Come to Work
op CNIB THE CANADIAN NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR THE BLIND /INCA L'INSTITUT NATIONAL CANADIEN POUR LES AVEUGLES
The CNIB Foundation's Come to Work campaign connects job seekers who are blind or partially sighted with employers who want to discover the full potential of Canada's talent.
For every $60,000 we raise, it allows us to support 60 participants in the Come to Work for a Year against their work journey.
It is a national program with over 100 employer partners that connects job seekers who are blind or partially sighted with employers who want to discover the full potential of Canada's talent.
To boost participation in the world of work, CNIB:
o Offer job-readiness workshops and technology training
o Partner with employers to create full-time, part-time and contract work, and paid internships/returnships
o Foster professional development through innovative mentorships
o Enhance company culture to provide a competitive edge
Job-readiness and tech training:
The CNIB Foundation partners with Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada to ensure job seekers who are blind or partially sighted have pre-employment skills, including orientation and mobility (e.g. how to travel independently to and from work), independent living (e.g. how to dress for success) and technology training (e.g. how to use screen readers, voiceover, smartphone apps, etc.). We also work with employment agencies to provide resources for job searching, resume writing and interviewing.
Full-time, part-time and contract work, and paid internships/returnships:
The CNIB Foundation's Come to Work campaign introduces employers to an innovative talent pool of Canadians who are blind or partially sighted and provides job seekers with work experience. Through this program, candidates have opportunities for full-time, part-time and contract work, and paid internships/returnships.
Mentorships:
The CNIB Foundation is piloting an online program that connects individuals through mentorship matches. There are times when individuals can benefit from the advice, guidance and support of a mentor. There are also times when individuals can share their expertise and experiences to guide mentees in the right direction to foster professional development.
Company Culture:
Come to Work partners are committed to engaging talent with different perspectives to create a culture of collaboration and innovation.
CTW Program Highlights till date:
•1,182 members in the Talent Pool (including individuals aged 30+) with 285 employed
•109 entrepreneurs in Venture Pool (27 entrepreneurs have put their business on hold due to COVID-19)
•Collaborating with 152 employer partners
•Connecting with 527 potential partners
•Engaging with 84 vocational providers across Canada so no one is left behind
•158 mentoring relationships
•640 participants attended the 2021 Connecting the Dots Conference (latest numbers available)
CNIB’s Come to Work is a demand-led, partnership-driven national initiative to increase the employment rate of Canadians with vision loss. Come to Work has more than 6 years of experience delivering employment skills training and has helped hundreds of Canadians with vision loss in every corner of the country overcome barriers to employment. During this time CNIB has built relationships with more than 150 businesses ranging from international companies like Apple to medium-sized and small entrepreneurs like STIL Solutions Inc. to ensure skills training meets the current needs of employers. Come to Work participants benefit from knowing they can get connected to these businesses who are equipped and ready to hire.
TARGET GROUP:
All project participants are Canadians aged 15 to 30 (inclusive) who self-identity as living with a disability (vision loss) and who may also face additional employment barriers to employment.
Get Involved
To become a partner, volunteer as a mentor, or join our talent pool, contact cometowork@cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642.
Together, we're creating a Canada where everyone can come to work!
