Angela Bonfanti on Employment, Tech, and a Bold Vision for CNIB’s Future

In this powerful and candid episode, Steven and Shaun sit down with Angela Bonfanti, the President and CEO of CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind), to explore how one of Canada’s most influential blindness organizations is transforming its approach to employment, technology, and inclusion.

Angela shares her deep personal connection to CNIB—from a childhood shaped by her father’s vision loss, to her 13-year journey within the organization. She offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how CNIB’s groundbreaking “Come to Work” program is tackling Canada's staggering 28% employment rate for people with vision loss, and explains how real change starts with listening to the community.

You’ll also hear:

Why tech like Meta’s Ray-Ban glasses are both exciting and frustrating
CNIB’s vision for SmartLife Centres as training—not just retail—hubs
Why Braille is making a comeback and how CNIB is prioritizing literacy
The importance of local, mobile support across Canada’s vast geography
A look at the hidden cost of DEI "backlash" and why true inclusion requires more than a checkbox

Angela doesn’t hold back, and this is a must-listen episode for anyone passionate about accessibility, advocacy, and actionable progress.

Relevant Links

CNIB Come to Work Program
CNIB SmartLife
Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada
Be My Eyes
Monarch Tactile Display (APH & HumanWare)

Get in touch with Double Tap by emailing us [email protected] or by call 1-877-803-4567 and leave us a voicemail. You can also now contact us via Whatsapp on 1-613-481-0144 or visit doubletaponair.com/whatsapp to connect. We are also across social media including X, Mastodon and Facebook. Double Tap is available daily on AMI-audio across Canada, on podcast worldwide and now on YouTube.

Chapter Markers:
00:00 Introduction
01.00 Happy Birthday Koko The Guide Dog
10:10 Introduction to Angela Bonfanti, CEO of CNIB
20:41 Addressing Employment Challenges for the Visually Impaired
23:09 The Role of Technology in Employment and Accessibility
26:49 Addressing Accessibility Challenges in Technology
30:26 Collaboration and Community Engagement
33:46 The Future of Assistive Technology
36:21 Creating Centers of Excellence for Technology Training
40:54 Raising Awareness and Advocacy for Vision Loss
44:10 The Importance of Braille in Modern Education

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About Double Tap

Hosted by the insightful duo, Steven Scott and Shaun Preece, Double Tap is a treasure trove of information for anyone who's blind or partially sighted and has a passion for tech. Steven and Shaun not only demystify tech, but they also regularly feature interviews and welcome guests from the community, fostering an interactive and engaging environment. Tune in every day of the week, and you'll discover how technology can seamlessly integrate into your life, enhancing daily tasks and experiences, even if your sight is limited.

"Double Tap" is a registered trademark of Double Tap Productions Inc.