The Canadian National Institute for the Blind says for people who are blind and partially sighted low employment rate is a reality.

Camp Coordinator Paige Andreas says that’s why the CNIB is hosting its first Youth Employment Camp in Saskatchewan this week. She notes that a recent survey shows a 28 per cent employment rate for those with vision loss versus 73% for those without a disability. And approximately half of Canadians who are blind or partially sighted live on an income of $20,000 a year or less.

There is a morning and afternoon session everyday and the camp is being conducted on line via ZOOM.

She says some of the things they are talking about include smart goals, accommodations and how to ask for that, advocating for their accommodations and wellness.

Andreas points out that many employers don’t understand how easy it is to make workplaces accessible for people who are blind and partially sighted.