Programs and Services
BALANCE offers a range of programs and services that help people who are blind or partially sighted build independence, confidence, and connection.
Our instructors provide personalized training, small group learning, and community programs that support people in developing practical skills, navigating employment, and staying engaged with their communities.
BALANCE has traditionally served Toronto and the GTA. Today, some of our key services have expanded across Ontario through virtual training, helping more people across the province access critical assistive technology instruction and mental health resources.
Rehabilitation Services
Rehabilitation services help individuals build the practical skills needed to live independently and participate fully in their communities. BALANCE instructors work one-on-one with participants to develop strategies that make everyday tasks, travel, and community engagement more accessible.
Orientation & Mobility
Orientation & Mobility (O&M) training helps participants travel safely and confidently at home and in the community, building skills in navigation, route planning, environmental awareness, and public transit use.
Adaptive Daily Living
Adaptive Daily Living (ADL) training focuses on everyday skills that support independence, including meal preparation, organization, household management, and personal routines using adaptive techniques and tools.
Assistive Technology
Assistive technology can open new opportunities for communication, education, employment, and everyday independence. Through personalized virtual learning, hands-on training, and workshops, BALANCE helps participants build confidence using the tools that best support their goals. All Assistive Technology virtual training options as well as our Apprenticeship Program are now available across Ontario.
Assistive Technology Training
Training is tailored to each participant’s goals and experience level. Participants learn practical skills for reading, writing, navigating websites, managing email, and accessing digital tools and online services. Training is mostly offered virtually, with some limited in-person appointments available.
Assistive Technology Workshops
Assistive Technology Workshops give participants opportunities to explore tools, build skills, and stay current with accessible technology. Workshop offerings can be both virtual and in-person, and vary throughout the year; current sessions and details can be found on our Groups & Events calendar.
Assistive Technology Apprenticeship Program
The Assistive Technology Apprenticeship Program, now available across Ontario, offers paid hands-on learning for participants interested in deepening their technical skills and learning how to train others in the use of assistive technology.
Employment Programs
BALANCE’s employment programs help individuals and their support networks prepare for and maintain meaningful work.
Pre-Employment Program
Funded by United Way Greater Toronto, PEP helps participants build job readiness skills, explore career pathways, and navigate workplace accessibility. The program takes a comprehensive approach, including hands-on assistive technology training, and offers free Insight Training for employment service providers.
WorkingBlind.ca
WorkingBlind.ca is BALANCE’s employment resource hub for jobseekers, employers, and employment service providers. The site features videos and real-world examples to show how accessibility works in practice, as well as numerous sight-loss-specific resources for aspiring jobseekers and those that support them.
Community Programs
Community Programs help individuals build connection, confidence, and a greater sense of belonging in the world around them.
Community Engagement Support
Community Engagement Support (CES) is a unique service that enables participants to learn about what resources are available within their community and how to connect with them.
Groups & Events
BALANCE offers groups and community events that support social connection, shared experiences, and meaningful participation. Visit our Groups & Events calendar for current offerings and details throughout the year.
Groups and Events Calendar
To find out when and where groups and events are happening, and register for our groups, use the Groups and Events Calendar.
Mental Health & Wellness
Vision loss can bring emotional and psychological challenges, and mental health support is an important part of the rehabilitation journey. BALANCE offers supports that help individuals build resilience and navigate life changes, with some services now available virtually across Ontario.
Organizational Training
BALANCE provides training for organizations that want to better understand vision loss and improve accessibility. Sessions have been delivered for employers, service agencies, schools, and care settings, and can be tailored to different organizational environments.