Upcoming Events

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!

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

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region. Please register and you will be added to the distribution list for when this comes out at the end of the month.

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. 

OPVIC (formally VIEWS) is a volunteer organization of parents of visually impaired children/youth focused on empowering families and advocating for our kids in Ontario. OPVIC is a friendly and supportive organization of parents, family members and guardians of children with any amount of vision loss. This group is created to connect families share reliable resources and support one another.

This program is designed to provide support for Indigenous people who are blind or partially sighted through traditional teachings and empowerment in a safe, welcoming environment. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in accessible land-based learning, engage with facilitators from a variety of backgrounds, and build meaningful relationships within their community. The program will meet in person once a month, creating ongoing opportunities to connect through Indigenous ways of knowing.

Visit new attractions in Manitoba and meet new people. These outings are year-round and inclusive to all. Events and dates vary.

Sports without limits! Exciting news for all lawn bowling enthusiasts – Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club in Victoria has generously opened their greens for our participants, offering free access to this enjoyable sport. Put on your safe shoes and get ready to roll! Whether you're a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved, stay active, and enjoy some great company. The CNIB Lawn Bowling Club meets every month at the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club (720 Belleville Street, Victoria). Dates and times TBC.

Step into a story that celebrates resilience, curiosity, and the power of listening. Join us for a guided reading of If You Could See What I Hear, Tom Sullivan’s unforgettable memoir of growing up blind - and living boldly on his own terms. Through rich soundscapes, honest reflection, and moments that will make you laugh, reflect, and feel inspired, this shared listening experience brings the book’s heart to life. Come relax, connect with others, and let a powerful voice remind us that seeing the world isn’t only about sight - it’s about courage, independence, and joy. The Spoken Story Series meets monthly with dates and times confirmed upon registering. 

The TD Summer Reading Club is a free, accessible reading program designed to keep kids engaged in reading all summer long through activities, rewards, and celebrations of their achievements. Co-created and delivered by more than 2,200 public libraries across Canada and online, the club highlights Canadian authors and illustrators while encouraging children to discover the joy of reading. Kids and families can explore books from the recommended reads list, track their reading progress, and participate in fun activities offered both online and in-person.

Ready to build confidence, make new friends, and learn practical skills for everyday life? Join CNIB this summer for our Life Skills Summer Series, a fun and interactive program designed for youth and young adults ages 13+. Taking place on five Thursdays throughout the summer, each session features a unique theme focused on developing the skills needed to navigate life with greater independence. Through hands-on activities, discussions, games, and real-world experiences, participants will explore topics such as cooking and meal planning, shopping and budgeting, relationships and mental wellness, healthy living and personal care, and using technology, travel, and hobbies to expand their independence. July 2, 9, 30 and August 6 & 20 at the CNIB Ottawa Community Hub.

This is a virtual group that gets together every Thursday morning for a general group conversation. There is no planned topic of conversation but it is kept positive and light! Every Thursday from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

Join us every Thursday morning for our weekly walking group—a great way to get your steps in while connecting with new friends! Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Stratford indoor walking track (234 Shakespeare Dr, Stratford).

Dig into the world of gardening in this hands-on, sensory-focused program designed for people living with sight loss. Over eight weeks, participants will explore topics such as planting, soil, pollinators, trees, harvesting, and more through a combination of interactive classroom discussions and outdoor gardening activities in CNIB Calgary's Fragrant Garden. Along the way, you'll build practical gardening skills, connect with nature, and enjoy learning alongside others in a welcoming and supportive environment. Every Thursday, over eight weeks, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. 

Join CNIB for summer day camp! With fun activities for children and youth who are blind or have low vision, our summer day camps in Winnipeg provide an opportunity for kids and youth to enjoy recreational activities with their peers, while both embracing and building life skills. 

Join us for coffee and great conversation. We will have guest speakers, and an opportunity to talk with others who are going through similar challenges in a confidential and non-judgmental setting. Third Thursday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Artillery Park Aquatic Centre (382 Bagot Street, Kingston).

Get ready for a warm, hands on afternoon of creativity and community! Creative Thursdays at CNIB brings together the best of tradition and togetherness. Learn the art of creating beautiful traditional Newfoundland rug hooking, try your hand at a rotating craft, play a game of cards and enjoy the comforting joy of baking. Third Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB St. John's.

Calling all knitters – whether you’re a beginner or experienced knitter! Come out and enjoy some time with your peers and knit! If you don’t know how to knit, no problem we can teach you! Every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB National Office (1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto).

Join us at the Kelowna CNIB Hub for our monthly events designed to empower individuals with vision loss! Each welcoming session offers hands-on opportunities to explore assistive technology and build greater independence. Third Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna (460 Doyle Ave., Unit 106, Kelowna).

A time for sharing, communion, prayer and praise. Make new friends, deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers. This program is an extension of the Bible Study. The Biblical Peers Support Group meets four times over the summer months from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. Central Time on Zoom.

Are you interested in personal development? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow and connect with others with CNIB Winnipeg's monthly interactive life coaching series. In this group, we will explore topics such as love, dating, relationships, confidence, and much more. Third Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. 

A monthly community-based peer support group to discuss issues relating to sight loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. tThird Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Calgary

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. Join this supportive group of women who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss. First and third Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. 

Join us for these ongoing events designed to enhance your assistive tech skills and independence! The Lower Mainland SmartLife Tech Cafe meets on the third Thursday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. (except April, July, October & January​​​​​​​) at CNIB New Westminster (610 6th St Unit 201B, New Westminster). 

Join us to share tips on dog care, discuss guide dog access and awareness, enjoy occasional guest speakers, or just have a friendly chat. Whatever's on your mind, we're here for it! Third Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom. 

Brandon Yoga is an opportunity for participants in the Brandon area to enjoy yoga in a therapeutic setting for 8 weekly sessions twice per year with session in spring and fall, with the next spring session beginning Thursday, March 19 and running until Thursday May , at The Divine Energy Massage Therapy (1011 Rosser Ave. Suite 402, Brandon).

Join us to play games, chat, and make new friends. Please note that this program is for individuals between 10-14 years of age. Every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Lift your voice and connect with others through the joy of singing. Join our vibrant online choir community on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

Saskatoon Archery is a fun outdoor program providing youth with sight loss the opportunity to learn and develop archery skills in a supportive and accessible environment. This program is free to attend for youth with sight loss. Tuesday's and Thursday's (July 7-August 27)

If you like being read to or listening to audiobooks, then this program is for you! Each week, we will be listening to multiple chapters of a community-selected, family-friendly audiobook and chat about it! Join us Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Looking for a fun and relaxed way to connect with others? Join Rick and his co-hosts every Friday morning for our virtual Coffee & Chat on Zoom! This is a great opportunity to have a chat about anything you like, meet people from around the island, and enjoy a lighthearted hour of conversation. Every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

We’d like to invite you to a one-hour virtual session to introduce you to MyCNIB / MonINCA, CNIB’s new accessible and bilingual online client portal. MyCNIB is an easy-to-use online space where you can find CNIB programs and events, register for sessions, and explore helpful resources—all in one place. Friday, July 17 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom. 

The in-person Friday Coffee Group is back! Rekindle old friendships while making new ones, meet new people and have enjoyable conversations. This group offers a safe, positive social network for those that are blind or partially sighted. This group meets in-person at CNIB Winnipeg every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time. Every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time at CNIB Winnipeg .

Designed for knitters/advanced knitters to work on projects, learn from peers, and enjoy knitting fellowship. Every Friday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join us every Friday for a virtual meet up in the prairies with a friendly bunch of people looking to connect with others across the country! Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversation. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network of people who have experienced sight loss. Everyone is welcome. Virtual Coffee Group meets every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom. 

Music has a unique way of touching the heart and bringing people together. Its rhythms and melodies can be soothing, uplifting, and deeply nourishing for the soul! The CNIB Harmony Choir Program invites youth and adults who are blind or partially sighted from across Vancouver Island to experience the joy, connection, and personal expression that singing in community can offer. Every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria.

Come join us on alternating Fridays for our Song Bingo Game Night! All you need to participate is access to phone or Zoom and a bingo card at home or online! Feel free to play as a family or house! There will be prizes for the first 3 bingo winners of each game and those who correctly name the most tunes! This program is open to participants of all ages. Song Bingo Game Night meets on Zoom on alternating Friday's from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

Join us for some fun at the Hub with Saturday Bingo. Laughter, make new friends, and try to get that line first! Use an accessible Bingo card from the Hub or bring your own. Plus, the fun will continue with music games, world games, and trivia. It's the best two hours to spend on a Saturday afternoon! Saturday, July 18 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB London Community Hub.

Introducing CNIB Discovery Saturdays! Each month we will explore different skill areas to expand our horizons and connect with peers. Skills we will explore include art, technology, sports and more! This program is for younger children in grades 1 to 5. We will have a combination of days in the office as well as outings. Discovery Saturdays will now be offered 2 times monthly, typically on the first and third Saturday of the month (dependent on holidays) at CNIB Winnipeg.

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.

Are you an iPhones user and looking to learn VoiceOver? This four-week program will teach you the basics for navigating your iPhone and teach you simple tricks and tools for making and ending calls sending messages and having your questions answered by Siri. Monday, July 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at The Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre (CNIB Bayview). 

The walking group provides a chance for community members who are blind or have low vision to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. This group meets every Monday (Tuesday when there is a long weekend) from 10 to 11 a.m.

This social gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers, practice mobility skills, and enjoy the beauty of nature in a supportive environment. Every Monday at 10 a.m. at The Leaf at Assiniboine Park (145 The Leaf Way, Winnipeg).

This seven-week program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals adjusting to sight loss. Led by trained CNIB volunteers, this virtual group meets via Zoom or by phone, making it accessible from the comfort of your home. Once you register you will receive an email that will confirm you are on our waitlist. We will connect with you as soon as we are able to offer you a space in one of our fall sessions.

This seven-week program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals adjusting to sight loss. Led by trained CNIB volunteers, this virtual group meets via Zoom or by phone, making it accessible from the comfort of your home. Once you register you will receive an email that will confirm you are on our waitlist. We will connect with you as soon as we are able to offer you a space in one of our fall sessions.

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 favourite 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.