Assistive Technology – Consumer Products:
Tools or devices used by people with vision loss to access information and support independent living. People with vision loss are informed about the availability, selection, use and purchase of devices to best suit their needs. The five main service areas are information, demonstration, assessment, training, and technical support.

Career and Employment Services:

In Calgary, CNIB offers “Bridge to Employment" – an employment-readiness program that assists people with vision loss to become employable through one-on-one employment counselling, workshops and computer training. Referrals are made to the community pan-disability service provider for employment and career services.

For more information on these services, please contact Kelly Nadeau at 403-261-7221 or kelly.nadeau@cnib.ca

In Edmonton, CNIB offers "Bridge to Employment" – an exciting program providing employment services and placement opportunities to individuals with vision loss and combined loss of hearing and sight.

CNIB provides workshops on résumé writing, searching for work, interview skills and computers. We work with employers and community professionals to promote individuals as potential employment candidates and provide on-the-job support and follow-up to people placed in employment positions. Job candidates receive assistance in developing and conducting an independent job search and are provided with information on current labour market trends.

To access the program, you must be registered with CNIB, be unemployed or working less than 20 hours a week, not receiving Employment Insurance, and be ready, willing and able to participate in an active job search.

To Listen to the Bridge to Employment program radio ads, click on the following links:

• Employers discussing hiring staff with vision loss (mp3 format)

• Employee with vision loss (mp3 format)

For more information, please contact:

Heather MacDonald
780-453- 8317
heatherl.macdonald@cnib.ca

This program is funded by the Government of Canada

Child and Family Services:
These services are based on a family-centred model with the belief that the family has the greatest influence on a child’s development. Child and Family Services provide supportive counselling, service coordination, information, advocacy and programming for children from birth to age 18 and their families.

Early Intervention:
CNIB staff work with children from birth to age four, and their families to assess developmental needs associated with vision loss, taking into consideration a child’s unique needs and abilities.

Deafblind Services:
CNIB provides access to information for people who are deafblind through case management, counselling, referral, intervention services and assistive technology.

Independent Living:
CNIB offers life-skills training to help manage the essentials of daily living, with an emphasis on maintaining independence – from safe and effective methods of cooking and doing household tasks such as laundry and cleanup, to communications skills, braille literacy, personal care and banking.

Registration and Referral:
This is the first point of contact for anyone wishing to access CNIB’s programs and services. Our staff work closely with each individual to identify needs and goals, and make referrals to appropriate resources – either within CNIB or with community agencies. CNIB provides information and advocacy support for resources available from CNIB as well as resources focusing on social issues such as concessions, housing, finances and leisure pursuits, available from partner community resources.

Low Vision Services:
This service includes a functional assessment of visual abilities, information and training in the use of low vision devices, and instruction on how to maximize residual vision.

Orientation and Mobility:
Our staff provide instruction on how to move safely around the home, work, school and community. This includes instruction on sighted guide techniques, white cane skills, and information on guide dogs and electronic travel aids.

Seniors’ Program:
Aging with vision loss is an isolating, widespread experience. In fact, the majority of people that CNIB assists are seniors. CNIB Seniors’ Program Coordinators provide outreach to seniors across Alberta, and run numerous Peer Support Groups, workshops, and presentations which educate seniors with vision loss about vision health and CNIB programs and services. For more information on Peer Support Groups for seniors, see Community Activities.