Upcoming Events

This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region.

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the St. Catharines area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement. It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support. 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.

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Windsor area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement. It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support. 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.

Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you are right! Join the club that believes the word “Can’t" is not allowed! The I Can Club is focused on building the attitudes and skills that lead us to think about all that is possible. Are you a child or youth (age 29 and under) who is interested in exploring the world around you and finding ways to look at all the things that are possible, instead of only the obstacle in front of you?  In the I Can Club, you'll meet a group of individuals who challenge the word "Can't" with a “Yes, I can do that,“ or “How can I do that?" attitude. 

We’re excited to offer three amazing yoga classes, each designed to suit different needs and abilities. Whether you're new to yoga or seeking a gentle, mindful practice, we have something for you! All classes are held via Zoom, making it easy to join from the comfort of your home.

Share your POV (Point of View)! We can all be part of the solution when it comes to showcasing what people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision are capable of doing. When you lead by example, you are not only helping educate the public about what accessible, inclusive and adaptive living looks like; you are helping those who are new to the community (and their families) in accessing valuable and life changing perspectives and information.

A variety of exercises are included in the exercise hours program; participants will perform simple motions in certain sessions, while some sessions will take place in the water. Every other Thursday (subject to change) from 6 to 7 p.m, at the at the YMCA Building (5939 Rochdale Blvd., Regina)

The Braille Institute's Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind in North America for students who are blind or partially sighted. Contestants compete in regional preliminary Braille Challenge events from January through March, and the top 50 students (10 in each category) with the highest scores are then invited to compete in the finals. Test your braille skills in the Ontario Regional Braille Challenge 2026! Registration deadline: January 9, 2026.

A fast and fun way to kick off a year of Braille Literacy in January 2026! We’re looking for tactile, fun, and creative artworks that feature braille. Show us your craftiest creations! Create your name or a few of your favourite words in braille! Instead of fingertip-sized dots, think big and creative, maybe Timbit or basketball braille. Open to elementary and secondary students across Canada, English and French entries welcome. For students curious about braille and those who already use it!

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. The contest is open to primary and secondary students (grades K-12) who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision and live in Canada. 

Put down the textbooks and join CNIB this summer for this unique all-expenses-paid opportunity! SCORE (Skills, Confidence & Opportunities through Recreation & Education) is a fun, skills-based summer experience for youth who are blind or have low vision. Participants build confidence, independence, and teamwork skills through hands-on activities, workshops, and outdoor fun while connecting with peers and mentors from across the country. Apply now to CNIB Learning Academy’s SCORE program to secure an admissions interview!

Braille Quest: a fun braille literacy adventure (with prizes!) Put your braille skills to the test, at home or school! Complete fun challenges for a chance to win a prize. Do a few Braille Quest activities, or do them all! Do as many activities as you like from January to mid-March, 2026.

We are looking for Youth Leaders (14-21) in Calgary, Edmonton, or surrounding areas interested in getting involved with planning activities for their peers! 

Are you currently serving on an accessibility advisory committee in your community, workplace or with an organization? CNIB is creating a new national network to connect, support, and strengthen the work of accessibility advocates across the country, and we’d love for you to be a part of it!

The Beyond Sight Series feature monthly virtual presentations from various services, businesses and organizations in our community. Each month, we will offer a different topic and speaker will join us to discuss a variety of topics. Examples include: RDSP’s, wills, budgeting, nutrition and lots more. Fourth Monday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

The Walking Group provides a chance for individuals who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. Every Monday (Tuesday when there is a long weekend) from 10 to 11 a.m.

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.

Join us at the CNIB Community Hub in Thunder Bay for a lively discussion about the books you’re reading and those that have captured your interest! Share your recommendations, discover new reads, and explore accessible technology designed to enhance the reading experience. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers, exchange ideas, and socialize in a welcoming and inclusive space. Come for the books, stay for the conversation! Everyone is welcome. This book club meets at CNIB Thunder Bay every Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time.

The CNIB Winnipeg office offers a drop in for participants every Monday from 12 to 3 p.m. This is a space in which you can connect with other peers.

This is a group in which you have the opportunity to learn about a variety of community resources. These community informational sessions will compliment our drop-in days. Last Monday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg.

An online community-based support group for the Kootenays area residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. This peer support group meets on the fourth Monday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. on Zoom.

his class is all about making yoga accessible to everyone, no matter your experience or physical ability. You’ll move at your own pace, with support for breathwork and mindfulness throughout. 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! Every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children 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.

This four-week program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals adjusting to vision loss. Participants will have the chance to share practical strategies, fostering confidence, independence, happiness, and hope while redefining the experience of sight loss. Every Tuesday (beginning February 4, 2025)  from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. 

This program is designed to empower participants to feel more comfortable when applying to jobs. Learn more about disclosure, accommodation, navigation, communication and disability – and exchange of thoughts and ideas with others in attendance. Last Monday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. CST on Zoom.

If you're struggling to overcome the emotional challenges of sight loss and wish you had someone to help you work through these feelings, you’re not alone. We're here for you. This peer support group is for community members in the Grande Prairie area to get together and chat about vision loss and their experiences. Last Monday of every month from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Cairn on the Boulevard. 

The Calgary Music Group is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are interested in participating and learning in a musical group setting. The main focus of the group is to work together on various songs with the goals of increasing knowledge, participation and enjoyment of music. All instruments (including voice!) are welcome, but all participants must bring their own instruments to the group. Second and fourth Monday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. 

Come together with other parents and experts for impactful discussions on topics that affect children and youth with sight loss and their families. The group meets virtually on the fourth Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., with in-person meetings held quarterly in Calgary and Edmonton. 

This informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize virtually and meet new people. It’s a relaxed and inclusive group where everyone is welcome. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

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. 

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.

A monthly group for Fredericton residents that brings CNIB participants together for fun, support, and other  engaging activities. Last Tuesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m at the Fredericton Public Library.

CNIB SmartLife Coach, Sara Salo, and technology volunteers are here to help participants get familiarized with SmartLife Assistive Technology, to assist with making smartphones and tablets more accessible and to recommend and offer demos on accessibility apps. Online training is also available upon request. Appointments are available Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay.

Delve deeper into thought-provoking topics with guidance from professional guest speakers. While the casual coffee chats have been a wonderful way to connect, this new format will allow us to explore ideas in greater depth and bring fresh insights from experts in the field. Stay tuned as we embark on this new journey – same spirit of conversation! Last Tuesday from 10 to 12 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Book Club for participants in the Belleville and surrounding area for those who love to read and would like to connect with others to discuss books. The Belleville Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join Jerry as you explore the world of accessible fun! Whether it’s online gaming, coding, tactile activities, or apps, you’ll enjoy socializing and keeping your brain exercised. Fourth Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the CNIB London Community Hub (171 Queens Ave. Suite 101, London). 

Come and join Linda monthly to prepare different dishes you can eat yourself or share with family and friends. For a truly interactive experience, Linda welcomes you to cook and bake along with her in the comfort of your own kitchen! With an ILS often in attendance, bring along your questions as you might just learn a new trick to help you out. Fourth Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

This peer support group is for seniors who are experiencing vision loss. The topics discussed are relevant and chosen by the group to make sure that participants are getting the information that they require to live a full life. The Regina Peer Support Group on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Regina. 

This Peer Group is for individuals in the Brandon area that would like to come together to learn from others who have sight loss. This program allows for individuals to support one another in a safe social environment. Brandon Connects meets on the last Tuesday of every month  from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Brandon & District United Way.

If you're struggling to overcome the emotional challenges of sight loss and wish you had someone to help you work through these feelings, you’re not alone. We're here for you. This peer support group is for community members in the Medicine Hat area to get together and chat about successes, struggles, and resources when living with sight loss. Fourth Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m.  at CORE Association (412 3rd Street SE, Medicine Hat).

A community-based support group for Prince George residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. This peer support group meets every two weeks. The location alternates between in-person meetings at the Prince George & District Senior Citizens Activity Centre Society and online meetings on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time. 

Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children 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. 

A virtual monthly program where participants are invited to come together once a month for a trivia night! there will be a variety of different trivia games played and it is all for fun, relaxation and entertainment! Trivia runs on Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Newfoundland Time.

Perfect for individuals with mobility issues or injuries, this class uses a sturdy chair to guide you through gentle movements, breath work, sitting meditation, and relaxation techniques. What you need: Comfortable clothing and a sturdy chair. Every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join hosts Kevin and Brian for 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.

The Family Zoom Room is a fun interactive virtual program where participants and their families come together to learn and connect. The first half of the session features games and hands-on activities that support the Expanded Core Curriculum and build real-life skills in a fun, engaging way. The session wraps up with a professional story time that encourages a love of reading and shared family learning. Every Tuesday from 6:15 to 7:15. Eastern Time on Zoom. 

Calling all music enthusiasts –  join us at for our monthly music circle! You'll be encouraged to sing, play instruments, participate in breathing exercises and move your body or tap your feet to the music. Percussion instruments will be made available and we encourage you to bring your instrument of choice, should you have one. Bring your song suggestions, make some new friends and learn something new, every month! Fourth Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Community Hub.

CNIB SmartLife Coach, Sara Salo, and technology volunteers are here to help participants get familiarized with SmartLife Assistive Technology, to assist with making smartphones and tablets more accessible and to recommend and offer demos on accessibility apps. Online training is also available upon request. Appointments are available Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay.

Book some time to play today! Join us on Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.