Advocacy Programs

Discover the power of lived experience! Join the Flip Side to listen, learn, and be inspired by CNIB staff and clients who share their personal stories of navigating life with sight loss. These honest, uplifting conversations offer insight, encouragement, and plenty of “you’re not alone” moments. Come for the stories, leave feeling inspired and connected. Second Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

This is a safe and supportive place for guide dog handlers from across the country to get together and chat. Share the joys and challenges of being a guide dog handler as well as tips to keep our guide dogs happy and engaged. Biweekly on Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

The advocacy volunteers are people who are blind or partially sighted, their friends or family, or anyone who has a connection to the mission and wants to make a difference in their community. They are self-starters who can bring together community and drive local grassroots campaigns as well as support national advocacy issues in their region through collaborating with others. Second Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Central Time on Zoom.

The 30 Club is an advocacy-focused support group designed to empower people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision to feel more comfortable when applying to jobs. We'll cover topics around disclosure, accommodation, navigation, communication and disability. First Sunday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Central Standard Time on Zoom.

Researchers at Lakehead University are looking for participants to take part in a study exploring how to make roundabouts safer and more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. As part of the study, sensors will be installed at the Edward Street roundabout. The sensors are designed to detect safe gaps in traffic flow, providing information that can help people who are blind or have low vision cross the intersection more safely.Due to problems with the technology controlling the sensors, the roundabout study has be rescheduled. Field testing will now take place on Thursday, September 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This session will walk you through what guide dog handlers should know before taking to the skies, rails, roads, or waterways. We'll explore how to prepare for your trip, what documentation you may need, what to expect when travelling with a guide dog, and practical tips to make your journey as smooth as possible. We'll also discuss some of the differences you may encounter when travelling within Canada, internationally, or with different transportation providers. Monday, September 14 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join us for a practical conversation about accessible travel with special guests from Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada and Edmonton International Airport. Learn about strategies and supports for navigating your journey, accessibility services available to travellers, and tips to help you and your guide dog travel with greater confidence and independence. Tuesday, September 15 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join us to learn about the rights and protections available to guide dog handlers when travelling with federally regulated transportation providers in Canada, including airlines, railways, ferries, and interprovincial transportation. Tuesday, September 22 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom

Join us to learn more about Ontario’s Blind Persons’ Rights Act and how it protects the rights of guide dog handlers. We’ll explore where the Act applies, what it means for guide dog access, and how handlers can use the legislation to advocate for themselves when they encounter an access denial. The session will also walk through practical steps you can take following an access denial, including documenting what happened, reporting the incident, and understanding the enforcement process. Thursday, September 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.