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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The CNIB KnitWits are a group of people who meet biweekly to discuss and share knitting related topics. We share patterns, chat about life in general, and support each other with tips and tricks to enhance our knitting and life skills with vision loss. Biweekly on Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

If you need some tips on using your iPhone or iPad, CNIB Thunder Bay hosts a monthly drop-in session where a team of volunteer tech coaches are available to help you learn about your iOS accessible features. Fourth Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay.

A peer support group for people who are blind or partially sighted to learn from and connect to others who understand their experiences. Come and share tips and tricks with other participants relevant to your community and connect with local resources. This group is for people with sight loss living in the Sault Ste. Marie/Algoma district. Second and fourth Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. on Zoom or telephone.

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. 

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.

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.

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. Accessible Technology Monthly Q&A Calgary meets on the last Thursday of every month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary.

Discover the art of woodturning and what it’s all about. No experience required! Volunteers will be on hand to show you the fundamentals and help to create a beautiful project.  Last Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Hub.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

If you are a youth between the ages 14-21 in the Northern Alberta region and you would like to give back to the community, gain volunteer experience, learn leadership, problem solving and delegation skills, join our youth leadership and volunteer group! Second and fourth Thursday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton.

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.

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.

If you are between the ages of 18-30 yrs and would like to meet up with others this group is for you.  Meet at CNIB Calgary to socialize and participate in activities. Last Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Calgary.

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. 

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.

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. 

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. 

It is music to our ears! Join Elle McAndrews of CORE music therapy and take part in all aspects of music. This virtual program is suitable for children and youth ages 5-16 with sight loss and additional needs (including but not limited to: speech delay, motor impairment, cognitive delay/impairment). Open to participants residing across Alberta/NWT. Saturday, April 27 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Zoom.

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).

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.

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.

Accessible yoga for most skill levels from the comfort of your home. Check out accessible yoga if you are looking for a classic yoga class with descriptive prompts. Designed for people with vision loss, the instructor will verbally walk you through all the poses and movements. Please bring a yoga mat, a bottle of water, and your breath! Accessible Yoga meets every Monday from  5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join CNIB and the Dunlop Art Gallery to create different art projects! If you are interested in being on the program. Dates are announced monthly. Supplies can also be mailed out to individuals prior to the sessions so that you have all the materials you will need. Art Nights meets on the last Monday of every month from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at CNIB Regina.

Love cooking or would love to know more about cooking? Join this group to share ideas, tips, tricks and the joy of cooking and baking! Let's Talk Cooking meets on Zoom, every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

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.

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. This peer support group is for community members in the Grande Prairie area to get together and chat about vision loss and their experiences. Last Monday of every month from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Cairn on the Boulevard. 

The Round Table is a Hamilton based group offering friendly conversation and encouragement. It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support. The Round Table meets every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Zoom with one in-person meeting every month. 

The informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize and meet new people. It is a very warm and welcoming group of regulars and newcomers. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom. 

Join us for conversation, laughter, and a chance to reminisce about your favourite CNIB Lake Joe memories. Pour yourself a coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, login and connect with your friends from Lake Joe. Coffee Break meets every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

Are you craving that social interaction you normally get from going for coffee with friends ? We are here to keep the virtual conversation going post pandemic! Since we've gotten to know each other, lets stay connected and share some good news stories, discuss practical tips and successes with others living with vision loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

If you are in the Toronto area and are looking for conversation, support and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist. This peer social group will meet in-person at the CNIB GTA Community Hub.

If you are in the Windsor area and are looking for conversation, support and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist. This group will meet in-person once a month at Lions Manor Apartments.

A monthly technology group on assistive devices for Kingston-area participants. Last Tuesday of every month from 12 to 2 p.m at CNIB Kingston.

Want to get the most out of your new iPhone or iPad? Apple’s smart devices are full of handy accessibility features, from magnification to screen reading! CNIB SmartLife is hosting a series where we show you what you can do with your device and customize it for your unique needs. Two sessions to choose from! Weekly workshops are offered every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

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 changing what it means to be blind. Every Tuesday (April 23 to May 21) from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. 

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. Brandon Connects meets on the last Tuesday of every month  from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Location TBC.

If you are interested in engaging in recreational activities this group my be for you. Location will vary month to month depending on the activity. Details will be given prior to the event. Last Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m.