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Sighted Guide Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

Sighted Guide information

What challenges do sighted guides face and how are they addressed?

Sighted guides often encounter challenges such as navigating unfamiliar or crowded environments, maintaining clear communication, and adapting to the individual preferences of those they assist. To address these, guides receive training in effective guiding techniques, including verbal cues and tactile feedback, and learn to anticipate and respond to the needs of the person they are guiding. Team collaboration is also important, as guides frequently coordinate with mobility specialists, family members, or event organizers to ensure safe and seamless experiences.

How to be a sighted guide?

A sighted guide assists individuals with visual impairments by providing verbal descriptions, guiding them safely, and offering support in navigating environments. Key skills include good communication, spatial awareness, and patience; training or certification in guiding techniques can be beneficial. The role often involves working in various settings such as public spaces, events, or daily activities.

What is a sighted guide?

Sighted guides are individuals who assist people who are blind or visually impaired in navigating their environment safely and efficiently. They use specific techniques, such as guiding by the arm, to help direct and protect the person they are assisting. Sighted guides are trained to communicate clearly, describe surroundings, and anticipate obstacles, ensuring a comfortable experience for the person being guided. Their support can be essential in unfamiliar or busy environments, as well as in everyday activities.

What is the difference between Sighted Guide vs Orientation and Mobility Specialist?

AspectSighted GuideOrientation and Mobility Specialist
CredentialsMay include training in guiding techniques, certification variesTypically requires certification in orientation and mobility, such as COMS
Work EnvironmentAssisting individuals in public, indoor, and outdoor settingsTeaching mobility skills, assessments, and training in various environments
Industry UsageCommonly used in community and personal assistanceUsed in rehabilitation, educational, and clinical settings

While both roles support individuals with visual impairments, a Sighted Guide primarily assists by providing physical guidance during mobility, whereas an Orientation and Mobility Specialist offers comprehensive training to develop independent travel skills. The specialist's role is broader, involving assessment and instruction, while the Sighted Guide focuses on immediate assistance.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a sighted guide?

To thrive as a Sighted Guide, you need a solid understanding of guiding techniques, awareness of mobility safety, and basic knowledge of visual impairment, which is often gained through specialized training or certification. Familiarity with orientation and mobility tools, as well as first aid certifications, is typically expected. Exceptional communication, patience, and empathy are essential soft skills to support and reassure individuals with visual impairments. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring the safety, confidence, and independence of those being guided.
What are popular job titles related to Sighted Guide jobs in Ontario? For Sighted Guide jobs in Ontario, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Sighted Guide job openings in Ontario as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

CA$34.03/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Canadians living with vision loss?

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC) is a national health services organization dedicated to empowering people who are blind or partially sighted to live safely and independently. Our certified specialists provide client-centered rehabilitation, mobility training, and daily living skills programs that help clients build confidence and thrive. We work collaboratively with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other health care professionals, offering essential care on a referral basis in homes, workplaces, and communities across the country. We value our employees as our greatest asset - and we're committed to supporting their well-being, professional growth, and work-life balance. Learn more about VLRC at visionlossrehab.ca or call 1-844-887-8572.

Position Title: Occupational Therapist

Location: London, ON

Status: Full-time, Permanent; existing vacancy

Reports To: Manager, Healthcare Operations

Compensation: $34.03/hour

Posting Date: August 6, 2026

Closing Date: September 1, 2026

How to Apply: Internal applicants, email resume and interest to janice.rego@vlrehab.ca, External applicants, kindly submit application through our Careers page at visionlossrehab.ca

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

The scope of the Occupational Therapist (OT) is to help people of all ages to improve their ability to perform tasks in their daily living and working environment for optimal functioning. OT is the art and science of enabling engagement in everyday living to ensure an inclusive society so that all people may participate to their full potential in their daily life. OTs work with individuals who are blind or partially sighted with additional complex needs. OTs use a systematic approach based on evidence and professional reasoning to enable individuals, families, groups, communities, organizations, or populations to develop the means and opportunities to identify and engage in the occupations of life. 

The Occupational Therapist will complete assessments, develops treatment plans, organizes, provides and directs occupational therapy treatment and educational programs for Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada clients, their families and caregivers in accordance with the standards of the College of Occupational Therapists within the specified jurisdiction.

This position provides functional expertise for the comprehensive multi-faceted service and operationsprogram.

II. Essential Functions:

This position entails, but is not limited to the following responsibilities:

       Completes assessments of clients in a variety of treatment settings: private homes, schools, senior's residence, long term care facilities, group homes, and performs an analysis based on objective, subjective and functional findings.

       Establishes realistic, measurable and time limited treatment goals and develops treatment plan.

       Ensures that occupational therapy treatments are initiated with the informed consent of the client or substitute decision maker in accordance with the Health Care Consent Act.

       Provides direct treatment and/or support and teaching to informal caregivers, school personnel and other health care professionals involved.

       Participates in case conferences when required and consults with other members of the health care team in fostering a holistic approach to care Completes reassessments to review patient's progress and treatment goals and reports to other members of the health care team in order to ensure continuity of care and determine if other resources and referrals are required.

       Provide support and consultation to individuals and their families regarding adjustment to vision loss in an individual or group basis.

       Provides consultation, public education, and in-service training from an OT lens, teaches sighted guide to family members and other allied professionals.

       Completes assessments and recommendations for adaptation aids, assistive devices and equipment necessary to achieve treatment goals.

       Completes documentation and maintains appropriate patient records in accordance with the standards of the College of Occupational Therapists within a specified jurisdiction and VLRC policies and procedures.

       Teaches adaptive skills for independent living in areas of personal management, household management, communication, leisure activities, basic indoor orientation &mobility skills, and basic technology training within the OT scope of practice.

       Teaches concept development, spatial and sensory awareness, pre-cane techniques, mobility aids and environmental assessments.

       Acts as a key resource in matters related to accessible design and the built environment.

       Acts as a resource for VLRC employees, service providers, school personnel, long term care facilities and community by providing educational programs as requested.

       Attends and participates actively in occupational therapy team meetings and general staff meetings.

       Assumes responsibility for maintaining professional knowledge current and skills up to date. Prioritizes occupational therapy services in accordance with the VLRC Waiting List Management Policy.

Relationships

       Interacts with clients, their family and caregivers to develop and identify vision related goals and develop early intervention and therapy programs, and support families to follow through on recommendations.

       Builds and maintains good working relationships with professionals in other agencies and community groups.

       Educates community partners about Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada and it's specialized services offered to children and their families and the importance of early intervention

       Participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings

       Advocates on client's behalf in medical clinics, schools, etc. when possible.

       Instructs and supervises students (and Occupational Therapy Assistants where applicable) to work with clients.

Problem Solving

       Position utilizes problem solving abilities related to implementing and developing intervention and therapy as part of the client's vision rehabilitation plan.

       Problem solving involved in adapting services, materials and equipment to address the needs of individuals with complex health conditions. 

       Sensitivity and awareness of cultural, religious, mental health needs and/or emotional support.

Decision Autonomy

       Decision making based on training and experience working with individuals of all ages with visual impairments, and individual assessment and reassessment, to develop an appropriate service plan.

       Judgment is utilized for making decisions about method, schedule, and type of assessment and treatment and the manner in which parents are taught to follow through on recommendations.

       This position is itinerant, requiring frequent visits to family homes.

Leadership

       Provides leadership and guidance when training and supervising rehab assistants, parents, students and community.

       Takes initiative to develop/implement the most appropriate intervention for client and in maintaining current knowledge associated with children with vision loss.

Requirements

III. Qualifications
Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

       Degree or diploma in Occupational Therapy and current certificate of registration with the College of Occupational Therapists within a specified jurisdiction

       Related professional experience which would normally be attained over a period of two years in an Occupational Therapy role

       Related experience in a community-based setting is an asset

       Previous Stroke Rehab experience is preferred

       Experience supervising support personnel an asset

       Ability to utilize computer and software programs.

       Excellent facilitation skills both in groups and individual situations

       Good organization and time management skills.

Experience and Education:

       Master of Occupational Therapy Degree

       Current practicing member of the designated provincial Occupational Therapy regulatory body.

       Knowledge of normal and abnormal early childhood development.

       Registration or eligibility for registration on the Registry of Autism Serves Providers (RASP)

       3 or more years experience working with individuals with vision loss

Work Environment:

       Willingness to work flexible hours

       Willingness to work in a variety of settings (in client home, outdoors, daycare, etc.)

       Travel is required.

Benefits

At VLRC, your work has real impact. Join a team that empowers Canadians with vision loss to live independently, and where your growth, well-being, and contributions matter. We offer:

        Comprehensive benefits, including health, vision, dental, corporate discounts, and an employee and family assistance program

  • Flexible work arrangements, generous paid time off, and work-life balance initiatives
  • Career development through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities

        Inclusive work culture with supportive teams, employee recognition, a joy-in-work wellness program, and mental health supports

Join us to grow your career and make a difference every day.

Inclusion, Accessibility & Accommodation
VLRC is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from members of groups that have been historically marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, including people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities. We strongly encourage people with sight loss to apply. Direct lived experience is valued as an asset. The successful candidate may be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check, depending on the role.

If you require an accommodation to apply or participate in the selection process, please contact janice.rego@vlrehab.ca. We'll be happy to work with you to meet your needs.

Not sure if you qualify? Think about applying anyway!
We understand that not everyone brings 100% of the skills and experience for the role. If you bring passion, transferable skills, and a desire to make a difference, we encourage you to apply! VLRC does not use AI tools in its screening, assessment, or selection process.

Hiring Process
Candidates selected to move forward may be invited to participate in interviews, assessments, reference checks, and/or background checks, depending on the role.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.