CNIB

CNIB (formerly known as the Canadian National Institute for the Blind [ [http://www.cnib.ca/en/news/archive/cnib.aspx In 2006, the name was officially changed to just CNIB] ] ) is a volunteer agency and charitable organization dedicated to assisting Canadians who are blind or living with vision loss, and to provide information about vision health for all Canadians. Founded in 1918 to assist soldiers who had been blinded in the First World War, CNIB originally offered sheltered care and specialized employment to people with vision loss. It has since expanded to include other programs and services, including research, public education, rehabilitation counselling and training, advocacy and an alternative-format library for people living with a print disability.

Visual aids

CNIB is the main distributor of low vision aids in Canada. These devices include:

*Zoomtext, a program to read and magnify contents on screen
*JAWS, a computer program to enable people with vision loss to read text;
*The white cane as a mobility aid in public.
*Orientation and mobility instruction for seeing eye dog users.

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.

Theatres

Previously, Cineplex Odeon and others would allow CNIB members free admission, and Famous Players charged child's admission; however, most major movie theatres 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. [ [http://www.access2.ca/ Access2Entertainment] ] Participating theatres 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. [http://www.translink.bc.ca/Transportation_Services/Fares_Passes/fare_pricing.asp Translink Fares]
**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. [http://www.translink.bc.ca/Transportation_Services/West_Coast_Express/adult_fares.asp] [ [http://www.westcoastexpress.com/Fares.htm West Coast Express - Fares ] ]
*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 [http://www.bcferries.com/files/travelplanning/bcfdisabledstatusbrochure.pdf here] . [ [http://www.bcferries.com/fares/fareinfo.html#disabled BC Ferries: Fares: More Information ] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.cnib.ca/ CNIB Official Website]