Previous Campaigns
Advocacy is part of CNIB's history and mandate. We were founded by World War I veterans who were advocating for a better society for people who were blind or partially sighted. Over 100 years later, CNIB continues to advocate to all three levels of government.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS)
In 2024, CNIB ran an advocacy campaign calling for the proper installation and maintenance of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS). Our community came out in force, resulting in 641 letters submitted to municipal mayors and councillors across the country, calling on them to prioritize the proper installation and maintenance of APS devices in their municipalities.
Get on board with accessible public transit
In 2023, CNIB introduced the “Get on Board!” campaign to advocate for accessible public transit systems. Through secret rider surveys, town halls, and ride-alongs with local decision-makers, the campaign gathered insights from the community on the barriers they face when using public transit, as well as their overall transit experiences. Over the course of the campaign’s three phases, we reached 32 communities, met with over 80 politicians and transit officials, and received over 350 secret rider surveys from across the country. Guided by the feedback we've received from the community, CNIB continues to engage with local transit authorities to push for improvements to public transit.
Accessible Payment Terminals
CNIB has worked together with Moneris Solutions Corporation (‘Moneris’), with support from the Government of Canada to create an inclusive and accessible shopping experience for everyone through the development of this new accessible terminal.
Accessible Insulin Pumps
Diabetes and sight loss are closely connected, with diabetic retinopathy being a common related condition for people living with diabetes. Over the last few years, CNIB has heard from Canadians living with diabetes and sight loss who are having difficulties managing their diabetes because their insulin pump is not accessible. End users are unable to independently or safely use their insulin pump because often the device must be navigated solely using visual features on a display screen.
E-Scooters
With the introduction e-scooter pilot projects becoming more common across the country, CNIB is concerned about how the deployment of e-scooters is impacting people who are blind or partially sighted.
Connected and Autonomous Vehicles (self driving cars)
Connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) have the potential to be life-changing for people who are blind or partially sighted. CAVs may allow someone living with sight loss to operate and travel independently by car for the first time, receive navigation information via apps as a pedestrian by using connected traffic infrastructure, and increase pedestrian safety when interacting with vehicles.