News

Losing your sight doesn't mean vacations have to be a thing of the past. But booking hotels, finding your baggage or travelling to new destinations can be a challenge at the best of times.

By Lynn Jensen, Independent Living Skills Specialist, VLRC

Many people who love to sew find threading a needle can become a big challenge after they lose their sight – but it doesn't have to be.

While working on their virtual reality gaming project, Saskatchewan Polytechnic students, James Mercer and Justin Dery gained some valuable insight on how to make the game accessible for people who are blind or partially sighted. This is valuable information that the Business Information Systems Program students will carry forward in their future careers.

Digital skills widen Canadians' access to a world of possibilities. All Canadians should have the necessary skills to get online by using computers, mobile devices and the Internet safely and effectively. That is why the Government is putting in place initiatives to ensure no one is left behind as the world transitions to a digital economy.

Canadians who are blind were looking forward to described video for all shows during prime-time hours starting in September 2019, as mandated by the CRTC.

But now three Canadian broadcasters have petitioned the CRTC to exempt them from providing described video to non-Canadian programs received less than 72 hours prior to broadcast without described video.

Aspiring Canadian entrepreneurs can now learn to run their own business with the Venture Zone Game, a new app that teaches business skills in a fun way. The app is now available for free download on the Apple App Store in Canada and is fully accessible for Canadians who are blind or partially sighted.

Holly Bartlett was leading a busy, complicated life back in March of 2010. The 31-year-old Halifax resident had recently started a job as a researcher for the province, while still working to complete a demanding grad program at Dalhousie University.

Today we celebrate our furry friends that help people who are blind or partially sighted live their lives fully and independently, as well as the hardworking individuals who dedicate their time to raise, train and match guide dogs with their handlers.

Becoming a guide dog user has changed my life, it has given me confidence in my mobility, a sense of freedom and the partnership with two amazing guide dogs. It was an honour being part of CNIB’s first guide dog class.

Regina Downtown just became easier to navigate for people who are blind or partially sighted. Victoria Park/City Square Plaza is the first inner city park in Canada to be 'BlindSquare Enabled'.