Upcoming Events
This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
CNIB GTA Community Hub
1525 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M4T 1Z2
Canada
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.
Lions Manor Apartment
230 Strabane Ave.
Windsor ON N8Y 4V2
Canada
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.
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.
Book Club for participants in the Belleville and surrounding area for those who love to read and would like to connect with others to discuss books. The Belleville Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Come and join Linda monthly to prepare different dishes you can eat yourself or share with family and friends. For a truly interactive experience, Linda welcomes you to cook and bake along with her in the comfort of your own kitchen! With an ILS often in attendance, bring along your questions as you might just learn a new trick to help you out. Fourth Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
CNIB Winnipeg
1080 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg MB R3G 3M3
Canada
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.
CNIB Regina
2160 Broad Street
Regina SK S4P 1Y5
Canada
This peer support group is for seniors who are experiencing vision loss. The topics discussed are relevant and chosen by the group to make sure that participants are getting the information that they require to live a full life. The Regina Peer Support Group on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Regina.
Prince George & District Senior Citizens Activity Centre Society
425 Brunswick Street
Prince George BC V2L 2B7
Canada
A biweekly community-based support group for Prince George residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. This peer support group meets at the Prince George & District Senior Citizens Activity Centre Society biweekly on Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
Come together once a month for a trivia night! There will be a variety of different trivia games played. Fourth Tuesday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Newfoundland 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 Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time.
Chair yoga is a good option for anyone with injuries or with mobility issues. You will need comfortable clothing and a sturdy chair without arms or armrests for this class. Techniques include breath work, gentle movement with repetition, postures, sitting meditation and relaxation. No experience required. Chair Yoga meets every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Come join us, your hosts Kevin, David and Brian, as we resume the widely popular – Tech Talk Tuesday. In these hour-long, weekly Zoom sessions we will discuss accessible technology as well as its practical application in every day life. You don’t need to know a lot about technology: you can just listen if you like. The group consists of beginners as well as advanced users of accessible technology. All questions and ideas are welcomed. Every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.
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 7 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Join us for a virtual Lake Joe campfire with traditional campfire songs and stories. Fun for all ages!
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 (April 2 to April 30) from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Steadward Centre Located in the University of Alberta
8831 116 St NW
Edmonton AB T6G 1P7
Canada
Join CNIB in partnership with the Steadward Centre for our gentle exercise program which aims to promote the physical health of our children and youth (ages 6-12). This program will allow kids to engage in various low impact physical activities each session such as baseball/basketball, yoga, gymnastics, indoor rock climbing, dance etc. Second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 6 to 6:45 p.m. at the The Steadward Centre Located in the University of Alberta.
Karaoke is like an instant party...let's belt out some tunes together. Join us on Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
Get your creative juices flowing as we put your song ideas to music. Join us on Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. Eastern Time.
If you love books, this group is for you! This group features guest authors as well as weeks where a different genre or theme are picked. People read their choice of book on the theme and come ready to discuss. It's a great way to build your reading list and learn about what others are reading and the technology they use to access their books. Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Participants will share and support each other in this interactive peer support program. Sessions will include a variety of practical topics for managing with sight loss, such as transportation, cooking etc. This peer support group meets every Wednesday over Zoom (April 3 to April 24th) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time.
CNIB London Community Hub
171 Queens Ave Suite 101
London ON N6A 5J7
Canada
This Coffee Club is open to CNIB participants in the London area who would like to meet for laughter, information sharing, and friendly support. Join in for coffee, the chance to share and meet other people who are experiencing sight loss. Meet CNIB team members who may just pop by to say hi. Fourth Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CNIB London Community Hub.
Market Mall
2325 Preston Ave S
Saskatoon SK S7J 2G1
Canada
Physical activity is very important and a great opportunity to connect with others experiencing vision loss. The walking group is open to all adults. The Saskatoon Walking Group meets biweekly on Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Market Mall.
Each 60-75 minute session will explore a new theme; making reference to novels, poetry, articles, song lyrics, quotations, recipes, and more. From clotheslines to libraries, musical instruments, art and the landmarks of Winnipeg and Manitoba – come along on this journey of curiosities. Bi-weekly on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. CST.
This group for people who are living with sight loss and diabetes, meets monthly for conversation, sharing insights and presentations. Fourth Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
CNIB Brampton Community Hub
7700 Hurontario St #400A
Brampton ON L6Y 4M3
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.
This is a monthly discussion group intended to help highlight what is happening across the province and identify any gaps to accessibility for the sight loss community. This committee is made up of Community Engagement Volunteers who not only assist with CNIB advocacy campaigns but also do their own acts of advocacy in their communities. The group typically meets on the last Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. on Zoom.
Participate over teleconference or join us in-person at CNIB Edmonton
11150 Jasper Ave, Suite 600
Edmonton AB T5K 0C7
Canada
Join our biweekly Men's Peer Support group to discuss adapting to vision loss, learn about new technologies, and the services that CNIB has to assist, and also socialize with others going through the same thing. This is a hybrid program and participants can either join in-person at CNIB Edmonton or via teleconference. Second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m.
This group for photographers who have sight loss, comes together monthly to share their passion and recent photographs. Join in for camaraderie and tips for capturing expressive images! Fourth Wednesday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
This class is designed for all level yogis. Relaxed pace to release anxiety and calm the body. Students will be guided into meditation, breathing techniques, yoga poses and relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket, a big towel and an open mind to learn something new! Gentle Yoga runs every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Are you new to assistive technology? Want to get more out of your smart device or computer? This Zoom workshop is a 2 for 1! The first hour is devoted to structured learning – focusing on basics and beginner topics. Later on, we'll have a volunteer-led, tech-focused Q&A discussion group dealing with a wide range of questions. Come prepared to swap tips and tricks, share about your favorite apps, help one another and strengthen your own skills in the process. Join us while we figure it out – together! This technology group is hosted on Zoom on the second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time.
CNIB New Westminster Hub
10 6th St Unit 201B
New Westminster BC V3L 3C2
Canada
Raise a puppy for CNIB Guide Dogs! CNIB Guide Dogs is looking for volunteers in Metro-Vancouver to help raise our future guide dogs. Join us on Wednesday, April 24 for an information session to learn more about what's involved in becoming a puppy raiser and discover the ins and outs of of this rewarding volunteer role!
Margo Fournier Arts Centre
1010 Central Ave.
Prince Albert SK S6V 4V5
Canada
The Prince Albert Peer Support Group is for people experiencing vision loss or who are blind. This group will be facilitated by volunteer, Don Horncastle who has lived experience. The topics discussed are relevant and chosen by the group to make sure that participants are getting the information that they require to live a full life. The Prince Albert Peer Support Group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Margo Fournier Arts Centre
Lions Estevan Hall, Nicholson Centre
701 Souris Ave.
Estevan SK S4A 2A3
Canada
This group is for people who are experiencing vision loss. It would be a time to chat and discuss issues that are important to one another. The groups are a way to support those with vision loss to socialize and enjoy the company of those who understand what it is like to live with vision loss. The Estevan Peer Support Group meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Lions Estevan Hall, Nicholson Centre.
Abilities Centre Whitby
1 Jim Flaherty Street
Whitby ON L1N 0J2
Canada
This group is for residents living in and around Durham Region. We are all at different stages of vision loss and this group is an opportunity to share experiences and learn from one another. Let’s talk about our challenges, strategies we’ve developed, opportunities we’ve gained or are seeking, realizations we’ve had, etc. Last Wednesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Abilities Centre in Whitby.
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.
CNIB Sudbury Hub
1545 Regent Street, Suite 104
Sudbury ON P3E 3Z7
Canada
We are taking arts and crafts and putting a tactile twist on how people with sight loss can get involved! Come join us to let your creative talent shine. Fourth Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the CNIB Sudbury Hub.
Join us for this youth roundtable, led by Ryan Van Praet, children and youth program lead. Ryan would love to hear from you! He wants to get to know you, what your goals are, what obstacles you might be facing, and most importantly, brainstorm on how to help you get out there and live your very best, included life! We will talk about topics, such as daily living, sports and physical activity, art, school, advocacy, and whatever else is on your mind. This is a group effort, so we will respect everybody’s opinions, but we will also be very solutions focus. Wednesday, April 24 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
The music social is a themed radio-style night of music appreciation, where participants give song requests to the hosts and we listen to music, chat, and answer trivia questions together! Join us for a night of music, fun, and games! Music Social meets on the fourth Wednesday of every month from 7 to 8:30 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.
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.
Herman Prior Activity Centre
40 Royal Road N
Portage la Prairie MB R1N 1V1
Canada
CNIB is hitting the road to bring our innovative programs to life in your community! Meet the CNIB Mobile Hub – a new program delivery model where we visit your community to deliver in-person programming at no cost to you. We’d love for you to join us when we visit Portage la Prairie, Manitoba at the Herman Prior Activity Centre (40 Royal Road N, Portage la Prairie) on Thursday, April 25, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT.