Building Confidence, Making Connections: Erin’s Story
For Erin Noseworthy, graduating from college marked not just an academic milestone but the start of a new and exciting journey. After being diagnosed with sight loss, Erin discovered CNIB’s Come to Work program—a community that helped her unlock new opportunities as she prepared to launch her career.
“I didn’t know where to go after [my sight loss progressed],” Erin recalls. “Joining the Come to Work program gave me the direction and confidence I needed to navigate employment with sight loss.”
Through personalized coaching, workshops, and networking opportunities, the Come to Work program helped Erin develop critical job-search skills. From polishing her resume to mastering mock interviews, she worked closely with program staff to prepare for the challenges of entering the workforce.
“It’s an amazing experience. You learn so much about job searching and connect with a community of people who understand your experiences,” says Erin.
But the program’s impact didn’t stop there. Erin participated in the Talent Accelerator Program (TAP), which she credits as a transformative experience. The TAP workshops provided her with not only practical tools but also the encouragement to step out of her comfort zone. Inspired by what she learned, she initiated impactful projects at her college, including a phone drive to support people who are blind or have low vision and even joined her school’s accessibility committee.
Her perseverance and growing network eventually led to her current role as an HR Onboarding Coordinator, a position she secured just months after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Management and a diploma in Public Administration.
“It’s been a wonderful experience so far,” she says. “My employer was incredibly open and supportive, which made all the difference.”
Reflecting on her journey, Erin emphasized the importance of community in overcoming challenges. “Being part of Come to Work connected me with others who understand what it’s like to live with sight loss. That sense of community is vital—it’s where you find support, friendship, and people who truly get it.”
When asked what she would say to those considering joining the program, Erin reflects that it’s worth taking the leap, even if it feels unfamiliar at first. The program offers meaningful connections, new perspectives, and tools that will help you grow both personally and professionally.
If you or someone you know is navigating employment with sight loss, learn more about CNIB’s Come to Work program by contacting cometowork@cnib.ca