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 frustratingCNIB’s vision for SmartLife Centres as training—not just retail—hubsWhy Braille is making a comeback and how CNIB is prioritizing literacyThe importance of local, mobile support across Canada’s vast geographyA look at the hidden cost of DEI "backlash" and why true inclusion requires more than a checkboxAngela doesn’t hold back, and this is a must-listen episode for anyone passionate about accessibility, advocacy, and actionable progress.Relevant LinksCNIB Come to Work ProgramCNIB SmartLifeVision Loss Rehabilitation CanadaBe My EyesMonarch 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 Introduction01.00 Happy Birthday Koko The Guide Dog10:10 Introduction to Angela Bonfanti, CEO of CNIB20:41 Addressing Employment Challenges for the Visually Impaired23:09 The Role of Technology in Employment and Accessibility26:49 Addressing Accessibility Challenges in Technology30:26 Collaboration and Community Engagement33:46 The Future of Assistive Technology36:21 Creating Centers of Excellence for Technology Training40:54 Raising Awareness and Advocacy for Vision Loss44:10 The Importance of Braille in Modern Education ----Follow on:YouTube: https://www.doubletaponair.com/youtubeX (formerly Twitter): https://www.doubletaponair.com/xInstagram: https://www.doubletaponair.com/instagramTikTok: https://www.doubletaponair.com/tiktokThreads: https://www.doubletaponair.com/threadsFacebook: https://www.doubletaponair.com/facebookLinkedIn: https://www.doubletaponair.com/linkedinSubscribe to the Podcast:Apple: https://www.doubletaponair.com/appleSpotify: https://www.doubletaponair.com/spotifyRSS: https://www.doubletaponair.com/podcastiHeadRadio: https://www.doubletaponair.com/iheartAbout Double TapHosted 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. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.