Children and Youth Programs

The ukulele is a fun way to start your musical journey if you have never played a stringed instrument before. Learn at your own pace in this bi-weekly exploration of fundamentals that will include ukulele basics, finger positioning, playing chords, reading tabs and chord charts, strumming patterns, and performing simple songs. This is a beginner level program. Spots are very limited and parents and registrants are required to attend a short interview before acceptance. Instruments will be provided to successful applicants. 

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. 

Calling all aspiring young writers! The 2024 Braille Creative Writing Contest is now accepting entries. 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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

Practice Power, Peace and Purpose. Sensei's will guide us through the one hour session and no prior experience is necessary. This program is open to children and youth ages 6-18. Please dress comfortably and bring a water bottle. Second Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Community Hub. 

Welcome to the "I Can…Hike" Challenge! This fun, family and community based program is designed to encourage participants to explore community trails, paths, parks, with family and friends.

Join us for some kitchen fun at the CNIB Ottawa Hub! We will create a new recipe each month and enjoy eating our baking and socializing with peers. Open to participants between the ages of 12-18 in the Ontario East region. Third Thursday of every month from 6:30 to  8 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.

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.

Ottawa Youth are invited to participate in our bi-monthly skateboard program. This program is open to participants ages 8 and up. Parents are encouraged to stay and watch, or you may drop-off if need be. Boards and helmets will be provided, however you may wish to purchase additional padding. There is a maximum of 8 spaces available and you must register in advance. Ottawa Youth Skateboarding will meet every other Monday (beginning May 13) from 6 to 7:30 p.m. We will meet at the Ottawa Hub and head over to the skatepark for our group lesson.

Start your journey seeking a part-time or summer job with CNIB Learning Academy’s Youth Job Club!  There is no time like the present to begin your work experiences. Having a part-time or summer job will put some money in your pocket, and you give valuable skills that employers are looking for. Facilitated by staff with sight loss, this five-session program will give participants an edge in looking for your first summer or part-time job. Virtual sessions are hosted on Zoom every Tuesday (May 14 to June 18) from 7:30 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

Are you a parent of a child living with vision loss, in a more rural community? Do you find it impossible to attend in person programs at the nearest CNIB office? Do you find that all the peer groups held in person are just too far away for you to attend? Do you feel a bit overwhelmed on how to support your child while living on the outskirts of town where resources may seem limited? We've got you covered! Join the Outskirts Parent Support and Resource Group where you will share in a solutions focused approach to finding the help you need.

Ottawa area participants (ages 7-29) are invited to join us for a golf class at Pineview Golf! Learn about the basics of golf from Pro Blind Golfer, Kevin Frost. All experience levels are welcome to come out to enjoy an evening of fun and learning about this inclusive sport. Wednesday, June 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pine View Golf Course.

Join CNIB Ottawa for a week filled with fun activities for children and youth (ages 7-15) who are blind or have low vision. Participate in inclusive activities like art workshops, sport activities, games, educational field trips, cooking classes, and more. Forge new friendships and make your summer an unforgettable one! July 8 to July 11 at the CNIB Ottawa Community Hub.

This one-week virtual camp is about becoming aware of the world of work and how it relates to us at a very early age. We will address the basic questions like What is a job? What sorts of jobs do our family members have? Why is work important? Attendees will learn how to perform their own research through casual conversation with family and community acquaintances. Through short group conversations, fun interactive educational games, interesting guest speakers and playful exercises, participants will learn to dream big and expand their possibilities for the future.

Join CNIB on July 13 as we bring together youth and their families and friends to participate in introductory tennis workshop. This workshop will consist of a two hour morning sessions led by some dedicated volunteers at the tennis club, and an individual or two with vision loss showcasing their talents and helping you learn the basics of the game. We'll cover everything from how to hold the racquet, stance, hitting technique, some rules and etiquette, and of course, how to have fun. Saturday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Aldershot Tennis Club.

Get the jump on high school with this unique virtual program. Participants will explore their skills and strengths, hear from successful visually impaired community members about their careers, and learn about best practices for academic success.  Participants begin to build foundations for this important transition and plant the seeds for early career recognition and exploration. Program content will be delivered in a fun and engaging style utilizing group games, challenges, and chats. Stay tuned for confirmed dates and updates to the Junior Explorers program!

Join CNIB Ottawa for a week filled with fun activities for children and youth (ages 7-15) who are blind or have low vision. Participate in inclusive activities like art workshops, sport activities, games, educational field trips, cooking classes, and more. Forge new friendships and make your summer an unforgettable one! August 12 to August 15 at the CNIB Ottawa Community Hub.

Get serious about your academic and career goals with Young Achievers. This bridging program to the flagship SCORE Scholars program helps participants build fundamental analytical and goal setting skills. Early volunteer, summer and part time jobs are discussed in relationship to long term school and career aspirations. Special guest speakers who experience vision loss and are leaders in their field will provide personal stories for inspiration.Young Achievers (grades 9-10) meets weekdays (August 12-23) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time via Zoom.

Attention all Canadian youth who use or are learning braille – CNIB is now accepting applications for the annual Writing with Feeling Retreat! Whether you're a new braille user with a passion for creative writing or crafting a poem, story, or essay for the CNIB Braille Creative Writing Contest, we welcome you to join our annual Writing with Feeling retreat at CNIB Lake Joe in Muskoka, Ontario.

Canadian youth with sight loss are invited to join CNIB Learning Academy for engaging virtual and in-person programs offered throughout the year! Our programs challenge youth from grades six to first year of post-secondary studies to develop pre-employment, leadership, independence and social skills.

The TD Summer Reading Club  is Canada’s biggest, bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, all interests, and all abilities. This free program is co-created and delivered by more than 2,000 public libraries across Canada.  It celebrates Canadian authors, illustrators and stories. It’s designed to inspire kids to explore the fun of reading their way – the key to building a lifelong love of reading.

This free manual provides parents and educators with the age-appropriate information they need to teach a child how to interact with an iPad using VoiceOver. To put the latest knowledge at children's fingertips, it incorporates accessible apps with educational content.

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.