CNIB

Always ring your bicycle bell when passing pedestrians along PEI’s Confederation Trail! 🚴‍♂️

For pedestrians with sight loss, a silent and unexpected bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter whizzing by on a shared pathway can be disorientating and dangerous, creating hazardous and stressful situations. Ringing your bicycle bell is a small gesture of respect that makes shared outdoor spaces safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Bonus! You can pick up a FREE bicycle bell at CNIB Charlottetown, Cycling PEI, Bike Friendly Communities PEI and Visitor Information Centres, while supplies last.

Learn more about CNIB PEI's public awareness initiative for safer cycling on The Confederation Trail: https://www.cnib.ca/en/dont-forget-ring-public-awareness-initiative-safer-cycling-confederation-trail

[Image description: A person’s hand rings a silver bicycle bell. The bell is mounted on the bicycle handlebar. Above the photograph is a yellow brushstroke design with the text: Let your presence sing with a ring!]

Edmonton transit riders, don't forget to pick up your Arc card at the CNIB Edmonton office (10111 112 St NW) to get free admission to KDays on Tuesday, July 23! Drop in today or Monday before 4:00 p.m. to pick up your free card.

Heading KDays for opening day? Take transit to the event then come say “hi” to us and our friends at the Edmonton Radial Railway Society at our exhibit in the Discovery Zone.

Get FREE admission on July 23 for Transit Tuesday by showing your Arc card at the gate!

CNIB riders can pick up a FREE Arc card at the CNIB Edmonton office (10111 112 St NW) between 8:30 AM and 4 PM until Monday, July 22.

Edmonton Transit Service - ETS is the Official Public Transportation Provider for KDays

🌐📱Social media is a powerful tool for connection, but it can create barriers for people with sight loss.

This , let's change that! Check out CNIB Beyond Print’s latest blog on how to make your content inclusive for everyone.

• Learn why alt text matters
• Get tips for using hashtags and emojis
• Discover more accessibility best practices

Read the full blog here: https://cnib-beyondprint.ca/making-social-media-accessible/

Making Social Media Accessible - CNIB Beyond Print For people who are blind or partially sighted, social media can sometimes present challenges and unintentionally create barriers to inclusion. Fortunately, there are simple things creators can do to ensure their content reaches everyone.

Join CNIB for a virtual Described Video / Audio Description Focus Group on August 10!

In June, the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) launched a notice of consultation regarding described video/audio description for online content. Specifically, the CRTC Commission is seeking feedback on described video on foreign and domestic online streaming undertakings; described video on on-demand services; maintaining the described video exception for some programming from the United States broadcast on traditional television stations; barriers to discoverability; quality standards and reporting; and addressing complaints.

As in the past, CNIB is planning to submit an intervention and we are asking Canadians with sight loss to share their perspectives by joining us for a vitual focus group on Saturday, August 10 at 2:00 p.m. Atlantic Time.

For more information or to register for the focus group, visit: https://www.cnib.ca/en/event/described-video/audio-description-focus-group

Described Video / Audio Description Focus Group In June, the Canadian Radio and Television Commission (CRTC) launched a notice of consultation regarding described video/audio description for online content. As in the past, CNIB is planning to submit an intervention and we are asking Canadians with sight loss to share their perspectives. Join us f...

Meet Sandra, one of our amazing volunteers who has opened their home (and heart!) to raise a puppy for CNIB Guide Dogs.

“Not only am I privileged to play a small part in preparing these pups to become guide dogs, I'm receiving unconditional love in the process. It's a win-win!” says Sandra.

Feeling inspired? Raise a puppy to become a guide dog and help change the life of someone who is blind. Visit cnib.ca/puppyraising to learn more and apply to become a puppy raiser ! 🐾 🦮

[Image description: In the top left-hand corner of the image is yellow brushstroke banner with the text "Why I volunteer" in bold. Below the banner is a quote from a volunteer named Sandra, which reads: "Not only am I privileged to play a small part in preparing these pups to become guide dogs, I'm receiving unconditional love in the process. It's a win-win!" Below the quote is the CNIB Guide Dogs logo, which is a stylized illustration of a guide dog in harness. To the right of Sandra's quote, is a photo of Sandra who is wearing a black "volunteer" t-shirt and a grey scarf. She is kneeling on a sidewalk next to a young black puppy in training. Sandra has her arm around the pup and the pup is wearing a yellow "future guide dog in training" vest.]

📢 Calling all volunteers! Join us as a braille transcriber and help create quality braille documents for CNIB participants. Apply by Aug 23rd and make a real impact. Learn more and apply today: https://cnib-beyondprint.ca/volunteer-careers/?utm_source=hootsuite&utm_medium=&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=

Volunteer & Careers - CNIB Beyond Print Get involved with CNIB Beyond Print Current job openings Volunteer Braille Transcriber (Long-term opportunity) CNIB Beyond Print is a Social Enterprise A Social Enterprise Organization is a business with social objectives. All revenues generated by CNIB Beyond Print is invested into CNIB to fund lif...

Join CNIB in advocating for Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) in your community!

An APS device is an audible signal and/or haptic feedback to inform pedestrians when the walk signal is active. Pedestrians who are blind, low vision, or Deafblind may listen for the appropriate audible cue or feel for the vibrating indicator button.

By asking city officials to prioritize the installation, proper implementation, and continued maintenance of APS devices, we can create more accessible communities for everyone.

Join us in advocating for the proper implementation and maintenance of APS devices.

For more information on how to get involved: https://ow.ly/uvj950SzYOj

Image description: A closeup photo of a finger pressing a large red button on a yellow Accessible Pedestrian Signal device. In the top right-hand corner, in a yellow circle, the text reads: “Help us create accessible communities”.

Last week, CNIB Lake Joe welcomed campers for their Camp Abilities Blind Hockey Program! 🏒

Hosted alongside our friends at Canadian Blind Hockey, campers had the opportunity to practice their skills on and off the ice and learn from the founder of Canadian Blind Hockey and NHL Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award Winner, Mark DeMontis.

With hockey skill development activities in the morning, and fun CNIB Lake Joe recreational activities in the afternoon, this program helped campers unlock their athletic potential and form friendships while learning from accomplished mentors.

Thank you to Canadian Blind Hockey for helping us make this past week a success! ⭐

Image 1: In a hockey rink, a young CNIB Lake Joe camper is wearing a blue hockey jersey and getting ready to hit a hockey puck in the direction of the goalie. Facing away from the camera, a goalie is kneeled at the net ready to block the puck. Other campers and counsellors are grouped together further away at the back of the rink.
Image 2: A man wearing black hockey equipment is preparing to drop a blind hockey puck between two young campers. Other players surround the two young campers.
Image 3: On an ice hockey rink, Canadian Blind Hockey player and founder, Mark DeMontis, is guiding a puck towards an empty net.
Image 4: A group photo taken on the ice of an ice hockey rink featuring the campers at the Canadian Blind Hockey camp at CNIB Lake Joe with the camp coaches.

Youth Spotlight 🌟

Last month, one of our CNIB National Youth Council members, Eitel Houédakor (He/Him), had the honour of being selected as a Canadian youth delegate to attend the COSP Conference at the United Nations in New York City!

Eitel had the opportunity to engage in policy discussions on accessibility and connect with peers globally. He even had the opportunity to deliver Canada’s intervention at one of the Roundtables.
We’re proud to work alongside Eitel and are eager to see his commitment to accessibility advocacy and disability inclusion recognized on the global stage.

Image 1: Eitel and the other two Canadian youth delegates taking a picture with the hashtag sign of the UN. (Left to Right: Isai Estey in wheelchair, Anne MacRae, Nicole Flynn, Carleen McGuinty, Acting Manager- International, Eitel Houédakor, with his white cane and black glasses and Michael Gottheil , Accessibility Commissioner with his guide dog).
Image 2: Eitel, a tall young black man proudly mimicking a statue of Nelson Mandela. He wears traditional clothing, and is carrying a backpack and his white cane.
Image 3: The Canadian Youth Delegates with the Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities of Canada at the Canadian Mission posing near the Canada and United nations flags (Left to Right: Nicole Flynn, Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities of Canada, Isai Estey, Eitel Houédakor)

Kamal Khera Accessible Canada

Thrilled to pass along our sincere congratulations to CNIB Deafblind Community Services Board Chair Penny Bennett on her induction into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame!

Penny Bennett is a leader in Canada’s blind, low vision and Deafblind community and is known nationwide as a strong, tireless advocate. She has spent decades building awareness and breaking down societal barriers for people with disabilities.

Congratulations, Penny, on this outstanding achievement!

We are thrilled to announce that our very own Penny Bennett, Board Chair for CNIB Deafblind Community Services has been inducted into the Canadian Disability Hall of Fame!

Penny Bennett is a renowned leader and advocate within Canada’s blind, low vision and Deafblind community. For decades, she has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and dismantle barriers faced by individuals with disabilities. Her efforts include advocating for the Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2015) and holding significant leadership roles in numerous national, provincial, and local organizations.

Penny has served on various committees and boards, including as Chair of CNIB Deafblind Community Services, member of the Municipal Accessibility Awareness Committee for the City of Kingston, Ontario, and Co-Chair of the National Deafblind Awareness Month Working Group. She has also played a key role in creating a self-advocacy guide for the Deafblind community and champions equitable access to intervenor services, ensuring that all Canadians who are Deafblind can live the lives they choose.

On behalf of DBCS, we congratulate Penny on this prestigious honour and extend our heartfelt gratitude for her unwavering dedication and contributions to the blind, low vision, and Deafblind communities. Your dedication and leadership inspire us all!

Read more: https://www.cfpdp.com/canadian-disability-hall-of-fame/



Image description: A headshot of Penny Bennett

We’re thrilled to announce that our award winning Oko app is officially launched in Canada in partnership with CNIB, the largest organization in Canada dedicated to supporting individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Oko is on a mission to reimagine how 1.4 billion people with a mobility disability navigate and explore places.

Together with CNIB we are on a journey to empower Canadians to explore confidently and independently. More info about Oko can be found on our website www.ayes.ai

Time is running out to apply for a CNIB Scholarship! If you are pursuing a post-secondary diploma, degree, skilled trades certificate or apprenticeship program in the 2024/25 academic year, we want to hear from you.

But hurry – applications are due July 3! Head on over to our website for more information: www.cnib.ca/scholarships

[Image description: An illustration of a pink piggy bank wearing a black graduation cap. A diploma sits at the foot of the piggy bank. Text: Apply for a CNIB Scholarship!]

Recently, CNIB President and CEO, John M. Rafferty, and the BC team met with the Minister of Children and Family Development, Grace Lore, in Victoria to discuss the Charter of Rights of Children who are Blind, Deafblind or Low Vision. We are committed to working together to ensure all families are equipped with the necessary knowledge and resources to enable children with sight loss to achieve the same outcomes as their sighted peers.

Thank you for your support, Grace Lore MLA Victoria-Beacon Hill!

Read and sign the Charter today!: https://ow.ly/MJBq50Sqt56

Image description: Terry Kalkanis, CNIB Manager of Stakeholder Relations and Executive Operations, Grace Lore, BC Minister of Children and Family Development, John M. Rafferty, CNIB President and CEO, and Shoko Kitano, Executive Director of CNIB BC/Yukon stand smiling behind a large poster board of the Charter of Rights of Children who are Blind, Deafblind, or Low Vision.

🤝🏽 🌎 Our strength is in our differences! 1 in 4 Canadians speak a language other than English or French at home?

This , CNIB celebrates Canada's diverse mosaic. We recognize the power of diversity and are committed to creating a , where everyone can thrive. Celebrate with us! 🇨🇦

Image description: On a yellow checkered background, the text reads: "Canadian Multiculturalism Day". Graphics of various people of diverse ethnic backgrounds line the bottom of the image. The CNIB logo appears on the upper left corner.

In June, CNIB Voice welcomed nearly 30 working guide dog teams from across Canada at CNIB Lake Joe for Guide Dog Advocamp! With a focus on access rights and self-advocacy, Advocamp is an annual retreat for guide dog handlers jam-packed with learning opportunities, networking sessions, and plenty of recreation and fun! Attendees participated in various educational workshops covering topics like building an advocacy campaign, attending deputations, city councillor meetings, and more.

Our thanks to everyone who helped make Advocamp a memorable experience, including our generous donors: Royal Canin, who donated items for swag bags, Oven-Baked Tradition who donated dog treats; and Justin's Pet Store in Cobourg, who donated prizes for our inaugural Advocamp Awards.

[Image descriptions:
1. Award presentation. Rob, Lindsey and her guide dog, Charles, stand indoors in the lounge at Lake Joe. Charles is a yellow guide dog in harness. Rob has his arm around Lindsay and presents her with a plush toy for Charles.
2. Cuddles! Taylor sits on the floor in the lounge at Lake Joe while Wallace, a black guide dog, rests his head on Taylor’s left shoulder.
3. Award presentation. Rob, Megan and her guide dog, W***y, stand indoors in the lounge at Lake Joe. W***y is a black guide dog in harness. Rob presents Megan with a certificate for W***y that reads, “Lazy Bone Award, W***y!” Megan holds a wrapped-up prize in the shape of a rolled blanket.]

Congratulations to our friend, Mark DeMontis, founder and Blind Hockey player at Canadian Blind Hockey who recently won the 2024 NHL Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award!

We're proud to partner with Canadian Blind Hockey in our shared mission to provide sports opportunities to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. From coast to coast, everyone deserves to enjoy Canada’s favourite sport, and we’re proud to see Blind Hockey in the spotlight!

Mark’s passion and dedication to the Blind Hockey community exemplifies that .

Congratulations Mark!

Image Description: A closeup photo of Mark DeMontis on a gold and black patterned background. The text reads: “Mark DeMontis, Winner. Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award”. The Hyundai logo appears on the bottom right corner.

Hot off the press – the Summer edition of the Guide Dog Gazette is here! Read the latest issue to discover stories from our community, program updates, meet recent grads, and more. 🦮

Check it out: https://cnib.createsend1.com/t/d-e-etijkg-l-r/

[Image description: In a park, Ryan and his guide dog, Joe, cross a paved road alongside an outdoor trail. Ryan firmly holds Joe’s harness, and the team is in motion. The sun shines bright, and lush grass and trees are in the background. ]

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day. CNIB recognizes and celebrates the rich history and diversity of Indigenous Peoples across Canada.

As we reflect on and honour the culture and heritage of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, let’s continue to learn and walk the path of reconciliation together.



Image description: Image with 3 illustrations: an eagle representing First Nations, a narwhal representing Inuit, and a violin representing Métis. These illustrations are placed around the date "June 21" and surrounded by multicoloured smoke that represents Indigenous traditions, spirituality, inclusion and diversity. The text reads: “National Indigenous Peoples Day, June 21, ".

Don't forget to ring your bike bell on shared pathways! 🚴‍♂️

Yesterday, CNIB PEI officially launched a new public awareness initiative to encourage more cyclists, e-scooters and e-bike riders to ring their bicycle bells when approaching pedestrians along PEI’s Confederation Trail.

For people with sight loss, a silent and unexpected bicycle, e-bike, or e-scooter whizzing by on a shared pathway can be disorientating and dangerous, creating hazardous and stressful situations for pedestrians. Ringing your bicycle bell is a small gesture of respect that makes shared outdoor spaces like the Confederation Trail safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

As part of the campaign, free bicycle bells will be distributed at CNIB Charlottetown, Cycling PEI, Bike Friendly Communities PEI and Visitor Information Centres, while supplies last.

To learn more, visit: https://www.cnib.ca/en/dont-forget-ring-public-awareness-initiative-safer-cycling-confederation-trail

[Image description: A stylized illustration of a person riding a bicycle. The person is represented by a yellow circle for the head and black brushstroke lines for the body, arms, and legs. The bicycle is also drawn in a black paintbrush style design with two large circles representing the wheels. Above the illustration is the text: Let your presence sing with a ring!]

The deadline to apply for a CNIB scholarship is approaching fast. Don't wait until it's too late! Invest in your future and secure the financial support you need to achieve your educational aspirations – submit your application before July 3, 2024! Visit www.cnib.ca/scholarships. 🎓

[Image description: A person wearing graduation gown holds a piggy bank in their right hand and a graduation cap in their left hand.]

Join John Lyon and Friends this Friday, June 21 for the Deep Cove Coffee House in North Vancouver!

Featuring musical artists from the blind community, including Marilyn Rushton, Peg Mercer, Diana Brent, Betty Nobel, and Richard Marion, as well as Grammy-nominated pianist Michael Creber and family, this is an event you won't want to miss.

Where: Mount Seymour United Church, 1200 Parkgate North Vancouver
Doors Open: 7:00 p.m.
Concert Starts: 7:30 p.m.
Admission: $20 cash at door (includes coffee and baked goods)

Coming soon.

Are you curious about how to harness the power of AI with expertly crafted prompts? Our National Youth Council just dropped a new blog post breaking down the art and science behind creating a good prompt for AI. Dive into tips to take your AI prompt engineering skills to the next level.

Read Eitel's blog: https://www.cnib.ca/en/blog/introduction-prompt-engineering

[Image description: A close-up of a person’s hands typing on a laptop keyboard. The primary focus is on the hands and the keyboard, the background is blurred but it’s a well-lit indoor setting.]

Introduction to Prompt Engineering By: Eitel Houedakor CNIB National Youth Council Executive Member From voice assistants and recommendations to tools for work and education,...

Want to make an impact for the next generation of kids who are blind? By leaving a legacy gift, you’ll help support children and families impacted by blindness well into the future. Learn more at https://cnib.ca/en/support-us/give/make-planned-gift%20

[Image description: A little girl with pigtails and glasses smiling. On top of photo are the words “Your legacy. Her future.” against a yellow background.]

We want to help you achieve your academic goals! Our scholarship program is here to help support members of our community who are pursuing a post-secondary diploma or degree, skilled trades certificate, continuing education program or apprenticeship program.

In 2023 alone, we awarded over $130,000 in scholarship funding to people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision in recognition of their educational aspirations and achievements. And you could be next! Submit your application in by July 3. Visit www.cnib.ca/scholarships to learn more.

[Image description: Three young adults pose for a photo on a college campus.]

CNIB Beyond Print celebrates National Indigenous History Month!

We’re committed to making literature accessible for everyone and showcasing Indigenous stories. This month, we're highlighting "North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner" by Marie Wilson. Marie’s memoir is a heartfelt tribute to the voices of over 6,000 residential school survivors, ensuring their stories are heard and remembered.

Read more about this important work:

North of Nowhere by Marie Wilson, a Born Accessible Release - CNIB Beyond Print At CNIB Beyond Print, we are dedicated to making literature accessible to all, especially for people with print disabilities. Our commitment extends to promoting the concept of Born Accessible, ensuring that new books are available in alternative formats from the day of release, because everybody de...

🌟 Sailing on the 6ix - A Night of Senses was truly unforgettable! ⛵

CNIB set sail and brought the Caribbean experience to life with the tastes, sounds, and excitement of Toronto’s renowned Caribbean Carnival.

Thank you for joining us for this evening filled with delicious food, friendship, and festivities! We look forward to celebrating the incredible diversity of the disability community across Canada together. 🎉🇨🇦

Image 1: A group photo with attendees posed in front of a CNIB banner.
Image 2: A group photo of attendees taken aboard the boat.
Image 3: Two attendees dancing on the dance floor. In the background, other attendees are dancing with them.
Image 4: A closeup photo of DJ GQ ( DJ George Quarcoo).
Image 5: A group photo of event volunteers wearing yellow CNIB lanyards.
Image 6: Event organizers, Keya Osborne and Neisha Mitchell.
Image 7: Two attendees taking a selfie.