Who We Serve
People who are blind or partially sighted navigate a world that was not designed with their needs in mind. Everyday tasks such as accessing information, travelling safely, using technology, or participating fully in their community can require different strategies and support.
Some people are born with a visual disability. Others experience changes in vision later in life and must learn new ways to navigate everyday routines. In both cases, navigating daily life can bring practical and emotional challenges, including isolation and difficulty staying connected to work and community.
The experiences people describe are reflected in national research published in 2026 by Vision Health Canada.
It is estimated that more than 1.5 million Canadians are blind or partially sighted, with millions more living with eye disease that could lead to vision loss. The recent national research offers one of the clearest pictures yet of these realities.
The Realities of Living with Vision Loss
For many people, the challenges extend well beyond vision itself. Nearly half of people surveyed (46.3%) reported living below the poverty line, far higher than the national average.
Getting to work, appointments, or essential activities can often depend on others. More than half (52.5%) rely on friends or family for transportation. Employment opportunities can also be limited, with only 38.3% of working-age people surveyed reporting they were employed.
Access to technology and rehabilitation services also presents barriers. 28.1% were unsure which assistive technology devices they needed, while 24.8% reported difficulty obtaining training. At the same time, 51.6% reported they were either unaware that rehabilitation services existed or didn’t know how to access them.
How BALANCE Helps
BALANCE for Blind Adults works alongside people who are blind or partially sighted to navigate these realities, providing training, connection, and community programs that help participants build skills, confidence, and opportunity in everyday life.
Our programs focus on practical skills, access to technology, connection, and preparation for employment.
Orientation and mobility training supports safe travel through neighbourhoods and transit systems. Assistive technology training helps participants access digital information and workplace tools. Adaptive Daily Living training supports modifying routines at home.
BALANCE also recognizes the emotional impact that changes in vision can bring. In-person and virtual community programs, alongside mental health supports, create opportunities for connection and shared experience, helping participants build resilience, confidence, and community.
Our Pre-Employment Program (PEP) supports people navigating the job search with vision loss, helping participants build workplace skills and confidently communicate their strengths, working styles, and value in professional environments.
Client Stories
To understand the impact BALANCE has had, we invite you to explore Because of BALANCE Stories, where clients share their experiences in their own words.