FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 26, 2015

CNIB applauds Government of Alberta for continued investments in
areas that could positively impact visually-impaired
Increases to specific programs in Alberta Health, Alberta Human Services
could help reduce gaps in care for blind and partially-sighted Albertans
EDMONTON The Alberta division of CNIB, which provides primary
rehabilitative care to the visually-impaired, is encouraged to see continued
investments in areas that could positively impact the lives of over 53,000
Albertans who are blind or partially-sighted. Some highlights from an initial
review of Budget 2015 include:

Alberta Health
o Continued investments in Supplemental Health Benefits: CNIB
presently receives funding to provide assistive technology to
individuals who need it the most.
o Increased investments in Community Programs and Healthy
Living: CNIB believes there are opportunities to be better
integrated as a community agency to ensure that no Albertan
with vision loss is left behind.
Alberta Human Services
o Increased investments in programs supporting persons with
disabilities: CNIB currently receives grant funding to operate a
wide range of rehabilitative programming for Albertans who are
blind or partially-sighted.
o Maintaining the monthly income benefit through AISH will assist
individuals with severe disabilities including vision loss.

Despite a tough economic climate, the Government of Alberta has stepped

up to ensure continued support for vulnerable Albertans, said John
McDonald, the organizations executive director. We look forward to working
with Alberta Health and Alberta Human Services and ensuring that this
support is invested in enabling Albertans with vision loss.
With timely access to sustainable rehabilitative care, we know that
Albertans with vision loss can lead happy, independent lives.
CNIB continues to engage with Albertans on what the future of the province
should look like for the visually-impaired. The #WeHaveAVision campaign is
already receiving responses through Twitter and Facebook and will continue
for another four weeks.

-30For more information or to speak with a CNIB spokesperson, please

contact:
Jung-Suk (JS) Ryu
Director, Public Affairs
cell 780.901.6779
email js.ryu@cnib.ca

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