Upcoming Events

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. 

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.

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.

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

Ever want to take on the challenge of a 5k run or walk? If you're a youth in the Windsor and Essex region who wants to work towards this great accomplishment, CNIB has a limited number of FREE entries a community event hosted by the Running Factory in Windsor.

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.

CNIB, in partnership with graduate students from Carleton University, is looking for participants to take part in an online research study about social perceptions. The Imagined Workplace Interactions Study aims to better understand social perceptions by exploring how people perceive others they interact with and how they feel about them after an interaction. Your input will help researchers better understand social experiences at work and in group settings. Compensation in the form of an Amazon gift card will be provided.

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

CNIB is partnering with Statistics Canada to host two information sessions about completing the 2026 Census. The information sessions will be delivered by Statistics Canada and cover information about accessible options to complete the 2026 Census, as well as how to access assistance, request alternate formats, and more. May 22 and 25, 2026.

Join The Alberta Access to Education Coalition (AATEC) and CNIB for our 3rd annual AATEC Summit: Empowering the Next Generation! This 2-day hybrid event was designed specifically to highlight existing resources and programs that will support the empowerment of children & youth with sight loss across Canada. Returning this year, the Youth Summit will once again take place alongside the main information sessions. Created by and for youth with sight loss, this youth-led experience will focus on empowerment, leadership, and strengthening community connections.

Inclusive Momentum and CNIB would like to invite community members of all ages to attend a series of training workshops for solving the accessible Rubik’s Cube. Attendees will meet in person for up to 21 weekly Sunday sessions (beginning January 18) from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB GTA Community Hub (1525 Yonge Street, Toronto).

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.

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.

A relaxed, welcoming social drop-in for adults aged 30 to 60 who are blind or partially sighted, including those newly adjusting to vision loss. Meetings will take place at CNIB and various locations across the city for friendly conversation and activities. Fourth Monday of every month, bimonthly. Time and location to be confirmed upon registering.

We’re excited to offer two 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.

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.

If you enjoy attending live theatre performances such as Prairie Theatre Exchange, Rainbow Stage, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and more, this group will be of interest for you. We will be attending various venues to enjoy live theatre productions that have audio-described services.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Missing those coffee meetups with friends and the social connection they bring? We’re here to keep the conversation going! Now that we’ve connected, let’s stay in touch, share inspiring stories, and exchange practical tips and successes with others navigating life with sight loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join us at Point Pleasant Park for a friendly group walk designed to be welcoming for all. Volunteers are available to provide sighted guide support, so everyone can take part with ease. It’s a simple way to get outside, meet others, and enjoy the park together. After the walk, relax at the picnic tables with some light refreshments. Every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Point Pleasant Park (5530 Point Pleasant Drive, Halifax).

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.

A monthly webinar series where discuss meaningful topics with guidance from professional guest speakers. This new format will allow us to explore ideas in greater depth and bring fresh insights from experts in the field. Last Tuesday of every month from 10 to 12 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

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 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).

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. 

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. 

Get ready to test your knowledge and have a blast! Whether you’re a trivia whiz or just in it for the laughs, it’s all about fun, friendly competition, and great company. Bring your thinking cap and come play along! Fourth Tuesday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

The Healing Leash: Honouring Guide Dog Loss is volunteer-led peer support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a Guide Dog—through passing, retirement, or rehoming. Participants will have the opportunity to share their stories, honour their bond, offer mutual support, and gain comfort through shared experiences and insights. The group is open to all. This 4-week series meets Tuesday, May 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom. Zoom information will be shared after registering. 

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.

AI Unleashed: Innovate, Inspire, Impact! CNIB is excited to present a national online program for youth, showcasing how artificial intelligence (AI) can empower everyone! From enhancing education and entertainment to improving security, AI's potential is limitless. Tuesday, May 26 from 4 to 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Gather 'round for campfire, a cozy and inclusive event for families to come together and enjoy the magic of camp traditions...no tents required! This group meets Tuesdays, 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

This program gives the participants an opportunity to exercise by walking at their own pace in a safe environment. Participants will have a chance to socialize not only while they are walking, but there is a room set up for everyone to socialize. Bring your indoor walking shoes, a friend, and a smile. Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Irving Oil Field House (129 McAllister Drive, Saint John). 

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.

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. 

North Bay Sight Loss Connect is an in-person peer support group for people of all ages living with sight loss, along with their friends and supporters. It provides a welcoming and inclusive space to connect with others who have shared experiences, exchange ideas, and offer mutual support. Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with coffee, conversation, and connection. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, share practical tips, learn from one another, and enjoy some lighthearted moments together. Last Wednesday of every month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Marina Point Village (225 Oak Street West, North Bay).

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 Wednesday (May 6 to 27) from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. 

A monthly support group in the Dauphin area to allow participants to make new connections and find friendships and enjoy conversation. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network for people who have experienced sight loss. Last Wednesday of every month  from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Dauphin Public Library (504 Main Street N,  Dauphin). 

The Brandon Walking Group provides a chance for individuals in the Brandon area who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practise their mobility and travel skills. Every Wednesday (until October 2026) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. until weather permits for safe sidewalk travel; November to April at Brandon University Track.