Toronto, ON (May 19th, 2022) – 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. This customized integration by CNIB Frontier Accessibility will provide a new level of access for all users. Paired with third-party navigation apps, BlindSquare’s self-voicing technology delivers detailed points of interest and intersections for safe, reliable travel at the branches – both inside and outside.
“RBC is always exploring ways to support and enhance our clients’ experience and support their needs. The opportunity to partner with CNIB and install BlindSquare in key locations throughout the network was an easy decision,” said Rasha Khayat Angel, VP, Physical Network Strategy with RBC. “We are proud to be partnering with CNIB to help to improve the lives of people in our communities.”
The installation provides free access to the BlindSquare EVENT app, which allows people with sight loss to explore their surroundings independently, safely, and with confidence. In conjunction with physical beacons, the app will provide audible information about the RBC branch and its facilities as the user approaches.
“This partnership is important as enables us to break down barriers by bringing accessible wayfinding solutions to our communities,” says David Demers, President, CNIB Frontier Accessibility. “Through this initiative, RBC is demonstrating its commitment to creating a Canada where everyone can live, work, and play."
CNIB and RBC have had a long-standing history of collaboration to support a vision of a more inclusive and accessible Canada. From local initiatives to providing funding for national offerings such as Come to Work, a program that connects employers with talent living with sight loss, RBC has supported CNIB for more than 20 years.
BlindSquare EVENT is available for download on the App Store.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 88,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada’s biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S., and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments, and employee volunteer activities.
About CNIB Frontier Accessibility
CNIB Frontier Accessibility, a CNIB social enterprise, supports businesses and organizations to ensure all Canadians with disabilities can benefit from barrier-free communities and workplaces. It is a national organization that specializes in a variety of cutting-edge accessibility solutions for organizations in a breadth of sectors. CNIB Frontier Accessibility’s approach to providing customized solutions ensures that all organizations will have the tools to champion a culture of inclusion. To learn more about CNIB Frontier Accessibility’s solutions, visit: https://frontier-cnib.ca/
Media Contact:
CNIB
Zari Sadeq
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1929 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M4G 3E8
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E: zari.sadeq@cnib.ca