News
This September, help champion guide dog access
Held every September, Guide Dog Access Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness and understanding of guide dogs, the rights of guide dog handlers, and to champion equal access for guide dog teams.
While guide dog refusals happen in many settings, transportation remains one of the most common areas where handlers encounter barriers and discrimination. That’s why, in support of our commitment to safe and accessible journeys, our advocacy campaign this year is focused on guide dog access in transportation.
Events
Sight Loss Connect – Windsor
Sight Loss Connect is a monthly group for people living with sight loss to come together, connect, and share their experiences. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space where you can talk openly, listen to others, and learn from shared experiences. The group is shaped by the people who attend, so topics will focus on what matters most to you. You can expect conversation-based sessions where we talk about real-life experiences, challenges, and practical tips for navigating sight loss, while building connections and supporting one another. The group meets on the second Saturday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Riverside Public Library (6305 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor).
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Advocating to strengthen enforcement of guide dog handlers’ rights in Ontario
In Ontario, when a guide dog handler is refused access, they’re told to contact their police service to report the incident, as it’s an offence under the Blind Persons’ Rights Act (BPRA) and police have the authority to investigate and lay charges.
Through our work with guide dog handlers, we’ve heard time and time again about the challenges they face when trying to report access refusals to police. Officers may not be familiar with the legislation or how to enforce it, and in some cases, handlers are even told that it isn’t a police matter. So we started asking ourselves what we could do to change that.
September is Guide Dog Access Awareness Month!
This month is all about educating people on proper guide dog etiquette, the rights of guide dog handlers, the legislation that protects them, and championing equal access for guide dog handlers. By learning more about guide dogs, you can help shift social attitudes towards guide dogs, ensuring that the rights of guide dog teams are always respected.
Help make your community more welcoming to guide dog teamsOur Programs
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Gardener, Memorial Garden – CNIB Guide Dogs
The CNIB Guide Dog Memorial Garden honours the memories of beloved CNIB program dogs and the deep bonds they shared with their handlers. We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with the care, upkeep, and enhancement of the CNIB Guide Dogs Memorial Garden to ensure it remains a respectful, welcoming, and accessible space for graduates, families, staff, and visitors.
Volunteer for Volunteer Gardener, Memorial Garden – CNIB Guide Dogs
Breeder Carer – CNIB Guide Dogs
Volunteers are a critical part of our guide dog program, and we’re always in need of volunteer puppy raisers and boarders. With support from CNIB Guide Dogs staff, you would play a vital role in bringing future CNIB guide dogs into the world by caring for one of our adult dogs from 12 months of age through the end of their breeding career, as well as supporting whelping and the early socialization of puppies up to 12 weeks old.