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

CNIB Manitoba – Fall 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 fall. 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. Community Engagement Volunteers: Last Thursday of every month, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Community Engagement Volunteers provide public education, presenting topics to government officials, educators, students, employers, health professionals and more. Much of this program is also dedicated to building the advocacy and communication skills of our volunteers. With this program, we see increased knowledge in advocacy and legislation and an increase in self-esteem and confidence. For more information, contact Vivi Dabee at Vivi.Dabee@cnib.ca.

  2. “There’s Something I Need to Tell You” Disclosure Series: Every Monday for six weeks, from September 23 until October 28. As a person navigating sight loss, disclosure -- talking about your sight loss -- is one of the building blocks to developing self advocacy. In the “There's Something I Need to Tell You" Disclosure series, Ben Akuoko and Kate Riccomini provide a one-hour informative session and discuss how to talk about sight loss in different situations: family, friends, relationships, customer service, employment and general public interactions. Find out whether to disclose, how much to disclose, and how to disclose your sight loss effectively. Please note there will be no meeting on Monday, October 14 (Thanksgiving Day).

Back to top.

Children & Youth Programs

To register for the Children & Youth Programs or for more information, please contact Jenna Farmer at Jenna.Farmer@cnib.ca or 431-668-9270.

  1. Family Fun Days:  Dates and times TBA. Come together to have fun and socialize with other families that have children who are blind or partially sighted. The Family Fun Days are focused on just that: FUN! They can include things like bowling, rock climbing, crafts, games and more.

  2. Next Generation Community Forum: Thursday, September 19, 7:30 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg or via Zoom. As we head into the fall and winter season, we want to ensure the programs we are offering meet YOUR interests and needs. Please join us to share your thoughts on various topics, including: What kind of programs are you or your child interested in? What is the best time to have programs? What types of support are you looking for? And much more. 

  3. Parent and Tot Support Group: Launching fall 2024, dates and times TBA. This is a space for parents and children that are blind or low vision ages 0-6 to come and find support and resources from each other.

  4. Young Adult Social Club: Once per month, dates and times TBA at various locations across Winnipeg. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted young adults ages 18 to 29 to connect and find community. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie nights, karaoke battles, dining out at restaurants and monthly excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering community and building connections.  

  5. Youth Adventure Club: Second Thursday of every month, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg unless otherwise stated. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted youth ages 13-18 (Grades 8-12) to connect and find a sense of community with each other. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie and game nights, karaoke battles, dining out at restaurants and monthly excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering self-esteem and enhancing socialization skills.

Back to top.

Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

Unless otherwise noted, to register for Culture, Sport & Recreation programs or for more information, please contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or 204-230-1496.

  1. Book Club: Second Tuesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg or via Zoom. Whether you enjoy classics, bestsellers, biographies, or fiction, share your passion with other blind and partially sighted readers. A new book is chosen each month, and each participant will be registered for library services. 
  2. Brandon Lunch Club: Second Tuesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at various restaurants in Brandon. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants across Brandon! To register, please contact Ainslee Lockhart at Ainslee.Lockhart@cnib.ca or 431-323- 9725.
  3. Brandon Yoga: Time and dates TBA. Hosted at Divine Energy Massage Therapy (402-1011 Rosser Ave., Brandon). In this program, individuals will learn the basics of stretching and yoga. These sessions can improve your core strength, flexibility, and balance while providing relation techniques and increased self-confidence. To register, please contact Ainslee Lockhart at Ainslee.Lockhart@cnib.ca or 431-323- 9725.
  4. Winnipeg Breakfast Club: First Monday of every month unless otherwise notified, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at a predetermined restaurant in Winnipeg. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for brunch. A different restaurant in Winnipeg will be chosen each month. 
  5. Winnipeg Walking Group: Every Monday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at CNIB Winnipeg, or Polo Park Shopping Mall in the colder months. The Walking Group Program provides a chance for individuals who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. 

Back to top.

Peer Support Programs

Unless otherwise noted, to register for Peer Support programs or for more information, please contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or 204-290-3294. 

  1. Adjusting to Vision Loss: Every Tuesday from November 19 until December 17, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This five-week program provides individuals with an inclusive support network, the opportunity to share practical support strategies, and to help to face the future with confidence, independence, happiness, and hope. The purpose of the program is to provide adults who are blind or partially sighted with support during their adjustment to vision loss. It seeks to improve participants' knowledge about eye conditions, living with vision loss, and CNIB and other community supports and services. To register, contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or 204-230-1496.

  2. Bible Study Group:  Every Thursday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Make new friends or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding. 
  3. Brandon Connects: Last Tuesday of every month, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m., at the United Way of Brandon Boardroom (201-1011 Rosser Ave). 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. To register, please contact Ainslee Lockhart at Ainslee.Lockhart@cnib.ca.
  4. Friday Morning Coffee Group: Every Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Rekindle old friendships while making new ones, meet new people and have enjoyable conversations. This group offers a safe, positive social network for those with sight loss. 
  5. Life Coaching: Third Thursday of every month, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Are you interested in personal development and have sight loss? We invite you to join our engaging and interactive Life Coaching series starting on October 17. In this group, we will explore topics such as love, dating, relationships, confidence, and more.
  6. Portage Connects: Thursday September 26, October 24, November 28 and December 19, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., at the Herman Prior Activity Centre (40 Royal Rd N., Portage la Prairie). Connect with others who are living with sight loss in Portage la Prairie. This program is for people who want to engage and support others in a safe, friendly environment. To register, contact Ainslee Lockhart at Ainslee.Lockhart@cnib.ca or 431-323- 9725.
  7. Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support Group: First and third Wednesday of every month, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. This program is designed for blind or low vision Indigenous individuals who are wanting to connect with others experiencing similar circumstances in a safe and comfortable setting. This program will also provide an opportunity for participants to learn from various guest speakers. 
  8. Thompson Connects: Dates TBA, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Connect with others who are living with sight loss in the Thompson area. This program is for people who want to engage and support others in a safe, friendly environment.
  9. Virtual Coffee Group: Every Friday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversation. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network for people experiencing sight loss. Everyone is welcome. 

Back to top.

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. Through this program, Canadians with sight loss gain access to life-changing technology– no matter where they live.
  3. Phone it Forward: This program is designed to equip clients with technology to increase independence. Phones are set up by CNIB Program Leads and training is provided by Vision Loss Rehabilitation (VLR) Specialists. We provide iPhone and a variety of Android phones. Phones have the following accessible apps: Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, BlindSquare Events. CNIB wants to ensure that anyone who is blind or partially sighted can benefit from safety, independence, and enablement that a smartphone, along with the proper training, can provide. If you have sight loss, live in Canada, and are registered with CNIB, you are eligible for a free smartphone through Phone It Forward. When you register for Phone It Forward, a CNIB team lead in your province will receive your name and contact information. They will contact you in the months ahead to keep you posted on the program’s development and to let you know when a phone is available for you. If you are interested in learning more about the Phone It Forward Program, or to register, contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or 204-789-0962. Donated smartphones are wiped to the highest data security standards, loaded with accessible apps, and provided to people with sight loss who need them, along with technical training, discounted maintenance, and data plan support.To donate your phone, or learn more about Phone it Forward, visit www.phoneitforward.ca or call 1-833-554-5020.

Back to top.

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. To register or for more information, contact Ben Neufeld at Ben.Neufeld@cnib.ca or 204-509-9658.

Back to top.

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!

  • Thompson: Tuesday, September 24, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the  Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre (4 Nelson Road, Thompson)
  • Thompson: Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Thompson Regional Community Centre (274 Thompson Drive, Thompson)
  • Steinbach: Thursday, October 10, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Friedensfeld Community Centre (32004 Road 35E, Sarto)
  • Brandon: Wednesday, October 23, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Riverbank Discovery Centre (545 Conservation Dr., Brandon)
  • Portage la Prairie: Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Herman Prior Activity Centre (40 Royal Rd. N, Portage la Prairie)

For additional confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub.

Back to top.

Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in volunteering with CNIB, please apply online or email manitoba@cnib.ca. 

  1. Customer Service Representative: Provide customer service support to ensure all visitors to the building have the information they require. As the Customer Service Representative, you will welcome and greet visitors to the building; sanitize reception area regularly; direct all in-person inquiries and deliveries to the appropriate person, department, or tenant; prepare outgoing mail and book local couriers on behalf of staff; provide visitors with information as required, if no other staff person is available; and, receive and track attendee responses for events as required.  
  2. Driver Guide: Provide community-based support; drive clients, service staff and/or volunteers who are blind or partially sighted and are travelling on CNIB business.
  3. Vision Mate Volunteers: Vision Mates provide community-based support through one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship to a person who is blind or partially sighted. As a Vision Mate, you will be matched with someone with vision loss in your community to help them with everyday activities, like running errands, going for a walk and friendly visiting. This program is also available virtually, where you would meet with your match via telephone or online web conferencing. 
  4. Walking Group Sighted Guide: Meeting at Polo Park Mall in the winter months, or CNIB in the summer months, the sighted guide attends our weekly Walking Group on Mondays to provide sighted assistance for participants with sight loss. Sighted Guide training is provided. Can’t commit to every week? We still want to hear from you! There is flexibility and we would be happy to have you volunteer on the Mondays that suit your availability. 

Back to top.

Support CNIB

If you would like to donate to support CNIB’s innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empowers people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Please visit cnib.ca/donate and give today!

Back to top.

Community Corner

Photography Portrait Project

Daniel Gerson is a visually impaired award-winning filmmaker and photographer looking for visually impaired individuals interested in participating in a photography-based portrait project. The portraits are meant to show our community in a vibrant, active, and positive light.  Daniel would like to capture photographs of passions or interests, whether it is activities like sports, art, or individuals simply posing with pets or objects that have meaning to them.  The photographs will be used to help acquire funding for a larger Canada wide project with an end goal of having various art gallery showings of the portraits. Please feel free to email Daniel at DanielGersonWPG@gmail.com for more information.

Community Organizations – Partners & Resources
  1. Manitoba Blind Sports Association
  2. Resource Centre for Manitobans who are Deaf-Blind (RCMDB)
  3. Vision Impaired Resource Network (VIRN)

Back to top.

CTA Link
More Blogs