Your used smartphone could be helpful for blind people

A simple smartphone can make a big difference to someone who is blind or has sight loss.

"Mysmartphoneis my most important tool when it comes to living the independent, connected life I want," says Wayne Henshall, of Toronto, who manages the career support program at theCanadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

The CNIB would like more people with sight loss to have access to a smartphoneand has launched a program calledPhone It Forward.

Individuals and businesses are invited to donate their oldsmartphonesin exchange fora tax receipt. The phones are scrubbed of previous data, loaded with accessibleappsand delivered to people with sight loss who need them. The recipients also get technical training, discounted maintenance and data plan support.

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According to theCNIB, more than 500,000 Canadians are living with significant sight loss. And an estimated six million Canadians have an eye disease that could lead to blindness a number that is expected to double over the next 25 years due to aging demographics.

"Forty-six percent of Canadians who are blind don't own asmartphone at least not one that's advanced enough to help them in their daily lives," John M.Raffery, president and CEO of theCNIBgroup, said in a media release.

Smartphonescan provide a wide range of accessibility solutions for people who are blind or partially sighted, including a book reader, a talkingproduct identifier, a talking calculator, a colour identifier, an audible watch, a magnifier, audioGPSand abank note reader.

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"Phone It Forward lets usput an all-in-one communications and accessibility solution into their hands that will help reduce barriers and drive independence."

TheCNIB's goal for the program isto boost participation in the work world, get the technology into the hands of those who need it, and drive achievement and equality. The organization has called itsnew strategic planBoldDreams, Bright Futures.

Hensallsupports the smartphone program.

"Phone It Forward will give others the same chance to use asmartphoneto help them stay connected when they might not have had the finances to do so before," said Hensall.

New community hub for London

The CNIB is also celebrating the opening of its new community hub Wednesday at the corner of Queens Avenue and Richmond Street in London, Ont.

Thenon-profit organizationsays itsnew regional centre of excellence for accessible technology has been designed to change what it is to be blind in 2018. It will be holding a grand opening event starting at 4 p.m.

Established in 1918, theCNIBFoundation advocates for, and provides programs to, blind people inOntario.