Development of the TAPE Measure
The CNIB TAPE Measure was developed as the result of a three year long study and was funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, and CNIB. Scores on each scale of the tool have shown a statistical relationship to employment status.

Scope of TAPE Measure
The CNIB TAPE Measure was designed to be as comprehensive as possible but does not include all factors related to employment. Many factors affecting employment opportunities such as employer attitudes about the abilities of people with vision loss cannot be measured with this instrument.  Ideally, the CNIB TAPE Measure should be used in conjunction with other appropriate assessment tools and personal inventories. It does not cover everything that could be assessed, but it is unique as it is based on a model of success and has been tested with persons who are blind or visually impaired. When using it, please factor in the individual’s work interests and personal wishes. Also, note that the stats and validation of the CNIB TAPE is based on a single sample of persons with vision loss.  We ask the research community to help us develop baseline scores for different groups.  

Versions of the TAPE Measure
Two versions of the tool are currently available.  TAPEM-Research includes all scales and can be used to assess patterns in groups or study samples. TAPEM-Practitioner is meant for vocational counselors, educators, guidance counselors, and family members to provide support to people wanting to improve their opportunities for employment. This version can also be used by individuals to identify their own areas of strength or need.

Acquiring and Using the CNIB TAPE Measure
We are providing the CNIB TAPE Measure free of charge. In order to request the instrument, please click here.  You will be asked some questions about your intended use of the instrument and then provided with the link from which you can download the instrument.

For Researchers: While use of the tool is offered for free, we ask that you share with CNIB Research a summary of any research you conduct using the TAPE and include aggregated scores (along with standard deviations) for each of the scales. Please also include a detailed description of the study sample. If you have sufficient sample sizes to provide scores separately for different socio-demographic or occupational groups, this would also be very helpful. These findings would be made available via the TAPE Measure website to others in the research and practice community. We would also like to be made aware of any publications (either in peer reviewed journals or elsewhere) based on work that has used the TAPE. In offering this instrument, we wish to build an international research and practice community around it.

Once you have used the CNIB TAPE Measure, please click here​ to share your experiences with us (please include any publications based on its use, any group scores on the scales based on research samples, and any adaptations to the instrument).

Publications based on the CNIB Tape Measure
Shaw, A., & Gold, D. (2011). Development of a tool for the assessment of employment preparedness specifically for persons who are blind or partially sighted. WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation, 39 (1), p. 49-62. 

Shaw, A. & Gold, D. (2011) The CNIB TAPE Measure. Visibility, 5, (14-16).

Shaw, A., & Gold, D. (2007).  Tool to Assess Preparedness for Employment (CNIB TAPE Measure). Toronto: CNIB. (ISBN: 978-0-921122-43-8).

Shaw, A., & Gold, D. (2007). Identifying the Facilitators of Successful Employment for Persons with Vision Loss.  Toronto: CNIB. (ISBN: 978-0-921122-31-4).