Sighted Guide

Make a Meaningful Impact as a Sighted Guide Volunteer

CNIB is seeking Sighted Guide Volunteers to support individuals who are blind or partially sighted in navigating their communities safely and confidently. This flexible role offers an opportunity to contribute to accessibility and inclusion while building valuable interpersonal and communication skills.

About the Role

Sighted Guide Volunteers provide safe, respectful, and person-centered guiding support. Volunteers assist clients in navigating a range of environments and participating in daily activities such as appointments, errands, and community events.

Key Responsibilities

* Provide safe, appropriate sighted-guiding using CNIB-recommended techniques
* Offer clear verbal descriptions of surroundings, terrain changes, and obstacles
* Accompany clients to appointments, errands, events, and recreational activities
* Follow the client’s preferred pace and guiding approach
* Support programs and assist Community Hub staff as needed
* Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, patience, and empathy
* Communicate any concerns or incidents to CNIB staff
* Attend required training sessions and follow CNIB volunteer policies
* Assist with directing visitors at events or mobile hubs

Qualifications

* Must be at least 18 years old
* Reliable, patient, and respectful
* Strong communication and interpersonal skills
* Comfortable navigating a variety of indoor and outdoor environments
* Willing to complete CNIB’s volunteer screening process (interview, reference checks, orientation)
* No prior experience required; training is provided

Time Commitment

* Flexible based on volunteer and client availability
* Typically a few hours per outing; frequency varies
* Volunteers able to commit for 3–6 months or longer are especially valued

Training and Support

* CNIB provides training in sighted-guiding techniques, communication approaches, and safety guidelines
* Ongoing support from CNIB staff and access to volunteer resources

Benefits

* Contribute to increased independence and community participation for individuals with sight loss
* Gain experience in accessibility and inclusive practices
* Develop communication, empathy, and guiding skills
* Be part of a national network of volunteers

Locations

Volunteers can register at one of the following CNIB hubs:

1. Vancouver (New Westminster, BC)
2. Victoria, BC
3. Kelowna, BC
4. Thunder Bay, ON
5. Toronto, ON
6. Montreal, QC
7. London, ON
8. Ottawa, ON
9. Sudbury, ON

How to Apply

This is an ongoing opportunity with no application deadline. Volunteers are encouraged to register at least one month prior to their intended start date to allow time for screening, training, and onboarding.

Contact Information

For questions or to learn more about volunteering, please contact:

Toronto, London, and Ottawa Hubs
Filomena DiRuscio – Manager, Programs and Community Engagement
filomena.diruscio@cnib.ca
Sudbury and Thunder Bay Hubs
Tanis Boardman – Manager, Ontario Programs and Community Engagement
tanis.boardman@cnib.ca
Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna Hubs
Sharon Pratt – Outreach & Awareness Programs
sharon.pratt@cnib.ca
Montreal Hub
Najla Noori – Manager, Programs and Mobile Hub
najla.noori@inca.ca