to concentrate on her studies. She used the funds to pay for residence and living expenses, like groceries. The financial support also allowed her to dedicate her first semester entirely to adjusting to university life without having to work part-time. 

By: Niko Bauer 

University is a massive obligation, and you’re stressed at the outset because you don’t know how you’ll pay for it on top of hours of studying and learning. The support of a scholarship goes so far beyond a dollar amount. It’s so relieving to know you have that kickstart to get going. It’s super beneficial. I’m paying for my school with a mixture of working and taking a gap year, but it’s not quite enough. I applied for scholarships all over and figured this [CNIB scholarship] was an area where I’d have more access and opportunity to receive a scholarship. 

By: Mark Rawleigh

Throughout my post-secondary studies at Mount Royal University, I was the lucky recipient of three scholarships from CNIB – totalling nearly $5,000 over five and a half years.  

Jaclyn Pope is determined to not let COVID-19 railroad her education and professional ambitions as she expands her online business, Sewing in the Dark. When a sewing course at Durham College was cancelled due to the pandemic, Jaclyn, 39, viewed it as an opportunity to reconsider her educational plans.

“I started to think about other things that I could learn that would ultimately help my business and help me achieve my goals,” says Jaclyn. “I realized one of the ways I can promote my business is to have a website, but I didn't want to pay someone to create a website for me. Because I like to have control, I decided to learn how to build my own.”

“I knew CNIB Scholarships existed, but I never really thought of myself as someone who could get a scholarship because, frankly, my grades are not stellar,” says Tait. “But the scholarship application said they were looking for someone who likes to do things outside the box. It wasn't just about academics and grades, so I took a chance and applied.”

CNIB received many remarkable scholarship applications this year and awarded $142,000 in funding to people who are blind or partially sighted in recognition of their educational and professional aspirations and achievements.