News

Join us at the CNIB Lake Joe roadshow in your community! Find out what's new at CNIB Lake Joe, meet the team, and learn more about the upcoming season. We love talking about CNIB Lake Joe and are here to answer any questions you might have!

Recently, the Government of Ontario proposed amendments to the Food Premises Regulation 493/17 under the Health Protection and Promotion Act that will allow food premise operators the discretion to permit pet dogs in outdoor eating areas of food premises (i.e., restaurant patios).

With the proposed changes to permit pet dogs on patio areas of restaurants and bars, we have requested from government that the draft regulation must make an explicit distinction between pets and service animals (such as guide dogs). And, it must address the existing legislation as it relates to the legal rights of guide dog handlers and their access to public places, including exterior and interior areas of restaurants and bars.

CNIB welcomes the introduction of an Ontario Data Strategy and the opportunity to respond to the government's consultation to ensure the proposed solutions will benefit more than 680,000 Ontarians living with sight loss. Historically, interactions with essential government services have relied heavily on lengthy paperwork processes, which are often inaccessible to people who are blind or partially sighted. With accessibility software (e.g. magnifiers/screen readers), Ontarians living with sight loss should be able to fully access and engage with the Ontario government's digital platforms. We want to work together to ensure online government services are fully accessible for everyone.

CNIB Ontario welcomes the opportunity to respond to the government regarding an e- scooter pilot project in Ontario. There are more than 681,000 Ontarians who are blind or partially sighted, and many more vulnerable pedestrian users who are living other disabilities.

To strengthen our voices and support the professional development of our Ontario advocates, ambassadors and CNIB staff, we’ve launched Educate to Advocate – an advocacy program designed to drive achievement and equality through education.  

Learn how to advocate from the experts! 

Today, the CNIB Foundation was pleased to welcome Honorary Patron, the Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, as it launched Connecting the Dots – a nationwide conference focused on braille, technology and employment for people with sight loss. 

Coinciding with National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the two-day event invites Canadians to learn more about current trends and innovations in the sight loss community, network with talent who are blind or partially sighted, experience the latest advancements in assistive technologies, and meet a community of entrepreneurs.

As the next step on the journey to creating a more accessible Canada for all, Microsoft Canada announced the availability of Soundscape, an app that empowers people who are blind or partially sighted to explore the world around them through a 3D audio experience.

Welcome to On Target, our quarterly e-newsletter committed to keeping you up to date about the progress we're making towards achieving the three strategic ambitions outlined in our strategic plan, “Bold dreams, bright futures”.

In 2013, Louise Sylvain participated in a technology workshop. When she learned about the powerful built-in accessibility features iOS devices offered, she was amazed. Following the workshop, she immediately connected with the CNIB Foundation in Quebec to learn more about accessible technology.

Canadians are expected to head to the polls on October 21, 2019 for a federal election, and the CNIB Foundation wants to ensure electors who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind are aware of their right to accessible voting.