With support from RBC Foundation, we are delivering vital resources to 364 young people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision across Canada through CNIB’s Come to Work employment program.
“Youth face many challenges in today’s job market. Supporting organizations like CNIB to help remove barriers and create inclusive opportunities is critical so more young people can thrive and progress in their careers,” said Gayle Corcoran, Senior Director, Social Impact, RBC. “We are thrilled to support CNIB’s Come to Work employment program, which helps youth gain job-ready skills that are in demand for employers – a win for young people and employers across Canada.”
Thanks to RBC Foundation’s support, young people who participated in CNIB’s Come to Work program gained access to accessible, tailored skills development and meaningful opportunities to build confidence and prepare them for the workforce. From resume writing and mock interviews to career mentorship and networking events, RBC Foundation’s investment helped equip youth with the tools and support they need to thrive in today’s job market.
The results speak for themselves: 83% of participants reported that Come to Work helped them build new workforce skills and competencies. In addition, CNIB grew its pool of inclusive employer partners by 27 companies during the funding period, opening even more doors to meaningful employment.
“As someone with lived experience of sight loss, I know firsthand how critical programs like CNIB’s Come to Work are in breaking down barriers to employment,” said Shoko Kitano, Executive Director of CNIB’s Come to Work program.
“Every Canadian who is blind or has low vision deserves the opportunity to pursue any career they choose – not just a select few that society deems ‘accessible,’” Kitano said. “With the right support, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. By empowering individuals to reach their full potential, we’re not only improving lives – we’re strengthening and accelerating Canada’s economy.”
RBC Foundation’s support also helped CNIB expand our Come to Work program, a national initiative focused on reducing employment barriers for Canadians with sight loss. Through a youth-focused, accessible-by-design approach, the program ensures young participants furthest from employment have a clear path to independence and career success.
In addition, we are grateful to RBC for their continued sponsorship of Connecting the Dots, CNIB’s national accessibility conference series, which brings employers and jobseekers together to promote inclusive hiring practices.
We thank RBC and RBC Foundation for their leadership in championing inclusion and building a brighter future for young Canadians with sight loss. Their impact is real – and growing.