Introduction

Dr. Carruthers sits at the table reading braille with another braille book beside him and a mechanical brailler opposite. Miss Mitchell is standing on a stool tidying or sorting books on the shelves. The room is lined with book shelves and there are unfinished basket weaving projects on the top of the bookcases.

Explore History

Discover the people and events behind CNIB's century of supporting the right to read and equal access to information for Canadians living with vision loss.
Galleries

Galleries

Explore the evolution of reading technology, read original documents, and enjoy photos of key figures in the story of reading and literacy for blind Canadians.
Kim Kilpatrick sits at a table with her hands on an Orbit brailler and a smart phone in front of her.

Our Stories

Meet Canadians speaking and writing about their stories of developments in technology, education, and employment for people living with vision loss. Contribute your story!

Welcome to “That All May Read,” a special online exhibit celebrating CNIB’s unwavering support for literacy, reading, and access to information. The exhibit helps mark the 100th anniversary of CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) in 2018.

“Nothing is more important than people being able to become literate and numerate,” says CNIB President John Rafferty, “and our role promoting braille in the education system will always be a priority, along with a concern for lifelong access to information and reading, whether for pleasure, or for education and employment.”

CNIB’s rich history encompasses the story of blind Canadians post-World War I, and the changing landscape of technology, education, and employment they encountered.  This exhibit traces those changes from CNIB’s “pre-history” as the Canadian Free Library for the Blind, to the technology of today, which moves assistive tools to mainstream devices such as personal computers, tablets, and smart phones.  We invite you to experience the story through text, audio, photographs, and documents.