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.
Visual Aids
The CNIB is the main distributer 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, Cinnaplex Odeon and others would allow CNIB members free admission, and Famous Players charged child's admission; however, most major movie theaters are now taking apart 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 CNID 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]
External links
★
CNIB Official Website