Connecting the Dots is Canada's largest educational and professional development conference focused on education, technology, and employment for people who are blind or partially sighted.
We're thrilled to announce that due to popular demand, we're extending our Early Bird pricing for Connecting the Dots 2023! You now have more time to take advantage of these special rates until October 9, 2023, at midnight.
But that's not all—get ready for something big! We're putting the finishing touches on the Toronto Agenda, and it's packed with engaging sessions, including:
Financial Literacy Across the Generations - Presented by CIBC
The Candidate Networking Journey - Presented by Scotiabank
Shaping the Future of Work with AI - Presented by Microsoft
Vancouver attendees, stay tuned – the finalized agenda is coming soon! In the meantime, secure your spot at the best rates possible by registering today!
Ticket Pricing
Early Bird Rate
(Until October 9)
CNIB Participant – $10
Caregivers, CNIB Employee, CNIB Volunteer and staff members of non-profit organizations – $25
General Public – $45
Regular Rate
(October 9 onward)
CNIB Participant – $20
Caregivers, CNIB Employee, CNIB Volunteer and staff members of non-profit organizations – $40
In October, CNIB introduced “Get on Board!” – a new advocacy campaign centred on accessible transit as part of our strategic commitment to Safe and Accessible Journeys. The “Get on Board!” campaign examined the accessibility of buses, light rail, and ferries operated by 13 transit authorities and shed light on the obstacles encountered by individuals with sight loss when navigating publicly funded fixed-route transit services in various municipalities across Canada. It also provided opportunities for CNIB to develop and strengthen relationships with government and transit officials in each participating community. While the fall launch laid the foundation for our ongoing advocacy work, we’re excited to introduce the next phase of the "Get on Board!" transit campaign.
As part of our efforts to ensure safe and accessible journeys for all Canadians who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision, CNIB appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on Transportation (TRAN) on April 18, 2024, to provide testimony for its study on accessible air transportation for persons with disabilities. CNIB also submitted a written briefing note encompassing our testimony and recommendations for the government, regulators, airlines, and other air transportation service providers.
Today, 23 new partnerships, including 15 guide dogs, seven buddy dogs, and one ambassador dog, formally graduated as part of the CNIB Guide Dogs Class of 2024.
As part of the celebration, viewing parties of the graduation ceremony were held in communities across Canada. For many graduates, these events signified not only the end of months of anticipation and formal training – but also a tribute to all the individuals who supported each dog in their journey, making these partnerships possible.
April 17, 2024 – Yesterday, the Government of Canada released Budget 2024 and announced that the long-awaited Canada Disability Benefit will start in July 2025, pending a regulatory design process. The benefit will be funded with $6.1 billion over the next six years.
This investment equates to a proposed maximum of $200 per month for eligible recipients who qualify for the Disability Tax Credit. Further, Budget 2024 does not invest in a strategy or programs that enable people who are blind or have low vision to join the workforce.
While the passage of the Canada Disability Benefit Act was an important first step, CNIB joins the growing list of organizations and advocates calling on the government to commit to more support to lift people with disabilities out of poverty.