Upcoming Events

Advocacy is a powerful tool to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge discrimination and create change by raising awareness, influencing policies, and mobilizing community members to get involved. But finding your voice and learning how to become an advocate can sometimes feel intimidating or overwhelming. CNIB’s new advocacy peer mentorship program, CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network, aims to change that. Discover the tools and techniques you need to channel your frustrations and concerns into constructive advocacy efforts by enrolling in the CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network!

VocalEye is the first dedicated live description service for blind and partially sighted people in Canada. Since its inception, VocalEye has described over 300 live events including theatre performances, dance, opera, parades, fireworks and public art tours for people who are blind and partially sighted. VocalEye Almost Live Zoom events are hosted by members of the blind community with special guest artists most Wednesday evenings.

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 2025 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Are you planning to go on any epic trips this summer? Will you be playing any sports or trying any new super fun activities? How about camping or visiting some provincial or national parks? Share your best "Adventure Reporter" videos with us!

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.

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.

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.

A monthly community-based group to discuss issues relating to vision loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. Third Monday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at McKillop United Church. 

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 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.

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. 

Please join us for a fun youth coding program! Code Jumper is a computer coding program designed for youth with sight loss. Participants will learn sequencing, problem solving, and other coding applications in a fun and barrier-free environment. Next Step Coding will introduce youth participants to touch-typing skills that are necessary for the Python computer coding program.  Learn to Code: Code Jumper and Next Step Coding meets every Monday (April 28 to June 16, with the exception of Tuesday, May 20) from 6 to 7 p.m. at CNIB Saskatoon.

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. 

Come walk with us! The CNIB Walking Club will begin for the 2025 season on Tuesday, May 20. We meet at the upper parking lot of Point Pleasant Park; walk the park trails for about 50 minutes, then enjoy a half hour of social time with snacks. Tuesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. at the upper parking lot of Point Pleasant Park.

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.

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.

Having trouble with your technology or curious about exploring something new? Join our discussion group for individuals with sight loss, where we come together to ask for help, swap tips and tricks, share favorite apps, and support one another. Whether you're contributing or simply listening in, you'll strengthen your skills in the process. First and third Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join us as we explore a variety of apps and devices to help you with outdoor activities like navigation, gardening, and bird watching! Tuesday, May 20 from 2 to 3 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom. 

In this four-part series, we’ll introduce the iPhone and iPad and discuss some of things you can do with one. We’ll show you how to navigate your device, how to customize low-vision features, and how to use the built-in screen reader for total sight substitution. We’ll also introduce you to Siri, the virtual assistant that you can use to control your device just by speaking and discuss the latest updates in the new iOS 18. Tuesday, May 6, 13, 20 & 27 from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre (CNIB Bayview).

If you have a curious mind, learning is a journey that never ends! From history and geography to science, travel, and social trends, the possibilities for discovery are limitless. Join us to expand your horizons in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Our host and guest speakers will present a variety of engaging topics and encourage lively conversations. Third Tuesday of every month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join us for the second edition of our popular Meta Glasses session! Dive deeper into the world of wearable technology and discover how Meta Glasses can enhance accessibility and everyday experiences. Whether you're a returning participant or new to the device, this session will explore advanced features, practical tips, and hands-on demonstrations. Come ready with your questions and curiosity as we unlock new possibilities with Meta Glasses! Tuesday, May 20 from 1 to 4 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton.

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 Taber area to get together and chat about vision loss and their experiences. Third Tuesday of every month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Clearview Lodge. 

A community-based support group for Vernon area residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. Third Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Vernon Public Library, upstairs in the Okanagan Room. 

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. 

With our new Get Moving program, you can participate in a variety of activities like modified Corn Hole, Bingo Night, a fun game of cards, and more! Join us once a month for a fun group activity and Get Moving! Third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at CNIB St. Johns.

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.

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. 

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.

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 who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss. Third Tuesday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cochrane Public Library

Get in on the act with CNIB Lake Joe's virtual Drama Club! This program allows you to explore the arts and let your creative side shine through drama and improv activities. Join us on alternating Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

This program is designed to provide youth who are blind or partially sighted opportunities to develop leadership, advocacy, and compensatory skills in a social setting with the goal of building self-esteem, confidence, social and community engagement, and self-advocacy (empowerment). The Regina Youth Adventure Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Regina.

The Saskatchewan Parent Advocacy Group is designed for parents and caregivers of children and youth who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind to come together to establish a collective voice to advocate for the needs of children living with sight loss in Saskatchewan. The group meets once a month from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom.

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

Join us for coffee or tea and great conversation. There will be guest speakers, interesting conversations and a chance to connect with your peers and community. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Come on out, meet with your peers, let’s chat! Third Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB Ottawa 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.

Intended for adults who are blind or partially sighted and are members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Participants from across the country meet monthly to share experiences, listen to guest speakers, and discuss topics chosen by the group. Third Wednesday of every month from 12 to 1 p.m. Eastern Time.

This group is specifically for those who are experiencing symptoms/have had a diagnosis of CBS. Participants meet monthly for this conversational support group. Third Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

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. 

This program is designed for blind or partially sighted indigenous individuals who are wanting to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances in a safe and comfortable setting. Participants will have the opportunity to help choose various topics this group would like to discuss each session as well as have the option to share ideas, suggestions, stories, worries, etc. with the group. This Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support Group meet on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. CST on Zoom.

Love photography? Whether you're a pro with your camera or just learning to use the photo app on your smartphone, our club is the perfect place for you. We're all about discovering creative ways to capture moments as photographers who are blind or have low vision. Together, we'll teach and share tips, tricks, and techniques to make the most of our devices and inspire each other with the photos we take. Third Wednesday of every month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.