Upcoming Events
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. The contest is open to primary and secondary students (grades K-12) who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision and live in Canada.
Are you currently serving on an accessibility advisory committee in your community, workplace or with an organization? CNIB is creating a new national network to connect, support, and strengthen the work of accessibility advocates across the country, and we’d love for you to be a part of it!
Time and Location TBC
TBC AB T5K 1M1
Canada
We are looking for Youth Leaders (14-21) in Calgary, Edmonton, or surrounding areas interested in getting involved with planning activities for their peers!
The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.
This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region. Please register and you will be added to the distribution list for when this comes out at the end of the month.
Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you are right! 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. Are you a child or youth (age 29 and under) who is interested in exploring the world around you and finding ways to look at all the things that are possible, instead of only the obstacle in front of you? In the I Can Club, you'll meet a group of individuals who challenge the word "Can't" with a “Yes, I can do that,“ or “How can I do that?" attitude.
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. This group is created to connect families share reliable resources and support one another.
CNIB Victoria
1675 Douglas Street – Suite 102
Victoria BC V8W 2G5
Canada
Music has a unique way of touching the heart and bringing people together. Its rhythms and melodies can be soothing, uplifting, and deeply nourishing for the soul! The CNIB Harmony Choir Program invites youth and adults who are blind or partially sighted from across Vancouver Island to experience the joy, connection, and personal expression that singing in community can offer. Every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria.
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. Song Bingo Game Night meets on Zoom on alternating Friday's from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.
Seven Oaks Mall
32900 South Fraser Way #201
Abbotsford BC V2S 5A1
Canada
A community-based support group for Abbotsford area residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. First Saturday of every month from 11am to 2 p.m. at the Seven Oaks Mall (32900 South Fraser Way #201, Abbotsford).
CNIB Winnipeg
1080 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg MB R3G 3M3
Canada
Introducing CNIB Discovery Saturdays! Each month we will explore different skill areas to expand our horizons and connect with peers. Skills we will explore include art, technology, sports and more! This program is for younger children in grades 1 to 5. We will have a combination of days in the office as well as outings. Discovery Saturdays will now be offered 2 times monthly, typically on the first and third Saturday of the month (dependent on holidays) at CNIB Winnipeg.
CNIB GTA Community Hub
1525 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M4T 1Z2
Canada
Inclusive Momentum and CNIB would like to invite community members of all ages to attend a series of training workshops for solving the accessible Rubik’s Cube. Attendees will meet in person for up to 21 weekly Sunday sessions (beginning January 18) from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB GTA Community Hub (1525 Yonge Street, Toronto).
CNIB Winnipeg
1080 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg MB R3G 3M3
Canada
The walking group provides a chance for community members who are blind or have low vision to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. This group meets every Monday (Tuesday when there is a long weekend) from 10 to 11 a.m.
Monthly restaurant location TBD
Register for details
Winnipeg MB R3G 3M3
Canada
Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants 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 favourite 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.
CNIB Edmonton
10111 112 Street NW
Edmonton AB T5K 1M1
Canada
If you are between the ages of 18-35 and would like to meet up with others this group is for you. The Edmonton 18-35 Peer Group meets every other month for a couple of hours to support each other and have fun!
Keep curious and engaged with lifelong learning. In this monthly session we will be inviting special guests and experts to inform and inspire us on a variety of interesting topics! Join us the first Monday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
We’re excited to offer two amazing yoga classes, each designed to suit different needs and abilities. Whether you're new to yoga or seeking a gentle, mindful practice, we have something for you! All classes are held via Zoom, making it easy to join from the comfort of your home.
Curl up with a cozy drink and let your heart be warmed! Join us for a relaxing evening of uplifting stories from the beloved Chicken Soup book series. Our wonderful volunteer, Vanessa, will read short, inspiring tales that are perfect for unwinding, smiling, and feeling connected - all from the comfort of home. Good stories! Good vibes! Great company! First Monday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.
his class is all about making yoga accessible to everyone, no matter your experience or physical ability. You’ll move at your own pace, with support for breathwork and mindfulness throughout. Every Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
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! Every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children 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.
CNIB Winnipeg
1080 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg MB R3G 3M3
Canada
If you enjoy attending live theatre performances such as Prairie Theatre Exchange, Rainbow Stage, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and more, this group will be of interest for you. We will be attending various venues to enjoy live theatre productions that have audio-described services.
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.
Missing those coffee meetups with friends and the social connection they bring? We’re here to keep the conversation going! Now that we’ve connected, let’s stay in touch, share inspiring stories, and exchange practical tips and successes with others navigating life with sight loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
This group gets together monthly to discuss books they are reading and recommendations. First Tuesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mountain Time on Zoom.
Having trouble with your technology or curious about exploring something new? Join our discussion group for individuals with sight loss, where we come together to ask for help, swap tips and tricks, share favorite apps, and support one another. Whether you're contributing or simply listening in, you'll strengthen your skills in the process. First and third Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Wall Street United Church
5 Wall Street
Brockville ON K6V 4R8
Canada
The Brockville VIP Group is a social support group for people living with vision loss in the Brockville area. Join us for coffee or tea and a light snack to socialize and connect with others who are living with vision loss. First Tuesday of every month (September to June) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the Wall Street United Church
CNIB London Community Hub
171 Queens Ave., Suite 101
London ON N6A 5J7
Canada
Join us for a hands-on session where we bake or cook something delicious together. These sessions are a fun way to build confidence, try new recipes, and keep your independent living skills fresh and up to date. Tuesday, April 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the CNIB London Community Hub (171 Queens Ave., Suite 101, London).
Vernon Library | ORL Branch
2800 30th Ave.
Vernon BC V1T 8S3
Canada
Join us for Tech Primer Café, a welcoming monthly gathering designed to support individuals with vision loss in learning and exploring assistive technology. These sessions focus on building confidence, independence, and practical tech skills. First Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Vernon Library ORL Branch (2800 30th Ave., Vernon) Community Room, Second Floor.
Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children 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.
Youth ages 10 to 16 who enjoy reading from the wealth of fantasy authors, past and present who have entertained us with tales of wizards, warriors, magic, and mystery are encouraged to join this monthly group. We will discuss some familiar books and authors and hopefully learn about many new ones. First Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Gather 'round for campfire, a cozy and inclusive event for families to come together and enjoy the magic of camp traditions...no tents required! This group meets Tuesdays, 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
Adjustment to Sight Loss (A2SL) is a 7-week virtual series where participants connect with others who are either new to sight loss or who have been living with it for some time and are now coming to terms with it. Hosted by Laura Bain and Natalie Fougere, these sessions will cover topics including mental health and sight loss, communication, advocacy, and independent living skills. The Adjustment to Sight Loss program is designed to give participants “tools for their toolbelt” as they continue their personal journey.
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
Discover the power of lived experience! Join the Flip Side to listen, learn, and be inspired by CNIB staff and clients who share their personal stories of navigating life with sight loss. These honest, uplifting conversations offer insight, encouragement, and plenty of “you’re not alone” moments. Come for the stories, leave feeling inspired and connected. Second Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.
Book some time to play today! Join us on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
CNIB Ottawa Community Hub
425 Marché Way, Suite 104
Ottawa ON K1S 5H6
Canada
Come and join us at the Ottawa Hub for some Yoga. We aim to teach poses, correct positioning and build on the skills each week. Every Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.
CNIB Edmonton
10111 112 Street NW
Edmonton AB T5K 1M1
Canada
Join our monthly 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.Second Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton.
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! Second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.
We’re excited to offer two amazing yoga classes, each designed to suit different needs and abilities. Whether you're new to yoga or seeking a gentle, mindful practice, we have something for you! All classes are held via Zoom, making it easy to join from the comfort of your home.
Join Stela in exploring different art forms and let your creative side shine through on alternating Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
The advocacy volunteers are people who are blind or partially sighted, their friends or family, or anyone who has a connection to the mission and wants to make a difference in their community. They are self-starters who can bring together community and drive local grassroots campaigns as well as support national advocacy issues in their region through collaborating with others. Second Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Central Time on Zoom.
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. Second Wednesday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. via teleconference.
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.
Stratford indoor walking track
234 Shakespeare Dr
Stratford PE C1B2V8
Canada
Join us every Thursday morning for our weekly walking group—a great way to get your steps in while connecting with new friends! Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Stratford indoor walking track (234 Shakespeare Dr, Stratford).
Brant Hills Community Centre, Community Room 1
2255 Brant Street
Burlington ON L7P 5C8
Canada
The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Burlington, Ontario on Thursday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brant Hills Community Centre (2255 Brant Street, Burlington), Community Room 1.
Ben Franklin Place
101 Centrepointe Drive
Nepean ON K2G 5K7
Canada
Join us to attend a special Touch Tour Airspace: Art of the Landfill by Jordan Danger, her newest exhibition. This art exhibition is made up of 15 pieces, with half of those being sculptures, and half of those being highly textural hanging canvasses. Almost all of these pieces are a treat to touch, not just to look at. Thursday, April 9 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Ben Franklin Place (101 Centrepointe Drive, Nepean).
Algoma After Sight is a welcoming virtual and in-person peer support group designed for individuals living with sight loss in the Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma district. Second Thursday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. 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 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Community Hub.