Who We Are

CNIB, one of Canada’s oldest and most respected charities, celebrates 90 remarkable years in 2008. Since 1918, CNIB has been dedicated to independence and self-determination for Canadians with vision loss. Today it is Canada’s primary provider of vision support services and also works to safeguard the vision health of all Canadians.

Overview

CNIB has sought to improve the lives of generations of Canadians. Established in 1918, the organization has helped people with vision loss escape from lives of poverty and abuse, bringing them the same rights and freedoms as all Canadians.

Millions of people have been touched by the services CNIB provides or by its message of hope. After 90 years, CNIB has left a legacy in Canada’s social, legislative, judicial and cultural fabric.

In this section, you can learn about CNIB’s own Group of Seven (the organization’s founders, who crafted its charter in 1918), explore some fun facts about the organization’s history, view photos from CNIB’s archives and read about CNIB’s evolution in our historical timeline.

CNIB has been generous in sharing its knowledge and experience with organizations for people with vision loss in other countries. Canadians have reaped the benefits of this outreach. Networks and friendships have been forged and resources shared. Canadians can be proud to know that the Canadian experience and knowledge is benefiting other people who are blind in less fortunate situations in other countries.

Penny Hartin,
Chief Executive Officer, World Blind Union