Upcoming Events
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.
This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region.
Easter Seals Camp Squamish
41015 Government Road
Brackendale BC V0N 1H0
Canada
Participants (ages 6-18) across BC are invited to join CNIB at BC Easter Seals summer camp in Squamish, with the costs covered by CNIB! The camp will take place July 15-19, 2024.
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.
CNIB Halifax
6136 Almon Street
Halifax NS B3K 1T8
Canada
This is a braille practice group for clients to improve and gain new skills in reading and writing braille. Every Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Halifax.
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.
CNIB Kelowna
460 Doyle Ave #106
Kelowna BC V1Y 0C2
Canada
This community-based support group offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. The group is open to participants in Kelowna ages 30-55. This group occasionally invites guest speakers to talk about subjects relating to vision loss. This peer support group meets at CNIB Kelowna on the first Wednesday of every month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
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.
There are so many different ways to get active and feel great from the comfort of your own home! Join us every Thursday from 9-10am EST to get moving!
Join to connect with other people in the Burlington area for conversation, support and good practices. Every Thursday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom and once a month in-person in Burlington.
Understanding, support, mentorship and advice when you need it most. Struggling with the emotional challenges of sight loss? We're here for you. This is a peer support group in Richmond Hill led by volunteer, Miriam Salah. Richmond Hill VIP meets on first Thursday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Zoom.
Riverside Terrace
915 Saskatchewan Crescent West
Saskatoon SK S7M 0M7
Canada
This program is designed for individuals at Riverside Terrace who are blind or partially sighted to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances and to participate in social gatherings. The Riverside Terrace Peer Support Group meets on the first Thursday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Riverside Terrace.
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.
CNIB GTA Community Hub
1525 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M4T 1Z2
Canada
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 2 to 4 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Hub.
CNIB GTA Community Hub
1525 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M4T 1Z2
Canada
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 30 minutes. You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed.
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.
CNIB Edmonton
11150 Jasper Ave.
Edmonton AB T5K 0C7
Canada
If you're struggling to overcome the emotional challenges of sight loss and wish you had someone to help you work through these feelings, you’re not alone. We're here for you. Join this supportive group of women who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss. First and third Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton.
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.
A monthly community-based support group for Vancouver area residents (ages 30-55) that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. This peer support group meets on Zoom, the first Thursday of every month from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Zoom information will be shared after registering.
Do you enjoy music? Well, Name that Tune is the game for you! Name that tune is a fun game where people can join in to listen and try to name as many songs as they can. First and third Thursday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
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.
Divine Energy Massage Therapy
1011 Rosser Ave., Suite 402
Brandon MB R7A 0L5
Canada
Keep fit, stretch your muscles and relax the mind with this in person Yoga class. This will be in person and facilitated by an instructor and assisted by volunteers. Brandon Yoga meets every Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Central Time. Location TBC.
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.
If there is one thing we know how to do at CNIB Lake Joe, it is laughing! Join us for some hilarious drama fun as we play virtual improv games together. Join us on Thursdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
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 Winnipeg
1080 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg AB R3G 3M3
Canada
Community Engagement Volunteers provide public awareness and education, and advocate to break down barriers faced by people who are blind or partially sighted. Together, this dynamic group of individuals will work to Change attitudes about the lived experience of blindness, engage with policymakers to address the need for safe and accessible travel, and actively support our youth, so they can thrive. Connect with other passionate individuals, build your confidence, and learn the skills to effectively advocate. Last Thursday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. on Zoom.
Sit back and relax in our virtual reading room and let the CNIB Lake Joe team share articles and stories of interest. Reading Room meets on the first Friday of every month from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
CNIB Halifax
6136 Almon Street
Halifax NS B3K 1T8
Canada
This is a braille practice group for clients to improve and gain new skills in reading and writing braille. Every Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Halifax.
CNIB Ottawa Hub
425 Marché Way Suite 104,
Ottawa ON K1S 5H6
Canada
A monthly technology group on assistive devices for Ottawa-area participants. First Friday every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.
CNIB Winnipeg
1080 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3G 3M3
Canada
The in-person Friday Coffee Group is back! Rekindle old friendships while making new ones, meet new people and have enjoyable conversations. This group offers a safe, positive social network for those that are blind or partially sighted. This group meets in-person at CNIB Winnipeg every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time. Every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time at CNIB Winnipeg .
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.
A call-in social group. Each session will have a topic of discussion. This program is designed for participants 19+. Biweekly on Friday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.
CNIB Victoria
1675 Douglas Street – Suite 102
Victoria BC V8W 2G5
Canada
Music alone shall live. It is hard for us not to fall in love with music. It is soothing and it greatly touches our soul. This program intends to bring youth and adults with blindness and vision loss from across Vancouver Island to experience many benefits for the mind, body, and soul that community and singing can bring. We are thrilled to welcome Marcelina Stanton as the musical director. She is a Latin American musician who loves to perform popular and traditional songs and play guitar. No prior singing experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome and if you play an instrument, you are invited to bring it along. The Victoria Community Choir meets at CNIB Victoria every Friday from 2 to 4 p.m.
Come join us on alternating Fridays for our Song Bingo Game Night! All you need to participate is access to phone or Zoom and a bingo card at home or online! Feel free to play as a family or house! There will be prizes for the first 3 bingo winners of each game and those who correctly name the most tunes! This program is open to participants of all ages. Biweekly on Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.
Wascana Park
2900 Wascana Drive
Regina SK S4P 3S7
Canada
This group meets at Wascana Park in Regina twice a month for the summer months to go for a walk around the lake. There are volunteers available to assist with sighted guide if needed. It would be a relaxing time to exercise, have a chat or just enjoy the sun during the summer. During the winter months, the group meets indoors at Arcola East community Center.
Virtually or in-person
at CNIB Victoria and New Westminster offices
Victoria and New Westminster BC V3L 3C2
Canada
Join us for a series of sessions beginning in April 2024 that emphasize educational and career-based skill-building for anyone between the ages of 15 and 30 years old. Our advanced series will focus on topics such as crafting the perfect resume and cover letter, advocacy at all ages and stages, as well as sports and recreation with sight loss. Every other Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.
Join host Kelly MacDonald as he shares a blast from the past! Listen to all the old radio shows that made the genre so popular. Everything from mystery, comedy, westerns and holiday specific shows. Sit back and enjoy! First and third Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville ON L6M 3G2
Canada
Our guest speaker, Ryan, will deliver a presentation about accessible services and programs offered by the Oakville Public Library. There will also be a short Q&A at the end of the presentation. Monday, May 6 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch.
Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville ON L6M 3G2
Canada
Accessible products are available to test and purchase by debit or credit (no cash). Monday, May 6 from 10:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch.
CNIB Winnipeg
1080 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3G 3M3
Canada
This amazing bike is available to all participants who wish to experience the sensations of cycling again; or for the very first time! The Trishaw features a spacious and comfortable carriage that can accommodate two passengers. Trishaw pilots are fully trained to ensure optimal safety for maximum fun! Trishaw is available by appointment only, when the weather allows (approximately April to September).
CF Polo Park
1485 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg MB R3G 0W4
Canada
The Walking Group provides a chance for individuals who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. Every Monday (Tuesday when there is a long weekend) from 10 to 11 a.m.
Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville ON L6M 3G2
Canada
Join Ben to learn more about CNIB's Inclusive Schools program: a new initiative designed to teach educators and students how to foster inclusion in the classroom for people who are blind or have low vision. Monday, May 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch.
Monthly restaurant location TBD
Register for details
Winnipeg MB R3G 3M3
Canada
Come out and enjoy the camaraderie of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants within Winnipeg for brunch. A different restaurant will be chosen each month.
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.
Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville ON L6M 3G2
Canada
Meet Ziggy – an Ambassador Dog with CNIB Guide Dogs. Learn more about the guide dog program including eligibility and how to register. We will end the presentation with a Q&A session. Monday, May 6 from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at the Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch.
The “Get on Board” transit campaign will take place in 12 municipalities across Canada from May 6 to June 6, 2024. Campaign activities include a secret rider survey and a Town Hall where we'll discuss our findings and the actions required to enhance accessibility on our transit system. We hope you can join us at a local town hall to share your experiences and ideas of how we can improve the accessibility of regional transit systems!
Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville ON L6M 3G2
Canada
Have you heard of Vision Loss Rehabilitation Ontario (VLR) or CNIB Deafblind Community Services (DBCS) Don't know if you should be registered with the organization, or how to? Come and join us for coffee and snacks as you learn about the programs and services offered by VLRC and DBCS. Monday, May 6 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch.