July 6, 2020 (Regina, SK) CNIB's newest initiative is bringing Kaitlynn Lenius the hope that she will obtain her first job by learning what is necessary to become employed.
"I hope to gain advocacy skills, learn what questions are important for people with sight loss to ask on the first day of work and what overall accommodations I should ask for on the job," said the 15 year old.
"Many of our clients don't have the same opportunities to build experience and job knowledge the way a person with sight does and often don't get that first job in their teen years," said Paige Andreas the program lead for community engagement for CNIB Foundation Saskatchewan and the YES camp coordinator. "Many employers don't understand how easy it is to make workplaces accessible for people who are blind and partially sighted and are unaware what they are actually capable of. As a result, we need to equip our kiddos with a certain set of skills which includes the ability to advocate for their needs."
For people who are blind and partially sighted a low employment rate is a reality. A recent survey found the employment rate among Canadians with vision loss at 28 per cent versus 73 per cent for people without a disability. And approximately half of Canadians who are blind or partially sighted live on a low income of $20,000 a year or less.
CNIB addressed these barriers in their new strategic plan, Bold Dreams, Bright Futures 2018-2022, which aims to Boost Engagement in the World of Work for individuals who are blind and partially sighted. CNIB Saskatchewan created a number of programs to address employment related issues which include; this week's first Youth Employment Skills Camp which is taking place virtually from July 6-10, Employment Bootcamps, internships at both Saskatchewan CNIB offices and the Come to Work Program.
This week's Youth Employment Skills Camp is taking place thanks to Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities Project funding through the Federal Government.
"All of CNIB's initiatives aim to open the doors of employment for people with vision loss as the potential of unemployment can be a daunting reality. But CNIB is really taking steps to change this," said Andreas a former CNIB intern and Employment Bootcamp participant.
"I think it's very important to prepare for the working world in advance. I would like to learn everything there is to know before I start working. I believe that people are more likely to get employed if they know how to advocate for the accommodations they need to work," said Lenius.
About CNIB
CNIB is a registered charity, passionately providing community-based support, knowledge and a national voice to ensure Canadians who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life.
The primary objective of CNIB is to create an inclusive, accessible, barrier-free society that provides the tools Canadians with vision loss require to live safe, fulfilling and independent lives. For more information, visit cnib.ca.
For further information and interviews, please contact:
Jackie Lay, Communications Specialist, CNIB Saskatchewan Foundation
Cell: (306)514-2796 or jackie.lay@cnib.ca