News

A blurry subway car breezes into a station.

TTC CNIB Transit Pass Update

In 2018, eligible CNIB clients were provided with a new CNIB TTC card to use when travelling on the system. This card is set to expire on January 31, 2021. The TTC will be extending the expiry date to January 31, 2024.
Jack McCormick sitting on the front step of house with his arm around his guide dog sitting at his side.

Travel restrictions lead to increased demand for CNIB Guide Dogs

Travel restrictions, including border closures caused by COVID-19, have resulted in a 300 per cent increase in interest for CNIB Guide Dogs applications.

Guide dog handlers who have travelled to the United States in the past to obtain a guide dog are now looking for a "made in Canada" solution as soon as possible.
Jay Ross rapping in a hiphop collaboration with Teekay in Edmonton's Juliet's Castle club.

Jason: A Moving Story

Jason Crawford, also known as the musician and rapper Jay Ross, turned a CNIB internship into a full-time job in record time.
Illustration of a megaphone

Unleashing your imagination through braille

For Maggie Wehrle, writing has always been a passion. With rod-cone dystrophy, a condition that causes her eyes to refuse to stay still and focus on an object, she's found her storytelling voice through braille.
The CNIB Logo and the Vispero Logo

CNIB announces new partnership with Vispero (Optelec, Freedom Scientific, Enhanced Vision)

TORONTO, November 4, 2020 – CNIB, Canada's largest non-profit serving people with sight loss, has signed a new partnership agreement with Vispero, the world’s largest assistive technology provider for the visually impaired.
drawn image of a megaphone

CNIB Foundation transitions its Hamilton programs to a hybrid community resource access, and virtual model

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CNIB Foundation has been working hard to develop innovative methods to deliver our programs and services when we couldn’t physically be together. Virtual programs have allowed us to be more cost efficient, and to eliminate transportation and geographic barriers for participants. Meaning, that we’re able to reach and empower more Ontarians with sight loss than ever before – no matter where they reside.
An illustration of a megaphone outlined in a black paintbrush style design with yellow accents.

Deadline extended to apply for COVID-19 one-time payment for persons with disabilities

Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit will begin to receive the COVID-19 one-time $600 payment for persons with disabilities on October 30, 2020. The deadline to apply for the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) to receive the COVID-19 one-time payment for persons with disabilities has also been extended from September 25, 2020, to December 31, 2020.
 Two e-scooters sit side-by-side on a sidewalk. Their break lights are blinking red.

People with sight loss overlooked during Ottawa e-scooter pilot

As the City of Ottawa's e-scooter pilot nears completion, the CNIB Foundation has been conducting consultations with the sight loss community to gather feedback about their experiences with the project. This is largely in response to the absence of any robust public consultation between the City of Ottawa and the disability community, outside of two presentations to the City's Accessibility Advisory Committee from the e-scooter companies in February and September 2020.
BMO Logo

CNIB’s Phone It Forward Program Receives Game-changing Donation of Smart Devices from BMO Financial Group

TORONTO, October 26, 2020 – The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), Canada's largest non-profit serving people with sight loss, thanks BMO Financial Group (BMO) for its incredible, game-changing donation to support Canadians with sight loss.
a man holds a smartphone

Canadian Tire Corporation makes long-term donation of smartphones for people who are blind

TORONTO, October 13, 2020 – The CNIB Foundation has announced a new ongoing commitment from Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC) to support Canadians with sight loss through its Phone It Forward program. CTC's generous, long-term donation will help Canadians who are blind or partially sighted access the life-changing technology that smartphones offer.