Are you absolutely set on getting a stand-alone video magnifier? Because most cell phones have free apps that works just as well if not better better. If you would like I can recommend some apps for you.

Couple suggestions:

\-ask at your college's disability office. They might not have one you can keep forever, but you might be able to have on when you're there, or until you find one you can keep.

\-any local centers for the blind

\-ask your person at CNIB what they recommend? Where I live, it's VERY rare but sometimes they have money for technology for those in need. I dont live in Canada but where I am they do prioritize working adults

\-Lions club does a lot of work for the vision impaired and might be able to help.

I was in a similar position to you. Here are a few bits of information that might help.

* First, connect with the Accessibility Services of your College or University. You can get all your textbooks and in Kurzweil or pdf format. They will help create an accessibility plan that includes classroom sitting, accessible course content and getting extra time on exam, test and quizzes.
* Advocate for yourself because you know yourself best. Speak with the professors to figure out the best plan of action in any that course.
* If you are in Ontario, get a low vision assessment done at the School of Optometry at Unversity of Waterloo. They are way better than CNIB. They assist with getting tech and eyeglasses using the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).
* As you'll be College or University student, you'll have access to Bursary for Students with Disabilities (BSWD). If you're outside Ontario, other provinces have similar services too. You can get a portable magnifier that can magnify the board as well as the paper on your desk using BSWD. I have an E-Bot Portable CCTV and that costs $5,000. It was fully covered by BSWD.
* Check Frontier Computing $1. They sometimes have older tech available as much lower lost.
* Lions Foundation can some times subsidize some accessibility tech with donations.

Please message me if you want more details.

This page should help you, it lists tech funding and other resources for various provinces.

$1

I have set up Ebay searches to look for used gear for my blind husband, we got some good deals there.

I did a search this morning for CNIB magnifier and came up with no results. But you can save a search and set up an email for when one shows up.

It depends on what province you are in. Some provinces have financial assistance (Ontario has the Assistive Devices Program).

You also mentioned you are starting college soon. Some colleges will also pay for adaptive equipment as well. Contact their disability department to discuss it.

Hi there, don’t know specifically about anywhere in the US that helps with that kinda stuff, but I bought my Ruby secondhand online (on the french equivalent of craigslist) for 200€ and it’s honestly a great investment, I’ve had it for 2 years and use it every single day so I hope you can get your hands on one!! I believe they also sell much cheaper alternatives on amazon but i dont know how good those are.

You could also try vocational rehab for your state—I was registered with them throughout high school and college, etc until I got a job and they paid for my assistive devices