2023 Connecting the Dots 
October 17, 2023 | My Connecting the Dots Quebec City
October 24, 2023 | Connecting the Dots Toronto
November 8, 2023 | Connecting the Dots Vancouver
February 28, 2024 | Connecting the Dots National Virtual Conference
Join us at Connecting the Dots to:
- learn more about current trends, research, and innovations in the sight loss community at thought-provoking workshops and informative panel discussions;
- meet a community of experts, academics, employers, and entrepreneurs from diverse organizations and institutions;
- experience the latest advancements in accessible and assistive technology at workshops and exhibitor booths;
- learn more about programs, services, and resources for people with a connection to blindness;
- connect with braille transcribers and producers, and specialists to discuss and share all things braille;
- explore opportunities with Come to Work, an innovative program connecting job seekers who are blind or partially sighted with employers who want to discover the full potential of Canada's talent;
- access resources and discover tools that empower people who are blind or partially sighted to live life on their own terms, independently;
- and, learn more about recruiting employees with sight loss and how to become an accessible and inclusive employer.
The in-person events in Vancouver, Toronto and Quebec, will allow attendees to:
- Enjoy a unique networking event with fantastic food and beverage pairings, engaging speakers, and connect with others in our community.
- Experience the latest advancements in accessible and assistive technology at workshops and exhibitor booths – live and in person Finalized program details will be available closer to the conference date.
2023 National Sponsors
Experience a virtual conference like no other
We're committed to providing a virtual conference that is accessible and usable to everyone. Hosted on vFairs virtual event platform, Connecting the Dots is designed with and tested by the community we serve. Explore, learn and connect with people from around the world! By leveraging a virtual event platform, attendees will have an opportunity to connect with people, near and far.
What to expect
As an attendee
At Connecting the Dots, you’ll learn from the best! The conference attracts an incredible lineup of keynote speakers, panellists, educators, and vendors who impart their knowledge, ideas and products to ignite conversations and provide valuable insights on education, technology, and employment.
- Education: Learn from experts in the field. Connect with academics, educators, braille transcribers and producers, and specialists to hear about the latest research, news, ideas, and issues affecting people with sight loss.
- Technology: The latest technology, at your fingertips! Explore new technologies, products, services, and customized technology solutions that are helping to build and transform the world of tomorrow. Meet with product vendors and learn more about pioneering gadgets, apps, and devices that can support and empower you.
- Employment: Whether you’re actively searching for employment or just staying attuned to the landscape, Connecting the Dots is a great resource to help build your professional profile, develop strategies for advocating, and connect with professionals and resources to support your career ambitions.
As a presenter
Share your unique perspectives and knowledge! Have an idea for a session, product demo or keynote presentation? Submit a proposal! Presenters will receive complimentary access to the conference for the day of their presentation. A discounted registration fee will also be provided for presenters wanting to attend the conference on a day they are not presenting.
Connecting the Dots 2023 Submission Form: Call for Papers
Have an idea for a keynote presentation? Complete the 2023 Call for Speakers Submission Form.
All proposals must be received by August 22, 2023. If your application is selected, you will receive an email in September.
For questions regarding the submission process, please email connectingthedots@cnib.ca.
As an employer/HR recruiter
Discover how you can build a more accessible and inclusive workplace at Connecting the Dots. Learn more about employing someone with sight loss and find the talent you need to help your business thrive!
As an exhibitor
Connecting the Dots will be an unforgettable learning experience enriched with innovative ideas and educational panels. As an exhibitor, you’ll have the opportunity to showcase your brand, promote your latest products, network with talent, and grow your business.
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.