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 winter. 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.
- Brampton Community Hub
- GTA Community Hub
- Kingston Community Hub
- London Community Hub
- Ottawa Community Hub
- Thunder Bay Community Hub
- CNIB Mobile Hub
- Advocacy
- Vision Mate
- Support CNIB
Brampton Community Hub
- Brampton Coffee and Chat: Meet others living with sight loss over coffee, every second Wednesday of the month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn more about Brampton Coffee and Chat.
- Brampton Guitar/Ukulele Lessons: Enhance your guitar or ukulele skills with weekly lessons. Sessions run every Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Instruments are available if needed. Learn more about Brampton Guitar / Ukulele Lessons.
- Brampton Meditation & Yoga: Find tranquility and improve your flexibility with our weekly yoga class. Classes are every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. All abilities are welcome. Learn more about Brampton Meditation & Yoga.
GTA Community Hub
- International Folk Dancing: Learn dances from around the world. Spring and Fall. Six-week sessions filled with fun and cultural exploration. Eery Tuesday from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Learn more about International Folk Dancing.
- Music Jam: Join us every third Tuesday of the month for a vibrant Music Jam session from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. All musicians and music lovers are welcome. Learn more about Music Jam.
- Super Accessible Ultimate Karaoke: Experience the revolutionary Super Accessible Ultimate Karaoke Remix Challenge on the fifth Tuesday of the month from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Learn more about Super Accessible Ultimate Karaoke.
- Guitar/Ukulele Lessons: Advance your skills with weekly in-person guitar or ukulele lessons every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Learn more about Guitar/Ukulele Lessons.
- Woodturning: Discover the art of woodturning every last Thursday of the month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. No experience needed. Learn more about Woodturning.
- Friendly Chat Group: Join friendly conversations and informative discussions every third Tuesday of the month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn more about Friendly Chat Group.
- Computer Keyboard Coaching: Improve your keyboarding skills with weekly coaching sessions every Thursday by appointment only. Learn more about Computer Keyboard Coaching.
- Repair Café Toronto: Join us for a day of repairs focused on accessibility devices every third Saturday of every other month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Learn more about Repair Café Toronto.
Kingston Community Hub
- Coffee and Chat: Join us for coffee, snacks, and discussions on the third Thursday of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Learn more about Coffee and Chat.
London Community Hub
- Madcap Wednesdays With Friends: Enjoy a variety of activities including trivia, games, and cards on the first and third Wednesday of each month from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Learn more about Madcap Wednesdays.
- Saturday Bingo: Join us for some fun with Saturday Bingo on the third Saturday of every month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Laughter, make new friends, and try to get that line first! To register, email vera.orsini@cnib.ca.
Ottawa Community Hub
- Coffee, Tea & Chat: Gather for coffee, tea, and conversation on the third Wednesday of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Learn more about Coffee, Tea & Chat.
- SmartLife Technology Drop-In: Explore cutting-edge technology with monthly sessions on the first first Friday of every month from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Learn more about the SmartLife Technology Drop-In.
- Kids & Teens Heroes Circle Martial Arts: Practice Power, Peace, and Purpose on the second Thursday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Learn more about Heroes Circle Martial Arts.
- Teen Baking Group: Create and enjoy delicious recipes with peers on the third Thursday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Open to ages 12-18. Learn more about the Teen Baking Group.
- Youth Games Club: Participate in a variety of games on the fourth Thursday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Learn more about the Youth Games Club.
Thunder Bay Community Hub
- Book Club: Discuss your favourite books with fellow readers on the third Monday of every month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Learn more about the Book Club.
- Coffee Club: Connect with others in the Thunder Bay area on the first Wednesday of every month from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Learn more about the Coffee Club.
- Tech, Talk & Tea: Stop in for a short presentation on a new piece of CNIB tech or a tech related subject. Stay for light snack and refreshment, and a chance to ask questions, discuss any tech issue you may be experiencing, or receive some tech refresher training or assistance. For more information or to book an appointment with a tech coach contact sara.salo@cnib.ca.
- First Nations Vision Loss Peer Support Group: Second Wednesday of every month at CNIB Thunder Bay from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. or virtually via Zoom on the fourth Tuesday of every month on Zoom from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Learn more about the peer support group.
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! A list of where we’re headed next is below, and you can check out our full tour schedule at cnib.ca/mobilehub.
- Sudbury – January 10
Oakville – January 13
Ajax – February 10
North Bay – March 28
One-to-One Support
Advocacy Programs
If you are struggling with a self-advocacy issue, you don’t have to struggle alone. CNIB’s advocacy team is here to help. If you need assistance with writing a letter, figuring out what to say, or brainstorming next steps, contact your local CNIB advocacy lead.
- In Eastern and Northern Ontario, email kate.riccomini@cnib.ca.
- In the GTA and Southwestern Ontario, email filomena.diruscio@cnib.ca
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 activities. This program is also available virtually. For more information or to register, please contact your local program staff:
- In Southwestern Ontario email ian.masterman@cnib.ca.
- In Northern, Eastern, and Central Ontario email nicole.cartmill@cnib.ca.
- In the GTA email angela.campos@cnib.ca.
Support CNIB
You can support CNIB in many ways. Here’s a few of our urgent needs:
- Volunteer: Our Vision Mate program is always recruiting for volunteers to provide one-to-one assistance and companionship for a person who is blind or partially sighted. This program is also available virtually – with matches connecting by phone or online.
- Donate: Because of our generous donors, we can offer free programs to people who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. You too can become a donor or plan your legacy gift that will change lives for years to come.
- Discover the many ways you can support us at cnib.ca.