Financial Assistance for People with Disabilities

The card provides discounts and services from governments, businesses, and community partners. Benefits vary by location but may include:

• Free municipal transit passes
• Free or discounted air, train and bus fares for Card holder or sighted guide
• Free or discounted events and attractions admissions for Card holder or sighted guide
• Additional accessibility services from banks and other business
• Proof of disability for some government programs and tax benefits

Note: The CNIB card is not considered valid acceptable identification since it is not issued by any type of government authority.

Provides scholarships to support students who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision for pursuing a master's degree.

• Out-of-province medical travel
• Co-payment for medications and more (Financial assistance is managed on a case-by-case basis, contact for more details)

• Full initial health screening
• Education on how exercise can help with specific health conditions and any considerations for those on medication and treatment
• Exercise suggestions that are progressive and tailored to meet individual physical ability. A resistance band will be mailed to home and is the only equipment needed
• Intention setting sessions, movement challenges, and recreational aspect (trivia, etc.) along the way
• Introduction to the Graduate Program which will be available after the introductory program has been completed

Financial assistance to help cover specific costs related to their ALS diagnosis, including:

• Ongoing costs associated with having a feeding tube
• Special dietary needs
• Cost of transportation to certain events like medical appointments

Note: Financial assistance for drug prescriptions, counselling and private home care is not provided.

Provides financial support for extraordinary veterinary expenses, support to attend conferences and meetings related to guide dog issues, and support available to assist with legal fees related to guide dog access rights.

Extraordinary veterinary expenses include emergency or unexpected expenses that are not routine care expenses, including but not limited to:

• Emergency care
• Surgical care, excluding teeth cleaning
• Treatment for infections and fractures
• Long-term medications
• Special diets prescribed by veterinarian
• The cost of euthanasia

See website for list of exclusions.

Note: It is recommended to contact in advance to determine if the treatment will be covered since application will be accepted after treatment is given.

Provides a two-week summer transformational opportunity for youth with sight loss to learn and develop skills for their academic and job-seeking goals. Includes:

• Leadership skill
• Independence skill
• Pre-employment skill
• Social skills
• Connecting with like-minded peers
• Educational activities such as visiting restaurants and local attractions

Takes place in Toronto and all expenses are paid.

Provides medical and respiratory equipment for individuals who are diagnosed with ALS. May include:

• Hospital beds
• Wheelchairs
• Ceiling lift tracks
• Specialized seating cushions
• Bath benches and commodes
• BiPap machines
• Cough assist units
• Communication program for iPad or tablet

The assistance of an equipment technician will also be provided. Equipment provided is subject to availability.