Canadian National Institute for the Blind

The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB), founded in 1918, is a volunteer agency and charitable organization dedicated to assisting the integration of the blind and visually-impaired of Canada into mainstream society, to improve their condition, and to prevent blindness. Although the CNIB originally offered only sheltered care and specialized employment, it has since expanded into a wide range of services, including research into specialized communication technologies.

Additional recommended knowledge

What is the Correct Way to Check Repeatability in Balances?

Weighing the right way

How to quickly check pipettes?

Visual Aids

The CNIB is the main distributor of visual aids in Canada. These aids include:

• Zoomtext, a program to read and magnify contents on screen
• The JAWS (screen reader) computer program for the blind to read text;
• The cane for visually impared or blind people in public.
• The seeing eye dog for visual mobility.

In addition, they provide individual assistance to visually impaired and blind persons in Canada.

Discounts

A number of businesses and government services offer discounted rates for those who are blind or visually impaired upon presentation of a CNIB identification card.

Canada

• Greyhound offers two-for-one fares, wherein a guide can travel free when accompanying a blind or visually impaired person.

Theaters

Previously, Cineplex Odeon and others would allow CNIB members free admission, and Famous Players charged child's admission; however, most major movie theaters are now taking part in a program run by the Easter Seals (Canada) called Access2Entertainment. The program requires CNIB members to pay an administration fee of $20 in order to receive a card good for 5 years. This fee goes to the Easter Seals. Regardless of their participation in the program, some theaters will still accept the CNIB ID.

• Access2Entertainment program offers guides admission at a discounted rate not exceeding $3.00 CAD with the purchase of regular admission.^[1] Participating threatres include Cineplex Odeon Cinemas, Galaxy Cinemas, Famous Players Cinemas, SilverCity Cinemas, Coliseum Cinemas, Empire Theatres, Landmark Cinemas, Rainbow Cinemas, Magic Lantern Cinemas, and Capitol Theatres (Yellowknife).

British Columbia

• BC Transit, Translink Free. Have your CNIB ID card visible to the driver while boarding. There is no information available on their site to reference.
  • Skytrain Free. There are no turnstiles on this system. Present your CNIB ID during random fare checks.
  • Seabus Free. Turnstiles are only used to count ridership.
  • West Coast Express Free.^[2][3]
• BC Ferries, Those with a severe loss of sight can qualify for a BC Ferries Disabled Status I.D. card. the application can be found here.^[4]

References