An illustration of a calendar on a yellow background outlined in a black paintbrush-style design with white accents. Text: CNIB Alberta Programs – Summer 2024.

CNIB Alberta – Summer Programs

Join us! Our free programs are available to people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Below, you'll find a snapshot of programs offered across the province throughout the summer. Schedule may be subject to change. We kindly ask participants to register for programs at least one business day before the start date. 

For program offerings available nationwide, explore our online calendar.

Advocacy Programs

  1. CNIB Advocacy Group: Part of CNIB’s mandate is to build stronger community by educating and advocating – to break down barriers and create an inclusive society in which people with sight loss can thrive. CNIB works with Alberta residents (urban and rural) who are blind or partially sighted to become CNIB Advocate. Participants help to: Build awareness of what it is to be blind today, correct misconceptions associated with sight loss, advocate to maintain policies that work for our community and change practices and legislation. If you are interested in being part of our Advocacy Group, email Taylor.Bauer@cnib.ca.
  2. CNIB Ambassador: The CNIB Ambassador Team amplifies the voices of people who are blind or partially sighted by raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, and inspiring change in communities across Alberta. Ambassadors share their stories and deliver educational presentations covering topics like blindness etiquette, accessibility and inclusion, assistive and accessible technologies, white canes and guide dogs, braille literacy, CNIB programs and services, and more. Presentations are delivered in-person or virtually to businesses, classrooms, healthcare spaces, community groups, governments, senior residences, social gatherings, workplaces, and more. Help us break down barriers by inviting CNIB Ambassadors to discuss the needs and experiences of people living with sight loss by requesting a presentation using this link. For more information, email Carl Busch at ambassador.abnwt@cnib.ca or call 780-430-1099.
  3. Get on Board Campaign (Calgary): Phase two of the Get on Board Campaign phase has been extended until August. If you are from the Calgary area, please take some time to fill out the secret rider survey and share your insights on the accessibility of Calgary Transit. Before, during, or following your trip, try to review the Calgary Transit website to evaluate the accessibility of the information provided. Even if you didn’t use the website to plan your trip, can you access transit information? Your involvement will help us grow the conversation around the lack of accessible public transit in Calgary. By participating, you'll play a crucial role in creating accessible transit solutions for everyone, regardless of where they live. If you have any questions, email Taylor.Bauer@cnib.ca.

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Children & Youth Programs

  1. LIFE for Youth and Young Adults – Calgary: Second Thursday of every month, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Leadership, Independence, Future readiness, and Empowerment are all important skills for youth and young adults. Join peers to learn and build on these skills, amongst others and apply them directly into practical settings to ease the pressure of growing up. This program is suitable for individuals with sight loss ages 14-21.
  2. Complex Needs Summer Camp: Explore sensory activities, build communication skills, and more! This program is suitable for CNIB participants ages 5-12 years living with complex needs. Please note: All participants are required to attend camp with support of a 1:1 aide. Calgary: July 9-11, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (daily) at CNIB Calgary. Email Kelsey.Jenkins@cnib.ca to register. Edmonton: July 16-17, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.(daily) at the Stanley Milner Library (downtown).
  3. Traditional Day Camp for Kids: Join peers in a traditional summer day camp experience for ages 6-12! Offering a variety of activities such as art, recreation, music, and more. This program is suitable for CNIB participants ages 6-12 years. Calgary: August 6-8, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (daily) at CNIB Calgary. There will be an off-site fieldtrip, location TBD. Email Kelsey.Jenkins@cnib.ca to register. Edmonton: August 6-8, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (daily) at the Stanley Milner Library (downtown). There will be an off-site fieldtrip, location TBD.
  4. Traditional Day Camp for Youth: Join peers in a traditional summer day camp experience for ages 13-18! Offering a variety of activities such as art, recreation, music and more. Calgary: August 13-15, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (daily) at CNIB Calgary. There will be an off-site fieldtrip, location TBD. Email Kelsey.Jenkins@cnib.ca to register. Edmonton:  August 20-22, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (daily) at the Stanley Milner Library (downtown). There will be an off-site fieldtrip, location TBD.
  5. Youth Leadership Camp: This camp delivered with emphasis on independence, community involvement and advocacy will allow participants to gain knowledge through experiential learning, planning/organizing, community involvement amongst other activities. Participants will require a base level of independence, O&M skills, and the desire to grow independence to take part in the program. We will explore ILS daily tasks, further O&M skills, explore the world of post-secondary, pre-employment, and employment! This program is suitable for CNIB participants ages 15-21 years. Please note this camp’s activities will take place throughout the community: Calgary: July 23-25, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (daily) with pickup and drop off at CNIB Calgary. To register, email Kelsey.Jenkins@cnib.ca. Edmonton:  June 26-27, 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (daily) with pickup and drop off at CNIB Edmonton.

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Family Programs

  1. Family Barbecue – Edmonton: Sunday, June 30, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Location TBC. We are excited to welcome all our families to a new program season. Why not kick it off with a cookout? Join old friends, make new connections, and get to know new staff during an event that will offer something for the entire family. This event will take place on June 30th and is open to children and youth with sight loss ages 0-21 years and their families. All CNIB participants are welcome to attend.
  2. O&M Treasure Hunt – Edmonton: Sunday, July 21, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., Location TBC. Join us on an unforgettable treasure hunt specially designed for kids with vision loss as we blend Orientation and Mobility skills with excitement and fun! Expect to navigate different terrains, learn crucial orientation and mobility skills while navigating these terrains, discover treasures and embrace the joy of discovery. This program is suitable for CNIB participants ages 13-18 years
  3. Taekwondo Classes – Edmonton: Every Wednesday (July-August), 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Spruce Avenue Community Hall. Are you interested in embarking on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment? Join our Taekwondo classes, designed for kids with vision loss, offering a supportive and inclusive environment to develop a new self-defence skill. This program is suitable for CNIB Children and Youth Participants.

  4. End of Summer Blowout – Calgary: Thursday, August 23, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Let’s end the summer on a high note! Join old friends, make new connections during an event that will offer something for the whole family. This event is open to children and youth with sight loss ages 0-21 years and their families. To register, email Kelsey.Jenkins@cnib.ca.

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

  1. Calgary Social Meet Up: On summer hiatus. Re-starting in September. If you are between 18 - 30 years of age and are looking to meet and get to know others in the community, join us at the Calgary Social Meet Ups!
  2. Edmonton Activity Group: On summer hiatus. Re-starting in September. This group is aimed at fostering social interaction and providing a platform for individuals with sight loss to connect with others
  3. Edmonton Social Meet-Up: Dates/Location TBC. If you are between the ages of 18-35 and would like to meet up with others in the Edmonton area, this group is for you. The group gets together once a month for a couple of hours to socialize. 
  4. Western Canada Social Meet-Up: On summer hiatus. Re-starting in September. This is a general social chat group that meets every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. over Zoom to chat about anything they feel like. Topics could include local news, weather, books people have read, current events, technology or whatever the group wants to chat about.

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Peer Support Programs

  1. Calgary Yes & BS (Your Everyday Stuff & Brainstorming): On summer hiatus. Restarting in September. A monthly community-based support group to discuss issues relating to vision loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics.
  2. Camrose Peer Support Group: On summer hiatus. Restarting in September. This peer support group is for community members in the Camrose area to get together and chat about successes, struggles and resources when living with sight loss.
  3. Edmonton Men’s Peer Support Group:  On summer hiatus. Restarting in September. Join our biweekly Men's Peer Support group to discuss adapting to vision loss, learn about new technologies, and the services that CNIB must assist, and socialize with others going through the same thing.
  4. Edmonton Women’s Peer Support Group:  On summer hiatus. Restarting in September. Join this supportive group of women who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss.
  5. Grande Prairie Peer Support Group:  On summer hiatus. Restarting in September. This peer support group is for community members in the Grande Prairie area to get together and chat about vision loss and their experiences.
  6. Lethbridge Sunshine Support Group: On summer hiatus. Restarting in September. This is 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.
  7. Ponoka White Caners Peer Support Group:  On summer hiatus. Restarting in September. This peer support group is for community members in the Ponoka area to get together and chat about vision loss and their experiences.
  8. Red Deer Peer Support Group: On summer hiatus. Restarting in September. This group is meant to help others connect with others who are living with sight loss in the Red Deer area. Join for coffee, conversation, and support.
  9. Taber Peer Support Group: On summer hiatus. Restarting in September. This peer support group is for community members in the Taber area to get together and chat about vision loss and their experiences.
  10. Women’s Virtual Peer Support Group:  On summer hiatus. Restarting in September. Join this supportive group of women who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss.

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CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs

  1. CNIB SmartLife: Home to a myriad of accessible technologies and devices, CNIB SmartLife is an interactive retail and lifestyle experience like no other. CNIB SmartLife is committed to emboldening people with sight loss to lead independent, active lives and helping them gain access to life-changing technology. CNIB SmartLife is Canada’s largest retailer of assistive products for people with sight loss, serving over 20,000+ people a year. CNIB SmartLife offers services both online and in physical spaces, as well as a variety of accessible technology programs. All proceeds from CNIB SmartLife go to supporting CNIB’s life-changing programs for people with sight loss across Canada.
  2. The CNIB SmartLife Tech @ Home program allows participants to test cutting-edge accessible devices from the comfort of their own homes and beyond! If you live in Alberta and want to try a wide range of accessible technology, look no further than our innovative program, Tech @ Home. 
  3. Drop In Tech Q&A Session – Calgary: Last Thursday of every month, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. This is a local program available to those in Calgary where you can come and drop-in with your technology related questions. We will provide support with your phone, tablet, or computer inquiries whether you have an Android, Apple, or Windows device. Please feel free to bring in your own devices and we encourage family members to participate and learn, explore, and have fun.
  4. iOS Tech Support Group: Second Tuesday of every month, 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. via teleconference. This group meets monthly to discuss technology, specifically surrounding iOS devices – this includes new features, troubleshooting, apps and general new tech information.
  5. Summer Of Navigation - BlindSquare: BlindSquare is an accessible GPS-app developed for the blind, Deafblind and partially sighted. Paired with third-party navigation apps, BlindSquare’s self-voicing app delivers detailed points of interest and intersections for safe, reliable travel both outside and inside. Join us for a technology workshop all about BlindSquare! Calgary: Thursday, July 11, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Edmonton: Thursday, July 11, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. 
  6. Summer Of Navigation - Soundscape: Soundscape is a free app that provides travellers who are blind or have low vision with information about places around them in the environment. Soundscape enables you to set audio beacons at familiar destinations and landmarks, and then use 3D audio cues to improve your ambient awareness as you make your way to the destination. As you walk, Soundscape will help you stay aware of where you are by calling out roads and landmarks as you pass them. Join us for a technology workshop all about Microsoft Soundscape! Calgary: Thursday, August 8, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Edmonton: Thursday, August 9, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton.

  7. Summer of Navigation - Oko: Oko is a smart camera app that helps you explore your surroundings with real-time feedback. You can use it to recognize walk and don't walk signals at lighted intersections. At an intersection, Ono tells you the state of the pedestrian light by playing audio, haptic and audio feedback. Join us for a technology workshop all about Oko! · Calgary: Thursday, September 12, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Edmonton: Thursday, September 12, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton.

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Vision Mate

The Vision Mate program matches people who are blind or partially sighted with sighted volunteers who provide companionship and one-on-one assistance with everyday tasks and errands. Activities you and your match do together are based on your needs and interests! Vision Mate volunteers can assist individuals with various activities, including errands, going for walks, labelling and organizing household items, reading, or fun outings and recreational activities.  Matches are made with someone who lives close to your home, school or work. Visits are typically one or two hours a week in the person’s home or another suitable place at a mutually convenient time. This program is also available virtually – with matches connecting by phone or online. For more information or to register, email dayna.fox@cnib.ca.

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CNIB Mobile Hub

CNIB on the Road – the CNIB Mobile Hub is coming to a community near you. Drop in to meet CNIB staff and learn more about free programs and resources for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. Enjoy a day of recreational and social activities, technology workshops, and much more. Experience the latest breakthroughs in assistive tech from CNIB SmartLife and connect with other members of the sight loss community. We’d love for you to join us when we visit your community! For confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub.

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Community Corner

Calgary Blind Hockey with the Seeing Ice Dogs (ASRAB): Every Sunday, 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the Rose Kohn Arena (502 Heritage Drive SW). Come play hockey with the Seeing Ice Dogs hockey team. No experience necessary. For people 18+, but youth can participate if parents accompany them at the arena. Sign up by contacting the Calgary Program Coordinator with your name and phone number.

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