By Shoko Kitano
Ten years ago, CNIB launched its “EmployAbility” campaign, a series of public service announcements challenging misconceptions about hiring people with sight loss, after an Ipsos survey found that 70 per cent of Canadians would choose a sighted candidate over an equally qualified candidate who was blind.
A decade later, misconceptions about people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision still create barriers to employment. Beyond attitudinal barriers, people with sight loss encounter inaccessible recruitment and hiring processes, employment services, and workplaces that don’t always provide the accommodations and support they need. In fact, employment concerns account for 20 per cent of inquiries received by CNIB’s Legal Referral Service, including cases involving people who haven’t been fully accommodated or who feel they’re being pushed out of their jobs because of their disability.
CNIB’s Come to Work program works to address these barriers by supporting job seekers and working with employers across Canada. Through the program, employers can access:
- Personalized, one-on-one guidance, including support with recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention strategies
- Educational workshops on sight loss and blindness etiquette to help build awareness
- Tips for creating a more accessible workplace
- Advice on and workplace accommodations and assistive technology solutions that support employees who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision
- Connections to talented candidates who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision from a wide range of industries and roles
Come to Work supports people who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision to build the skills, confidence and connections that lead to meaningful employment. Through job-readiness workshops and specialized employment support, participants can prepare for opportunities, navigate barriers and connect with employers committed to accessible and inclusive hiring.
Technology training is part of that support, helping participants build skills using Windows and Microsoft applications with assistive technology, as well as AI tools and other emerging technologies.
Come to Work was created because every Canadian deserves a fair shot at employment and the opportunity to build a career they can be proud of. Today, more than 1,900 participants are enrolled in Come to Work, supported by a national network of more than 200 employer partners. But there are many more people who blind, Deafblind, or have low vision who want to work and build careers where their skills and contributions are recognized.
Ten years after the EmployAbility campaign, the call to recognize talent continues. Come to Work helps turn that call into opportunity, while working towards a future where accessible and inclusive employment is an everyday reality for Canadians who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision.
To join the Come to Work program and how you can get involved as a partner employer or talent pool member, visit cometowork.ca.