News

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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.
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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.
Jennifer Macneil, standing outside on a sunny day, smiling for the camera with Lenny, her guide dog.

Let's boost the employment rate for Canadians with sight loss

“I wouldn't be where I am today had I not had mentors and people guiding me throughout my career. I was blind at birth and I knew that I wanted to help others when I grew up.”
A person out of frame tapping their bank card on a touchscreen payment terminal, being presented by a café employee.

Payment terminals with improved accessibility coming soon to a business near you

Canadians with sight loss will soon be able to make purchases on their own with reduced risk of compromising the security of their personal and financial information. CNIB is working together with Moneris Solutions Corporation (‘Moneris’), and supported by the Government of Canada, to create an inclusive and accessible shopping experience for everyone.
A yellow face in the shape of a loonie with a blind fold on and lipstick tube beside it.  The CNIB logo to the right with the words "Loonies4Lips" underneath

Be part of the Loonies4Lips challenge!

As part of National Disability Employment Awareness Month this October, the CNIB Foundation is launching Loonies4Lips, a social media challenge to raise funds for the CNIB Foundation while smashing the stigma that stands in the way of talent with sight loss.
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CNIB announces new partnership with GoodMaps

TORONTO – The CNIB Foundation, Canada's largest non-profit serving people with sight loss, has announced a new partnership with GoodMaps, experts and innovators in accessible navigation and wayfinding.

From left to right, John Rafferty, President and CEO of CNIB, Eyre Purkin Bien, Senior advisor, Philanthropy, three members of the Nanji Family, Garry Nenson Vice President of Philanthropy for CNIB, and Shane Silver, Vice President of Social Enterprises for CNIB. The group stands together in front of the new Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre.

CNIB unveils new, interactive retail experience: The Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre

TORONTO, September 16, 2020: The CNIB Foundation, Canada's largest non-profit serving people with sight loss, celebrated the grand opening of their state-of-the-art Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre in Toronto on September 15, 2020.