CNIB
Ina Grafton Gage Village
413 Linwell Road, Building B,
St. Catharines, ON, L2M 7Y2
PH: (905) 688-0022 Fax: (905) 688-9674
(An appointment is needed)



Overview:
CNIB is a nationwide, community-based, registered charity committed to public education, research and the vision health of all Canadians.  CNIB provides the services and support necessary to enjoy a good quality of life while living with vision loss.  Founded in 1918, CNIB reaches out to communities across the country, offering access to rehabilitation training, innovative consumer products and peer support programs, as well as alternative format newspapers and magazines, and braille and talking books from its library.

Program Investment by United Way:
1. Orientation and Mobility
Clients learn to travel safely and independently in their own environment, thereby achieving higher levels of independence. Orientation and Mobility training is essential for an individual to pursue academic and employment opportunities.

2. Independent Living Skills Specialist (ILS)
Teaches important daily living activities including techniques for at-home safety. Clients learn how to store and identify items in the kitchen, set oven temperatures, and pour hot liquids. Without these skills clients would be dependent upon families or community support agencies. Additional benefits of the program include teaching Braille to receive and read information, and learning to sort clothing by colour, enabling the visually impaired to match outfits.

3. Low Vision Specialist (LVS)
Many CNIB clients have some remaining vision. The Vision Rehabilitation program teaches them to fully utilize the vision they have. Various optical and non-optical aids are recommended to clients to improve their sight, and enhance their ability to access printed information.

4. Early Intervention Program
To succeed in school and later in life, children born visually impaired require early intervention and specialized training. This program provides children from 0-6 years of age with one-on-one intervention in the child’s home or school environment. The program teaches concepts such as sensory development, pre-cane skills, vision stimulation and concept development. Parents are linked with appropriate community agencies who can support their child’s development, support groups and information on educational options for their child.

5. Volunteer Services
Volunteers support various programs within the above mentioned disciplines. Contact CNIB for more information.

Testimonial:
“My life changed when I found out about the programs that United Way funded at CNIB. Their Rehabilitation and Mobility training programs helped me feel more confident in my home and allowed me to enjoy more time outside.  I was also able to borrow some of my favourite books from their Library for the visually impaired.”