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 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.

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.

Welcome to our yoga class, where tranquility meets movement. Join us in a serene environment designed to restore balance and enhance flexibility. Our experienced instructor will guide you through poses that promote relaxation and strength, whether you're new to yoga or have practiced for years. This class is open to all abilities. Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the CNIB Brampton Hub.

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. 

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.

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.

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 60 minutes. You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed.

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.

Think of this as a social group to connect with others who share a unique life trajectory living with vision loss. We are creating an experience for connection and engagement grounded in understanding, respect and support. This group values the knowledge of folks who have experience in the vision loss social space and would like to encourage those new to the vision loss social space to join us. Last Wednesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Abilities Centre in Whitby.

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 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. 

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.

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 to connect with other people in the Burlington area for conversation, support and good practices. First, second and third Thursday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom

Mastery of the computer keyboard is essential for anyone using a computer, especially for someone using a screen reader. With this in mind, we are now offering weekly keyboarding coaching sessions at the CNIB Community Hub on Thursday's.

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 60 minutes. You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed.

Join us for our weekly social meet up group. We’ll get to know each other, share some good news stories, and socialize. Every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. Mountain Time on Zoom.

A peer support group for people who are blind or partially sighted to learn from and connect to others who understand their experiences. Come and share tips and tricks with other participants relevant to your community and connect with local resources. This group is for people with sight loss living in the Sault Ste. Marie/Algoma district. Second and fourth Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. on Zoom or telephone.

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 GTA Community Hub. 

If you need some tips on using your iPhone or iPad, CNIB Thunder Bay hosts a monthly drop-in session where a team of volunteer tech coaches are available to help you learn about your iOS accessible features. Fourth Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay.

Make new friends, or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding. The Bible Study group meets every Thursday (September to June) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom.

Everyone loves games. This games group meets to socialize playing 2 to 3 different lively word games for the hour. Sessions are led by our own professional game hosts (aka CNIB staff and volunteers). We embrace a safe fun time to exercise your mind. Every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Discover the art of woodturning and what it’s all about. No experience required! Volunteers will be on hand to show you the fundamentals and help to create a beautiful project.  Last Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Hub.

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.

Adaptive Dance instructor, Tiffany Tjosvold, will be leading a Zoom-based, high energy, seated dance class for participants ages 19+. This class is suitable for all fitness levels. Every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Join us at the CNIB Ottawa Hub for a monthly games group! Play games with peers and chat. We will offer a variety of games including board games, indoor axe throwing and trivia style games. This program is offered to children and youth (ages 5+) in the  Ottawa area. Fourth Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.

A social group for those who want to keep connect after Seated Dance Fitness has ended. We invite participants to stay and socialize with each other. You can talk about the session, get to know one and other and socialize with the community across Canada.

CNIB Learning Academy invites youth who are blind or have low vision, parents, and educators to join us for Community Voices, an opportunity to learn from adults living with blindness.  Each month we will hear from a different guest speaker living with blindness who will share their lived experience in high school, post-secondary education, building a career, and social aspects of sight loss. Following the presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. Last Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. Eastern on Zoom.

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.

This is a safe and supportive place for guide dog handlers from across the country to get together and chat. Share the joys and challenges of being a guide dog handler as well as tips to keep our guide dogs happy and engaged. Biweekly on Friday from 1 to 2 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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

Get ready to dance your heart out! Dust off those dancing shoes and join us for the International Folk Dancing Program with CNIB! Our classes are all about learning and enjoying vibrant dances from around the world. Classes last six weeks and promise to be full of fun and cultural exploration.  Tuesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Community Hub (1525 Yonge Street, Toronto).

Immerse yourself in an interactive karaoke adventure where VoiceOver can serenade you with just a raise of your hand (or a tap of a space bar on a Bluetooth keyboard). But here's the kicker: it's not just karaoke, it's a live karaoke remix challenge! Ready to rock the mic? Super Accessible Ultimate Karaoke meets on the last Tuesday of every month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Community Hub. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Braille Quest – a fun braille literacy program (with prizes!) Use your braille skills at home or school to complete fun challenges including crafts and creative writing! Do a few Braille Quest activities, or do them all! Do as many activities as you like from January 15 – March 15, 2025.

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. 

Welcome to our yoga class, where tranquility meets movement. Join us in a serene environment designed to restore balance and enhance flexibility. Our experienced instructor will guide you through poses that promote relaxation and strength, whether you're new to yoga or have practiced for years. This class is open to all abilities. Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the CNIB Brampton Hub.

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.