News

Composite image showing the Ontario Trillium logo, the CNIB logo, smiling participants on a Zoom call, two fencing students and a group of kids kayaking at CNIB Lake Joe

Ontario Trillium Foundation helps Ontarians with sight loss get active through EmpowerPlay program

In 2020, the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) received a $75,000 Seed grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation. With this funding, the CNIB was able to support participants in their goals to get active through a pilot project called EmpowerPlay.
Woman  walks down sidewalk smiling, she uses white cane.

RBC partners with CNIB Frontier Accessibility to improve accessibility for Canadians

RBC has partnered with CNIB Frontier Accessibility to offer BlindSquare, the world’s most widely used accessible GPS app developed for people who are blind or partially sighted, at more than 305 RBC branches across Canada.
A graphic art illustration of the green/white Ontario Health Card.

Ontarians can now renew their health card online without driver’s licence

After many discussions with the Government of Ontario, and powerful advocacy from CNIB and other disability organizations, Ontarians without a drivers licence can now renew their health card online using an Ontario photo ID card.
An illustration of a megaphone outlined in a black paintbrush style design with yellow accents.

CNIB, Ontario Government Supports Workforce Participation for Ontarians Living with Sight Loss

 (TORONTO, ON ) – CNIB welcomes the Ontario Government’s new investment to support the continued growth and expansion of CNIB’s Come to Work program. The Ontario Government is investing $1.7 million through its Skills Development Fund to help connect job seekers who are blind or partially sighted with employers who want to discover the full potential of Ontario’s talent.
A guide dog and its handler at a graduation ceremony. The handler pets his golden retriever guide dog. The dog is wearing a graduation cap.

CNIB Guide Dogs' class of 2022 graduates on International Guide Dog Day

(CARLETON PLACE, ON – Apr. 27, 2022) – As part of CNIB Guide Dogs' class of 2022, 16 Canadians who are blind or partially sighted are graduating with their guide dogs on International Guide Dog Day (April 27) after completing intensive training. 
 CNIB Mobile Hub logo. A graphic art illustration of a white cargo van outlined with yellow and black accents. Text: CNIB Mobile Hub.

Hitting the Road with the CNIB Mobile Hub

CNIB is hitting the road to bring its innovative programs to life for more participants. The CNIB Mobile Hub is a new program delivery model where CNIB visits various communities to deliver in-person programming for people who are blind or partially sighted.
An illustration of a megaphone outlined in a black paintbrush style design with yellow accents.

CNIB urges provinces to ensure that their rapid screening tests are accessible to people who are blind, in addition to their vaccination strategy and vaccine passports.

​​​​​​​As provinces scale back PCR testing for COVID-19, many Canadians are relying on at-home rapid antigen tests for diagnostic purposes – including the 1.5 million Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. People with sight loss are unable to independently read the printed instructions, administer the tests with accuracy, or verify the results of rapid antigen tests
CNIB therefore calls on provincial governments and local public health authorities to ensure that tests are made accessible to people who are blind or partially sighted. 
Logo for ASIC (Access for Sight-Impaired Consumers), featuring the organization’s name and an image of a white cane

Welcome back, ASIC!

CNIB would like to send a huge congratulations to our friends at ASIC (Access for Sight-Impaired Consumers) for returning to operations after a five-year hiatus.
Angela Bonfanti smiling and leaning against a desk

CNIB Appoints Angela Bonfanti as First COO, Sets Course for the Future

CNIB, Canada’s largest non-profit serving people with sight loss, has appointed Angela Bonfanti as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), making her the first COO in the organization’s 104-year history.
Illustration of a megaphone

Ecclesiastical Insurance awards grant to CNIB

Ecclesiastical Insurance Office plc is excited to announce that CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) in Toronto is one of the recipients of the 2021 Community Impact Grant.