Upcoming Events
This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region.
Calling all aspiring young writers! The 2024 Braille Creative Writing Contest is now accepting entries. Write a short story, essay, or poem on any topic or re-purpose something you've written for school this year! Show off your creative writing talents for a chance to win cash prizes.
Welcome to the "I Can…Hike" Challenge! This fun, family and community based program is designed to encourage participants to explore community trails, paths, parks, with family and friends.
The “Get on Board” transit campaign will take place in 12 municipalities across Canada from May 6 to June 6, 2024. Campaign activities include a secret rider survey and a Town Hall where we'll discuss our findings and the actions required to enhance accessibility on our transit system. We hope you can join us at a local town hall to share your experiences and ideas of how we can improve the accessibility of regional transit systems!
We're pleased to offer free introductory guitar lessons as part of our spring programming! Our partner BrailleTAB is offering 7 Zoom sessions for people who are blind or have low vision, to learn the guitar in the comfort of your own home.
CNIB GTA Community Hub
1525 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M4T 1Z2
Canada
The Saturday Art Jam is a new safe space for CNIB youth (ages 14-21) to explore their creativity. Artists and non-artists are welcome. Participants will take part in structured accessible art and craft sessions with a focus on fun. The Saturday Art Jam is also a social space and we encourage attendees to build confidence and resilience in this supportive environment. Join us on the third Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB GTA Community Hub
CNIB Brampton Community Hub
7700 Hurontario St #400A
Brampton ON L6Y 4M3
Canada
March to the beat of your own drum and join us one Saturday a month for in-person bucket drumming and drumline workshops. No prior music experience or knowledge is required! Workshops will be run by professional instructors from Bandology, a non-profit dedicated to providing more music for more kids. Saturday Brampton Beats meets every on the third Saturday of every month from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB Brampton Community Hub.
Join host Kelly MacDonald as he shares a blast from the past! Listen to all the old radio shows that made the genre so popular. Everything from mystery, comedy, westerns and holiday specific shows. Sit back and enjoy! First and third Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
If you have a green thumb (or you'd like to have one), then this gardening discussion group is for you! We swap success stories, talk about our favorite plants, and generally 'dish the dirt' on all things horticultural. For all levels of garden enthusiasts. Whether you patio or container garden, or have lots of gardening space, the time in this group will just buzz by. Every Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
CNIB Thunder Bay
229 Camelot Street
Thunder Bay ON P7A 4B2
Canada
Come join us in Thunder Bay at the CNIB boardroom for a discussion on books you’ve read and share your recommended book list with the group. This monthly book club at CNIB Thunder Bay on the third Monday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time.
Accessible yoga for most skill levels from the comfort of your home. Check out accessible yoga if you are looking for a classic yoga class with descriptive prompts. Designed for people with vision loss, the instructor will verbally walk you through all the poses and movements. Please bring a yoga mat, a bottle of water, and your breath! Accessible Yoga meets every Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Love cooking or would love to know more about cooking? Join this group to share ideas, tips, tricks and the joy of cooking and baking! Let's Talk Cooking meets on Zoom, every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
The ukulele is a fun way to start your musical journey if you have never played a stringed instrument before. Learn at your own pace in this bi-weekly exploration of fundamentals that will include ukulele basics, finger positioning, playing chords, reading tabs and chord charts, strumming patterns, and performing simple songs. This is a beginner level program. Spots are very limited and parents and registrants are required to attend a short interview before acceptance. Instruments will be provided to successful applicants.
Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children and youth participants across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more! Get ready to make some music! This group runs on Zoom, every Monday from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Join us for conversation, laughter, and a chance to reminisce about your favourite CNIB Lake Joe memories. Pour yourself a coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, login and connect with your friends from Lake Joe. Coffee Break meets every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
The informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize and meet new people. It is a very warm and welcoming group of regulars and newcomers. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.
Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre or Zoom
325 Reynolds Street
Oakville ON L6J 3L7
Canada
This is an Oakville based peer social group that meets in person and on Zoom. Connect with other friendly people in the Oakville area for conversation, support and good practices. The Oakville EnVision Group meets at the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre on the first Tuesday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and virtually on Zoom on the third Tuesday of every month.
Are you craving that social interaction you normally get from going for coffee with friends ? We are here to keep the virtual conversation going post pandemic! Since we've gotten to know each other, lets stay connected and share some good news stories, discuss practical tips and successes with others living with vision loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
We hope that this group will start by being offered once a month in person.
1525 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M4T 1Z2
Canada
If you are in the Toronto area and are looking for conversation, support and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist. We hope that this group will start by being offered once a month in person. Once we are able to run this group, you will be contacted.
Lions Manor Apartment
230 Strabane Ave.
Windsor ON N8Y 4V2
Canada
If you are in the Windsor area and are looking for conversation, support and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist. This group will meet in-person once a month at Lions Manor Apartments.
Are you having challenges with using your technology or do you simply have questions about something new? Join this discussion group with others with sight loss where we share ideas and experiences that might be helpful. Many heads are better than one! First and third Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Hosted by Steve MacInnes, Tech It Out is a monthly series that demos accessible and mainstream tech. Third Tuesday of every month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.
CNIB London Community Hub
171 Queens Ave Suite 101
London ON N6A 5J7
Canada
Transport yourself to another country from the comfort of the London Hub. The music, the history, the fun facts, and the food. Be prepared to help make a simple food item and taste it. Please let us know at registration if you allergic to any food items. Tuesday, April 16 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the CNIB London Community Hub.
Chair yoga is a good option for anyone with injuries or with mobility issues. You will need comfortable clothing and a sturdy chair without arms or armrests for this class. Techniques include breath work, gentle movement with repetition, postures, sitting meditation and relaxation. No experience required. Chair Yoga meets every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children and youth participants across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more! Get ready to make some music! This group runs on Zoom, every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time.
Come join us, your hosts Kevin, Brian and Pierre, as we resume the widely popular – Tech Talk Tuesday. In these hour-long, weekly Zoom sessions we will discuss accessible technology as well as its practical application in everyday life. You don’t need to know a lot about technology: you can just listen if you like. The group consists of beginners as well as advanced users of accessible technology. All questions and ideas are welcomed. Every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.
Fantasy fans, aspiring writers, amateur playwrights, and young actors are all welcome to join our new virtual monthly workshop…Drama and Dragons! Take that love of Harry Potter, Percy Jackson or Wings of Fire and use your imagination as a springboard to create your own worlds on paper. Each month our facilitator will provide exercises to lead you on a journey to discover your magical writing and performing talents. Drama and Dragons meets over Zoom on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Join us for a virtual Lake Joe campfire with traditional campfire songs and stories. Fun for all ages!
Start your journey seeking a part-time or summer job with CNIB Learning Academy’s Youth Job Club! There is no time like the present to begin your work experiences. Having a part-time or summer job will put some money in your pocket, and you give valuable skills that employers are looking for. Facilitated by staff with sight loss, this five-session program will give participants an edge in looking for your first summer or part-time job. Virtual sessions are hosted on Zoom every Tuesday (May 14 to June 18) from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
Karaoke is like an instant party...let's belt out some tunes together. Join us on Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
Get your creative juices flowing as we put your song ideas to music. Join us on Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. Eastern Time.
If you love books, this group is for you! This group features guest authors as well as weeks where a different genre or theme are picked. People read their choice of book on the theme and come ready to discuss. It's a great way to build your reading list and learn about what others are reading and the technology they use to access their books. Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Brantford area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement.
This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Hamilton area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement.
This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the London area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement.
CNIB London Community Hub
171 Queens Ave Suite 101
London ON N6A 5J7
Canada
This Coffee Club is open to CNIB participants in the London area who would like to meet for laughter, information sharing, and friendly support. Join in for coffee, the chance to share and meet other people who are experiencing sight loss. Meet CNIB team members who may just pop by to say hi. Fourth Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CNIB London Community Hub.
Each 60-75 minute session will explore a new theme; making reference to novels, poetry, articles, song lyrics, quotations, recipes, and more. From clotheslines to libraries, musical instruments, art and the landmarks of Winnipeg and Manitoba – come along on this journey of curiosities. Bi-weekly on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. CST.
Smartphone photography has become extremely popular with improvements in the quality of smartphone cameras and the rise of photography-centered social media apps such as Instagram. Join us in this second installment of Accessible Photography as we learn more adaptive photography techniques as well as how to enable accessibility features to make your photography experience more rewarding. Wednesday, May 22 from 1 t o 2:30 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Book some time to play today! Join us on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
This group for people who are living with sight loss and diabetes, meets monthly for conversation, sharing insights and presentations. Fourth Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
CNIB Brampton Community Hub
7700 Hurontario St #400A
Brampton ON L6Y 4M3
Canada
If your interested in learning how to play the guitar or or ukulele, or even just advance your skills, these lessons are here for you! Each lesson will be 30 minutes. You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed.
This group for photographers who have sight loss, comes together monthly to share their passion and recent photographs. Join in for camaraderie and tips for capturing expressive images! Fourth Wednesday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
This class is designed for all level yogis. Relaxed pace to release anxiety and calm the body. Students will be guided into meditation, breathing techniques, yoga poses and relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket, a big towel and an open mind to learn something new! Gentle Yoga runs every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Are you new to assistive technology? Want to get more out of your smart device or computer? This Zoom workshop is a 2 for 1! The first hour is devoted to structured learning – focusing on basics and beginner topics. Later on, we'll have a volunteer-led, tech-focused Q&A discussion group dealing with a wide range of questions. Come prepared to swap tips and tricks, share about your favorite apps, help one another and strengthen your own skills in the process. Join us while we figure it out – together! This technology group is hosted on Zoom on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time.
CNIB Sudbury Hub
1545 Regent Street, Suite 104
Sudbury ON P3E 3Z7
Canada
We are taking arts and crafts and putting a tactile twist on how people with sight loss can get involved! Come join us to let your creative talent shine. Fourth Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the CNIB Sudbury Hub.
Children of all ages across the country are welcome to participate in our live reading series Read Aloud to Me. Join us every Wednesday as experienced volunteers give life to picture books, chapter books and short stories. While stories chosen are geared to participants between the ages of 7 to 12, anyone who would enjoy listening is welcome. Every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
The music social is a themed radio-style night of music appreciation, where participants give song requests to the hosts and we listen to music, chat, and answer trivia questions together! Join us for a night of music, fun, and games! Music Social meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Smartphone photography has become extremely popular with improvements in the quality of smartphone cameras and the rise of photography-centered social media apps such as Instagram. Join us in this second installment of Accessible Photography as we learn more adaptive photography techniques as well as how to enable accessibility features to make your photography experience more rewarding. Wednesday, May 22 from 1 t o 2:30 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
The Zoom Zoom Room is growing up, and is now called the Zoom Room for Kids! Children ages 6-10 and older, non-verbal participants are invited to join us as we use music to build our social skills. Each session will be all about the special things going on that month. Make sure to come regularly, because each session you will work as a team to create your own special song. Certified music therapist Melissa Murphy will also have lots of songs and stories to share that are perfect for singing and dancing along. Every Wednesday from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
There are so many different ways to get active and feel great from the comfort of your own home! Join us every Thursday from 9-10am EST to get moving!