Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) – Newfoundland and Labrador Division 

Address: 70 The Boulevard, St. John’s, NL A1A 1K2 

Mandate:

CNIB strives to enhance independence for Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Our mission is to change what it is to be blind or partially sighted through innovative programs and powerful advocacy that enable Canadians impacted by blindness to live the lives they choose.

Target Population:

CNIB is committed to helping anyone with a vision problem that cannot be corrected using ordinary lenses and that significantly affects the person’s independence. 

Highlights of Programs/Services Offered:

CNIB Newfoundland and Labrador passionately provides community-based support, knowledge and a voice to ensure those who are blind or partially sighted have the confidence, skills and opportunities to fully participate in life. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by vision loss to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Through a wide range of programs, individuals who are blind or partially sighted have the opportunity to learn, socialize and enjoy life to the fullest. Some of the CNIB’s programs and initiatives include:

• Group and Self Advocacy Programs: The advocacy group meets monthly to discuss opportunities and solutions in navigating some of the day-to-day challenges, and tackle advocacy issues in our communities and beyond. We provide training, tools and resources to our advocates, so they are empowered to drive their own advocacy campaigns forward. If you are interested in learning how to become a strong self-advocate, why not join our program and we can help you raise your voice and create a better understanding of the importance of building inclusive and accessible communities. The program is open to those with sight loss, caregivers and family members. 
• Post Secondary Orientation Program: This annual program allows students the opportunity to participate in sessions on student aid, finding accommodations, budgeting, healthy eating (with some Independent Living Skills tips on independent cooking) and Orientation and Mobility Skills for cities with public transit. Students are also given the opportunity to learn about the supports available through Memorial University’s Blundon Centre and the College of the North Atlantic Disability Services 
• Academic Community Partnerships: The CNIB Foundation collaborates with Memorial University and the College of the North Atlantic to provide experience in the students’ chosen field by offering co-op and workplace learning internships. 
• CNIB Card: A CNIB card gives clients benefits like discounts and services from governments, businesses, and community partners; discounts vary by location but may include free or discounted, air, train and bus fares for you or your sighted guide, free or discounted events and attractions admissions for you or your sighted guide, and additional accessibility services from banks and other businesses. Your CNIB card can also be used as proof of disability for some government programs and tax benefits. Eligibility criteria apply. 
• CNIB Monthly Socials: Our CNIB Foundation Socials are a great way to participate in fun activities. Clients come together to participate in a variety of activities such as craft nights, bingo games and holiday parties. Join us on the fourth Sunday of each month, from 2 to 4 p.m., at CNIB, 70 The Boulevard in St John’s. 
• Tech Time: Technology can level the playing field for people who are blind or partially sighted – but only when it’s accessible, available and affordable. We’re helping connect people of all ages with the cutting-edge technology they need and want, and helping them build the skills to capitalize on its potential. Tech Time programs educate people of all ages and skill levels about assistive technology that can aid them in their everyday lives. In addition to presentations, the participants are also given one-on-one or small group instructional training for using assistive technologies, while having opportunity to socialize with others with sight loss. This group runs on the second Tuesday of each month from 2 to 3 p.m. (except for February, May, August and November when it takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m.) in the St. John’s CNIB office. 
• Vision mate Program: Vision mates are volunteers who are matched with a CNIB client with sight loss, and who will visit for one or two hours a week in the client’s home or another suitable place, at a mutually convenient time. Vision mates provide social visits, can read to clients, accompany clients on outings etc. 
• Phone It Forward: ‘Phone it Forward’ is a new program that gives donated smartphones to people with sight loss who need them the most. This program gives Newfoundlanders and Labradorians a unique opportunity to donate their old smartphones, receive a tax receipt for fair market value, and empower people who are blind in the process. 
• Audio Book Club: Clients read an agreed upon audio book and then come together to discuss. This group takes place on the second Thursday of each month at the Mount Pearl Library at 65 Olympic Drive, from 7 to 8 p.m. 
• Walking Club: Our Walking Club is on the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. It is the perfect excuse to get out of the house and an opportunity for individuals living with vision loss to get out for a walk together in the community and then stop for a coffee/chat afterwards. 
• Coffee Time: There is nothing like a hot coffee or tea with friends in the morning. CNIB’s staff invites you to drop by our offices the third Thursday of each month from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This is an informal time to just chat about topics that are important to you and get to know our team. 
• Heavyweights: Join Coach Darren at Heavyweights gym on Saturday mornings from 10:15 to 11 a.m. for an opportunity to train in a group setting with other CNIB clients. There is a gym fee associated with this activity. 
• Rug Hooking: Rug hooking is very much a part of the culture in Newfoundland and Labrador. Join us the third Sunday of each month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at CNIB, 70 The Boulevard, St John’s. 
• CNIB’s Eye Safety Program: Our staff educates organizations and employees about eye safety in the workplace, at home and at play, and teaches how to build a culture of safety and reduce the costs of workplace eye injuries throughout the province. 
• Cooking class: Learning how to cook a new dish is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with friends. Great conversation pairs well with learning how to prepare a new recipe and is hosted on the first Sunday of every month from 12:00-3:00 PM at Sobeys’ on Kelsey Drive, St John’s. This program requires registration and comes with a cost of $10.00. Contact us to find out what’s on the menu and/or to register.