Join us at Connecting the Dots 2025
One Community. A Future In Focus.
Be part of Canada’s largest gathering for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision—an event where knowledge meets connection, and accessibility drives innovation.
At Connecting the Dots, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Engage in thought-provoking workshops and panel discussions that spotlight the latest trends, research, and innovations shaping the future of accessibility and inclusion.
- Connect with a vibrant community of experts, academics, employers, entrepreneurs, and advocates from across a range of industries and institutions.
- Experience hands-on demonstrations of accessible and assistive technologies that are changing how we learn, work, and live.
- Discover programs, services, and resources designed to support individuals and families impacted by sight loss.
- Join in meaningful conversations about braille with transcribers, producers, and specialists advancing literacy and access.
- Explore opportunities with CNIB’s Come to Work program, which connects job seekers who are blind or partially sighted with inclusive employers across Canada.
- Access tools, resources, and strategies that empower people with sight loss to live independently and confidently.
- Learn how to create inclusive workplaces and recruit employees with sight loss in a way that reflects your commitment to accessibility and equity.
What to expect at the in-person experience:
- Unforgettable networking opportunities with engaging speakers, good company, and curated food and beverage pairings that celebrate community.
- Live demos and exhibits showcasing the most current accessible technologies and adaptive solutions in action.
Together, we are one community—with a future in focus.
Stay tuned for finalized program details as we get closer to the event date.
A virtual experience that brings our community together
At Connecting the Dots, accessibility isn’t an add-on—it’s at the core of everything we do. This year’s virtual conference is proudly hosted on the vFairs platform, thoughtfully designed with—and tested by—the community it serves.
Through this virtual experience, we’re uniting one community from across Canada and around the world, creating space for shared learning, meaningful dialogue, and lasting connections.
From wherever you are, you’ll be able to explore innovative sessions, connect with others who share your journey, and be part of a growing movement focused on inclusion, equity, and opportunity.
Together, we’re shaping a future in focus—without barriers, and without borders.
What to expect
As an attendee
At Connecting the Dots, you’ll learn from the best.
Connecting the Dots brings together an extraordinary community of thought leaders, innovators, educators, and advocates—uniting one community in pursuit of a more inclusive, accessible future. Through inspiring keynotes, hands-on demonstrations, and engaging panel discussions, attendees will explore emerging ideas, tools, and strategies that drive progress in education, technology, employment—and beyond. This year, under the theme “One Community, A Future in Focus,” we’re creating space for connection, empowerment, and action.
- Education: Gain insight from leading voices in the field of accessible education. Connect with educators, researchers, braille transcribers and producers, and specialists to explore the latest research, tools, and practices impacting learners who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.
- Technology: Experience the future of access and innovation—right at your fingertips. Discover breakthrough technologies, adaptive tools, and custom solutions designed to break down barriers and build a more inclusive world. Meet vendors, try hands-on demos, and explore the devices and apps transforming daily life and independence.
- Employment: Whether you’re launching your career, looking to advance, or simply exploring your options, Connecting the Dots is your space to build confidence and connection. Discover strategies for navigating the job market, developing your professional profile, advocating for inclusion, and connecting with employers who see your potential.
- Wellness: Thriving goes beyond academics and careers—it includes well-being. This year’s conference also shines a light on holistic wellness, with sessions and resources focused on mental health, community connection, self-care, and work-life balance. Join conversations that affirm and support the full lived experience of people with sight loss.
As a presenter
Share your insights, lived experiences, and creative ideas with a national audience! Have a session concept, product demo, or keynote topic to pitch? Submit a proposal! Presenters receive complimentary access to the conference on the day they present, and a discounted rate for additional days.
As an employer/HR recruiter
Build a workplace where inclusion is more than a policy—it’s a practice. Attend Connecting the Dots to learn how to recruit and support employees with sight loss and connect with skilled candidates who are ready to bring value and vision to your team.
As an exhibitor
Showcase your brand at the heart of Canada’s largest event for the sight loss community. Connecting the Dots is more than a conference—it’s a catalyst for awareness, connection, and growth. Promote your products, share your mission, network with passionate individuals, and be part of something impactful.
Learn more about exhibitor opportunities.
Testimonials
"Deloitte has been taking part in the Connecting the Dots conference each year. As a firm, we always enjoy networking with the CNIB talent pool attending the event. CNIB does an excellent job with organizing the event whether it has been in person (pre-pandemic) or virtual. We as a firm, learn a lot from speaking to the diverse candidates and attending the sessions where eye opening stories are shared by the public speakers. Not only do we meet great talent, but we get an overview of the phenomenal technologies that are available for individuals with disabilities and for employers to capitalize on. Each year Deloitte looks forward to attending the event and connecting with job seekers who can be potentially employed at the firm. It is an honour for us to be a part of such an amazing cause." – Isma Nasim, National Program Lead - Disability Recruitment | Talent Acquisition, Deloitte.
"The CNIB Connecting the dots conference was beneficial for me not only as an entrepreneur but also as somebody living with vision loss. I got to network and connect with fellow CNIB members, fellow entrepreneurs, as well as some really great companies." – Natalie Minnema, Co-Founder/Accessibility Consultant, Two Canes Consulting.
"I'm sort of new to the community. I reached out to CNIB maybe a month or two ago. At the time, I was very discouraged. After I got laid off my confidence was kind of low. I found that the conference picked me up because I heard a lot of success stories from people that persevered with their vision loss and were able to be successful. There was a lot of learning there too about disclosure and different challenges that people have and I found it really, really positive" – Alwyn Murray, Come to Work talent pool member.
"Throughout the two-day conference, there were a series of incredible presentations on technology and education as well as celebrating achievements within the blind/partially sighted community. As prepared as I was to attend, I must admit that my preconceptions made me ignorant of the empowering focus of the conference. I took 'connecting the dots, ' so literally. I associated it with sight loss, blindness, braille and identifying as a person with a disability. Listening to presenters, participants and keynote speakers, I learned 'Connecting the Dots' means connecting people to an attainable vision of success. Connecting the many components of a person to create a well-rounded and equitable member of society. Owning your value, learning your abilities and breaking through barriers within yourself and out in the world. Using the tools that exist (or are being invented!) and linking a personal idea of success to the world around us to open doors. Knowing our rights and gaining the courage to compete in a fast-paced environment or walk to the beat our own drum and take a path less travelled. The conference was an empowering and valuable platform. Not only did it connect me with resources, but I learned that my goals are achievable." – Kathy Beitz, Come to Work talent pool member.