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CNIB urges provinces to ensure vaccination distribution strategies are accessible

As COVID-19 vaccination clinics roll out across the country, CNIB is publicly urging provincial governments and local public health units to ensure their vaccine distribution strategies are accessible to Canadians with sight loss. For example:

  • Systems and applications for booking vaccine appointments should be accessible and tested by individuals who use adaptive equipment. Online booking systems must be WCAG 2.0 compliant, at minimum, according to the law. 
  • Queues, lines, and all information presented to those being vaccinated should be as accessible as possible. 
  • Staff and medical professionals should receive training on how to accommodate the needs of people with sight loss, as required.  

CNIB has distributed the following letter to all provinces asking them to publicly outline their accessibility accommodations that will be included in their vaccine distribution strategies. CNIB will be publishing their responses on our website to ensure Canadians with sight loss can learn what to expect.

If you encounter any accessibility barriers when booking a vaccine appointment, please email advocacy@cnib.ca. 

 

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April 17, 2024 – Yesterday, the Government of Canada released Budget 2024 and announced that the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit will start in July 2025, pending a regulatory design process. The benefit will be funded with $6.1 billion over the next six years. 

This investment equates to a proposed maximum of $200 per month for eligible recipients who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Further, Budget 2024 does not invest in a strategy or programs that enable people who are blind or have low vision to join the workforce. 

While the passage of the Canada Disability Benefit Act was an important first step, CNIB joins the growing list of organizations and advocates calling on the government to commit to more support to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.  
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