Life Science Encyclopedia

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 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