The Manitoba government has increased support for vision-loss rehabilitation and other services provided by the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).
“This long overdue investment will fund a number of services for Manitobans impacted by blindness or vision loss, helping them to live the lives they want to lead,” said Health, Seniors and Active Living Minister Cameron Friesen, who toured CNIB’s Portage Avenue facility this morning. “We are proud to partner with the CNIB to invest in these worthwhile services.”
Budget 2019 provides $240,000 in additional annual funding to support CNIB’s post-vision-loss rehabilitation services. Those services include, but are not limited to, maximizing a client’s remaining eyesight through lighting and contrast, training on how to use a white cane, and finding assistive technologies that meet a client’s needs.
Funding will also be used to address CNIB’s outreach services to rural Manitobans, peer support and mentorship, diabetes awareness and education.
“Vision Loss Rehabilitation Manitoba, a division of the CNIB group, is grateful that the Government of Manitoba has taken this important step of fully supporting the low vision program, which will help individuals with vision loss to mitigate or eliminate the barriers around safety, education, employment and quality of life, and to also enhance their remaining vision,” said Garry Nenson, executive director, CNIB Manitoba.
Until now, Manitoba was the only province in the country that did not provide funding for post-vision-loss services, said Friesen, noting previous requests for funding from the CNIB were not fulfilled by the previous government.
In total, the Manitoba government and related agencies provide the CNIB with more than $1.7 million in annual funding, primarily investments in career and employment services for Manitobans aged 18 and older.
Approximately 17,200 Manitobans live with vision loss or partial sight.
