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Scotiabank invests in removing barriers to employment for Canadians with sight loss

Scotiabank invests in removing barriers to employment for Canadians with sight loss

In Canada, the unemployment rate for people with sight loss is 14.5 percent, three times higher than the general unemployment rate. Despite having comparable or higher qualifications than their sighted peers, people with sight loss face significant challenges joining and staying in the workforce, including lack of access to assistive devices, and limited networking and advancement opportunities.

Thanks to Scotiabank’s $1.2 million investment in the CNIB Come to Work Program, participants obtain training in networking and self-advocacy, and in accessible technology such as screen readers, video conferencing and smartphones. The program also educates corporate partners to better utilize assistive technology and accommodations to make workplaces more inclusive and increase the recruitment of people with sight loss.

Through this partnership, CNIB will have the capacity to help more than 1,000 talent pool members access personalized professional development opportunities through workshops, internships, mentorships, networking events with potential employers and referrals to community agencies for employment training sessions and workplaces.

Thank you, Scotiabank for partnering with us to create a Canada where everyone can come to work!