A new employment program is giving British Columbians who are blind, deafblind or have low vision access to specialized training, paid work experience and support as they pursue careers. The Canadian National Institute for the Blind’s Come to Work program is receiving more than $840,000 in federal funding to support up to 16 participants in Victoria, New Westminster, Kelowna and Prince George. The program combines skills training with hands-on experience at local workplaces, with support continuing as participants work toward finding and keeping employment. For Madison Sutcliffe, that support has helped open a new chapter in her career. The Victoria woman previously managed restaurants, including fast-paced environments with dark, crowded rooms. After experiencing significant vision loss, she says she also had to rebuild her confidence about what was possible professionally. “Vision loss can touch anybody and vision loss doesn’t tell us about what someone is capable of,” Sutcliffe told CTV News. “Having the right tools and supports available is critical, though, because it opens up a whole world of possibilities.” Sutcliffe now works in community engagement and development. She hopes sharing her experience will help employers and other people experiencing vision loss recognize that a change in vision does not have to mean giving up on a career. For another Victoria participant, Pei Tien, the Project-Based Labour Market Training (PBLMT) program has meant developing practical skills and becoming more comfortable advocating for what she needs in the workplace. “The PBLMT program has helped me rebuild the confidence I lost after being away from employment for many years,” Tien said in a statement. “I have strengthened my digital and interview skills and learned that I have the right to request accommodations during interviews and in the workplace. I now feel better prepared to advocate for myself and pursue meaningful employment.” The program includes 11 weeks of employability training, five weeks of occupational skills training and 13 weeks of on-the-job experience, followed by four weeks of support to help participants connect with the labour market and stay employed. The CNIB says nearly 250,000 British Columbians have sight loss, but only about two in five are employed. “Working with the ministry, our previous contract supported nearly 400 people, but some barriers remained. The current Come to Work PBLMT addresses these gaps through assistive technology training, paid work experience and partnerships with inclusive employers, strengthening resilience among both employees and labour market,” Ana Booth, executive director of CNIB’s B.C.-Yukon division, said in a statement. The funding comes through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, which supports employment and skills programs across the province. For Sutcliffe, the experience has helped reinforce that vision loss does not have to define the limits of a career. “I get to do what I love every day now,” she said.
