Local Programs & Services
The following programs and services are available in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. For more information on the range of Programs and Services offered across the country, see Programs and Services.
Local Services
- Registration and Referral: This is the first point of contact for anyone wishing to access CNIB’s programs and services. Our staff members work closely with each individual to identify needs and goals, and make referrals to appropriate resources – either within CNIB or with community agencies.
- Low Vision Services: CNIB specialists provide information about eye conditions and vision health as well as instruction in the use of low vision devices and how to maximize residual vision.
- Counselling: CNIB’s counsellors are on hand to provide support to people as they adjust to vision loss, or the combined loss of hearing and sight.
- Independent Living Skills: Helpful hints and adaptive techniques to independently carry out daily activities. Includes home and personal management skills (i.e. preparing meals, identifying money, organization and labeling techniques), communication skills (i.e. Braille, keyboarding) and leisure activities.
- Orientation & Mobility: Skills and techniques for safe and independent travel. Includes the sighted guide technique (a comfortable way to walk with a sighted person), street crossings, how to use a long cane, assistance with learning new routes and information about guide dogs.
- Library Services: The CNIB Library lends braille, printbraille, tactile, and audio books and materials as well as movies in descriptive format to adults and children. It also offers specialized children’s programs, reference services and much more.
- Consumer Products and Assistive Technology: CNIB is Canada’s largest supplier of products designed for people with vision loss - from talking watches and large print playing cards, to magnifiers and writing aids. Discover how large print or talking computer programs can be of assistance in your home, school or workplace.
- Child and Family Services: Programs and services for children and youth with vision loss and their families include:
- CNIB Library - Braille, printbraille, tactile and audio books, children’s movies in descriptive format, a Summer Reading Club and a Discovery Portal with safe, online accessible games and moderated chat rooms.
- Assistive Technology - Products designed for people with vision loss. Everything from talking watches to bold lined paper, talking calculators, large print and braille playing cards, games and much more.
- SCORE - A two-week summer experience to assist 16 – 18 year old youth to develop skills to increase post-secondary academic success, explore and obtain meaningful and satisfying employment and actively participate in the community.
Online Learning Opportunities
CNIB offers online learning opportunities using a simple voice chat program - iVocalize. Learn about available assistive technology or share ideas on adjusting to vision loss. CNIB Assistive Technology Specialists will help you install and use the iVocalize software so that you can participate in these interactive discussions. It’s easy! View a list of our online learning opportunities.