Volunteer opportunities

Join CNIB’s volunteer team! We’re looking for 10 compassionate and reliable Senior Techmates (55+) who are technologically savvy to work with seniors living with vision loss from January 2026 until March 2026.

In your residential area close to transit, you will be paired with a senior home resident to:

• Engage in friendly phone check-ins
• Provide one-to-one assessments and recommend appropriate assistive technology offered through CNIB
• Provide sighted and low vision real-world examples using assistive technologies (ie., iPhone and/or iPad)

Breeder carers play a vital role in bringing future CNIB guide dogs into the world by caring for one of our adult dogs from 12 months of age through the end of their breeding career, as well as supporting whelping and the early socialization of puppies up to 12 weeks old. The duration of the breeder carer role could be for approximately six months up to a number of years.

Breeder carers are responsible for meeting regularly with a CNIB Guide Dogs brood stock supervisor, transporting the dogs for all breeding related activities as well as coming to veterinary clinics or other locations like CNIB offices or shopping centres for regular obedience training visits. 

This role is best suited to people who have a great deal of flexibility and are willing to have a brood dog and young puppies into their home.

This includes:

• Providing a safe, comfortable, and secure, environment for the dog and litter of puppies
• Whelping a litter of puppies in your home 
• Providing early socialization for puppies from birth to 8 to 12 weeks of age
• Providing updates on the dog's progress
• Transporting the dog to veterinary appointments or training areas as needed 
• Maintaining the dog’s training, routine, and appropriate social behaviour 

Want to know more about the role:

Read our blog post about Brood Riley and her Brood Carer Cindy Helps

The position entails, but is not limited to the following responsibilities:

• Greeting participants, welcoming them to the SmartLife Centre, and acting as a Sighted Guide as needed.
• Demonstrating and providing information on accessible devices on display in the SmartLife Centre and/or on the SmartLife webstore to participants.
• Become knowledgeable and well versed to speak to high tech accessible technology including sight enhancement devices and sight substitution devices (such as wearables, digital magnifiers, text-to-speech solutions, refreshable braille displays and other sought after innovative solutions, with the support from our SmartLife Coaches.
• Become knowledgeable and well versed to speak to independent living aids / low-tech accessible devices (e.g., talking clocks/watches) and how to set them up for participants.
• Independently research and learn about CNIB SmartLife products and other assistive technology through our website, internet searches and YouTube.
• Refer participants to SmartLife Coach, the Contact Centre, and the CNIB SmartLife webstore to make purchases, for further information or for returns.
• Clerical and other duties as required.
• Maintaining the overall look and feel of the SmartLife Centre including keeping displays and merchandising clean, tidy and organized.

From classrooms to city hall or speaking to businesses, our Community Engagement Volunteers provide public education and advocacy to help raise awareness about key issues facing the sight loss community and create positive change for people who are blind or partially sighted. Unsupervised Community Engagement Volunteers attend community events and give presentations on behalf of CNIB without direct supervision of CNIB staff and are screened to attend engagements at settings with vulnerable populations (i.e school settings, seniors homes etc). 

Responsibilities & Tasks:

This position is flexible and dependent on volunteer skills and interests. Common activities for this position include: 

• Delivering community presentations on topics such as blindness etiquette, accessibility and inclusion, white canes and guide dogs, braille, and assistive technology. 
• Attending community events or consultations on behalf of CNIB to raise awareness and educate the public about sight loss and how they can create a more accessible and inclusive society.
• Meeting with decision makers including politicians and business executives to discuss accessibility policies and legislation. 
• Supporting CNIB’s advocacy initiatives including national and local campaigns.
• Sharing your personal story and lived experience of sight loss, if applicable
• Staying up to date with CNIB by participating in town halls and subscribing to our advocacy mailing list and Equalize newsletter.
• Option to get more involved by joining a local volunteer advocacy committee.
• Taking part in CNIB training opportunities when available.

From classrooms to city hall or speaking to businesses, our Community Engagement Volunteers provide public education and advocacy to help raise awareness about key issues facing the sight loss community and create positive change for people who are blind or partially sighted. Community Engagement Volunteers support our advocacy programming and campaigns under the supervision of CNIB staff and do not work directly with vulnerable populations (i.e school settings, seniors homes etc).

Responsibilities & Tasks:

This position is flexible and dependent on volunteer skills and interests. Common activities for this position include: 

• Attending community events or consultations on behalf of CNIB to raise awareness and educate the public about sight loss and how they can create a more accessible and inclusive society.
• Meeting with decision makers including politicians and business executives to discuss accessibility policies and legislation. 
• Supporting CNIB’s advocacy initiatives including national and local campaigns.
• Sharing your personal story and lived experience of sight loss, if applicable (i.e. to the media, government deputations, etc. excluding schools or other settings with vulnerable populations)
• Staying up to date with CNIB by participating in town halls and subscribing to our advocacy mailing list and Equalize newsletter.
• Option to get more involved by joining a local volunteer advocacy committee.
• Taking part in CNIB training opportunities when available.

CNIB SmartLife Technology Programs aims to support the technology needs of people living with vision loss across Canada. With the availability of a wide range of accessible technologies, people with vision loss can accomplish almost any task, provided they have the right device, and the right support!

Through our monthly Accessible Technology group program offerings, we provide a range of in-person & webinar-based workshops on a variety of technology-based topics.  Some topics include accessibility features on smartphones, common social media apps, MS Word basics, and much more!    

With our efforts of providing the best support possible, we are seeking volunteers to assist with our monthly group program offerings.     

Duties:

• Co-Facilitate delivery of remote or in-person group-based workshops on a variety of technology-based topics  
• Work with staff & other volunteers to research & develop training materials & handouts 
• Collaborate with CNIB staff & other volunteers to identify new technology-based workshop topics

Ideal For:

• People who enjoy delivering presentations 
• People who enjoy public speaking 
• Students & student placement opportunities 
• People who like working with technology
• People who like sharing knowledge

CNIB SmartLife Technology Programs aims to support the technology needs of people living with vision loss across Canada. With the availability of a wide range of accessible technologies, people with vision loss can accomplish almost any task, provided they have the right device, and the right support!

Through our continuous development of Accessible Technology resources, materials and curriculum, we can provide our participants with the information they need to use their accessible technology effectively.   

With our efforts to provide the best support possible, we are seeking volunteers to assist with research, development & maintenance of our digital content & learning resources.    

Duties:

• Collaborate with CNIB SmartLife staff & volunteers to determine required curriculum, documentation & other reference resources
• Conduct research to identify & develop documented resources on available & up-to-date accessible technologies 
• Collaborate with CNIB staff & other volunteers to identify new technology-based workshop topics
• Assist with development of curriculum for our Technology-based one-on-one coaching & monthly group workshops. 

Ideal For:

• Students & student placement opportunities 
• People who are resourceful & have a keen interest in technology 
• People who like creating documents & presentations

CNIB SmartLife Technology Programs aims to support the technology needs of people living with vision loss across Canada. With the availability of a wide range of accessible technologies, people with vision loss can accomplish almost any task, provided they have the right device, and the right support!

With our efforts to provide the best support possible, we are seeking volunteers to assist our clients with learning how to use the technology they have. This could be a smartphone, tablet, computer, video magnifier, or talking book player. Many modern technologies have accessibility features that allow people with vision loss to access their buttons and controls, and it is all about learning how to customize these features. 

An Accessible Technology Coach will work closely with CNIB SmartLife Staff to aid our clients in using their technology effectively.  

Duties:

• Provide one-to-one and group coaching to participants who are using a computer or smartphone with adaptive technology.
• Receive training on available accessibility features on computers & smartphones.
• Provide coaching & support in use of various smartphone apps used to enhance activities of daily living.
• Assemble resources to help participants further explore their device’s capabilities at home.
• Research and create accessible documents needed for one-to-one & group sessions. These documents will also function as resources for other participants and future sessions.

Ideal For:

• Students & student placement opportunities 
• People who are resourceful & have a keen interest in technology 
• People who like creating documents & presentations

Since 1997, CNIB has organized a Canada-wide Braille Creative Writing Contest for children and youth. This important competition celebrates braille literacy and encourages young people to flex their creative muscles while practicing their braille skills. 

The contest is looking for volunteer judge(s)! This is an opportunity for you to learn more about how CNIB supports braille literacy, while fostering creativity in young minds. Publishers, library staff and children's authors are welcome to apply. 

Responsibilities

May – June:

Depending on your familiarity with braille, you may be invited to attend one or more of the following:

• In-person or virtual introduction to braille and CNIB braille literacy programs.
• Tour of CNIB Hub or invitation to local CNIB program for children, youth, families.
• Tour of Beyond Print braille production facilities (Toronto)

July - August: 

•  You will receive text versions of all entries. Entries may be in English or French, and will include poetry, stories and essays. Entries will be of various lengths, from both primary and secondary students. Each entry you receive will have been assigned a score for Braille Proficiency. You will be adding a Creativity score for each entry and the combined scores will determine the winners (equal weighting is given to braille proficiency and creativity). 
• Number of entries may vary, but you should anticipate reviewing approx. 50 entries.  
• Creativity Scores for each entry will be due by early September 

Transition Boarders are dedicated to caring for pups during an important transition phase in their training while they are on their journey to becoming Guide Dogs. 

Boarders provide temporary care for future CNIB Guide Dogs. This role is best suited to people interested in bringing a dog into their home on a temporary basis.

This role is best suited to those who may not be able to commit to those earlier stages of a puppy’s life but would still like to help raise a puppy with purpose. As a Puppy Finisher, you’ll receive a 6-month-old puppy that is likely already toilet trained with most of their routine vaccinations completed. The puppy will have already spent the last 3 – 4 months building positive associations with the world around them, will have a basic understanding of their training, and may be able to settle quietly for up to an hour. 

This role is best suited to those who enjoy the early stages of a puppy's life. As a Puppy Starter, you’ll help potty train a puppy, build a foundation for obedience training and good manners, and most importantly, start your puppy off on the right “paw” with their socialization. Future Guide Dog puppies will need to attend several veterinary appointments. Their socialization schedule and training will keep you busy as they learn to cope with and navigate various environments, including their first few exposures riding on public transit.

As a puppy raiser, you’ll help build a foundation for obedience training and good manners, and most importantly, start your puppy off on the right “paw” with their socialization. Future Guide Dog puppies will need to attend several veterinary appointments. Their socialization schedule and training will keep you busy as they learn to cope with and navigate various environments, including their first few exposures riding on public transit.

In-person Event Assistants provide general assistance (sighted guide, making and serving coffee, etc.) and specific assistance (Dungeons and Dragons, music therapy, knitting, socials, etc.) at CNIB Events in Halifax. You would also help make our events social and fun by engaging in conversations and creating an open and cheery environment!

The Vision Mate Coordinator Assistant provides support to CNIB’s Manager of Programs to enhance our current recruitment, onboarding, and evaluation of Vision Mates.

Volunteer Drivers assist by driving CNIB staff with sight loss to training sessions and meetings. You will drive a rental vehicle or – occasionally – your own vehicle (you’ll receive mileage). Trips may be for an afternoon or over multiple days (CNIB will pay for your meals and accommodations during trips outside of the HRM).

Virtual Event Assistants login to CNIB Nova Scotia’s virtual events 20 minutes before they start and assist by using the Zoom platform to individually connect people into the event.

Weekly Callers phone a list of 20 interested people with sight loss once a week to let them know about upcoming events. Over time, the volunteers get to know the people they’re calling and can tailor their calls to individuals (i.e. John never wants to attend a Trivia Night, etc.). At least 60% of our virtual event attendance comes from these calls.

Smart Life Assistants provide shop support for 3.5 hours a week including assisting people with sight loss as they try various products in CNIB’s shop. This may include providing hand-over-hand guidance, demonstrating and recommending devices, processing sales, and maintaining the shop.

Tech Mates provide one-on-one and group support to people with sight loss learning how to use their smart devices. Training will be provided to the volunteer by CNIB in terms of best practices for assisting someone with sight loss and on the use of some sight loss specific functions and apps; however much of what Tech Mates help with is relatively simple (setting up emails, basic computer skills, etc.)

Vision Mates provide regular, one-to-one assistance and companionship for a person who is blind or partially sighted. Matches are made with someone who lives close to your home, school or work. You visit once a week for a couple of hours to assist with tasks like reading, errands (like groceries and shopping), going for walks, and socializing.

Living without sight can be challenging and sometimes it’s easier to have a friend help with daily sighted tasks. Our Vision Mate program matches volunteers with people with vision loss to help one-on-one for a couple of hours a week. You’ll help with activities like reading, organizing, running errands or going for walks. Activities are mutually agreed upon, based on your match's needs. Volunteers do not clean, cook, provide personal care or counselling.

To see a match in action, watch this video. 

Vision Mates provide regular, one-to-one assistance and companionship for a person who is blind or partially sighted. Matches are made with someone who lives close to your home, school or work. You visit once a week for a couple of hours to assist with tasks like reading, errands (like groceries and shopping), going for walks, and socializing.