The Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB) is a voluntary agency committed to providing rehabilitation services across Canada to individuals who are blind, visually impaired and deaf/blind.
Anyone who is experiencing a change in vision which cannot be corrected surgically or with glasses may access CNIB programs and services free of charge. You don't have to be totally blind to open the door to CNIB's personalized programs which include:
- Counselling and Referral (a rehabilitation team can help you and your family cope with vision loss and the frustrations that can occur as you claim independence),
- Sight Enhancement (a Vision Rehabilitation worker will show you how to make the most of your remaining sight),
- Rehabilitation (you will learn how to adjust your lifestyle to your visual impairment, braille and typing instruction are also available),
- Orientation and Mobility (professional instructor helps you to learn how to move around safely and independently in your home, at the supermarket, or taking a walk in your neighbourhood),
- Career Development (assistance with job search, job station accommodation, employer contacts and career guidance),
- Technical Aids (many visual aids are now available, demonstrations and catalogues are available),
- CNIB Library for the Blind (books and other materials are available in braille and on audio cassettes),
- Volunteer Services (volunteer assistants for home visits, shopping or reading),
- Provincial Programs (Career Centre, Lake Joseph Centre [holiday], Ontario Medical Mobile Eye Care Unit [Eye Van], Transitional Training Centre).
For further information, visit the CNIB Sault Ste. Marie office at 477 Queen Street East, Suite 205, P6A 1Z5, or phone 705-949-2610 or 1-800-743-0530 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fax 705-949-2291, or visit our web site at www.cnib.ca or call 613-563-4021.