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Children and Youth Programs

Growing up with sight loss can bring practical, emotional, and social challenges. Learn how our children and youth programs can help with navigating these developmental stages.

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Read Aloud to Me: Stories for Children

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.
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Zoom Room for Kids

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. 
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Music for Kids – Tuesday Session

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. 
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Tween Zoom Hangout

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.
An illustration of two music notes.

Music for Kids – Monday Session

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.
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Community Voices

CNIB Learning Academy invites youth who are blind or have low vision, parents, and educators to join us for Community Voices, an opportunity to learn from adults living with blindness.  Each month we will hear from a different guest speaker living with blindness who will share their lived experience in high school, post-secondary education, building a career, and social aspects of sight loss. Following the presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. Last Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. Eastern on Zoom.

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Scribes and Sorcerers Youth Fantasy Book Club

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. First Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
CNIB Learning academy logo. A graphic-art illustration of a smiling face/icon wearing a graduation cap with white accents. Text: CNIB Learning Academy

Youth Job Club

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 program will help participants prepare for their first summer or part-time job Virtual sessions are hosted biweekly on Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom. 
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I Can...But How?

This youth peer group is a new, exciting, solutions-focused nationwide meetup. The program is open to youth (Grades 8-12) who are interested in a fun, positive and productive group that can help tackle everyday questions and problems that you may face on your vision loss journey.  As a group we will turn every "I can't" into an "I can!" First Thursday of every month from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Zoom.
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Braille Quest – a fun braille literacy program!

Braille Quest – a fun braille literacy program (with prizes!) Use your braille skills at home or school to complete fun challenges including crafts and creative writing! Do a few Braille Quest activities, or do them all! Do as many activities as you like from January 15 – March 15, 2025.
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Youth Employment Empowerment Series

Join CNIB Alberta’s Children and Youth & Come to Work departments for the new Youth Employment Empowerment Series! Learn about all aspects of employment over this 5-part interactive workshop series, like: self-advocacy, accommodations, the application process, resume building, and much more!
CNIB Learning academy logo. A graphic-art illustration of a smiling face/icon wearing a graduation cap with white accents. Text: CNIB Learning Academy

CNIB Learning Academy

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. 
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The ABCs of IOS Manual

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.
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CNIB Early Years Digital Literacy Project

CNIB is currently seeking children (ages 2-6) who are blind or low vision to participate in an exciting new research project focused on building digital literacy skills and technology competencies. As a part of the project, participants will receive an iPad at no cost, which they can keep once the project concludes. Learn more about the project and how to get involved!