Technology Programs

CNIB SmartLife Coach, Sara Salo, and technology volunteers are here to help participants get familiarized with SmartLife Assistive Technology, to assist with making smartphones and tablets more accessible and to recommend and offer demos on accessibility apps. Online training is also available upon request. Appointments are available Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay.

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.

Join hosts Kevin and Brian for 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 everyday 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.

Tech Connect is an interactive, engaging and educational program where participants discuss different technologies/apps that can help make life a bit easier! Participants will learn about technologies other participants use and you are then able to ask questions to get help with your own technology/apps. Second Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom. 

If you need help with your iOS device or just want to talk tech join our group to learn more or share your expertise!  Second Tuesday of the month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. via teleconference.

In Let's Tech About It, participants are invited to bring their questions, challenges, and curiosity about everyday devices—smartphones, tablets, computers, and more. It’s a space where we learn together, share tips, and help each other navigate the ever-evolving world of technology. From troubleshooting common issues to discovering new tools and gadgets, this group offers a supportive environment for everyone. Let's Tech About It meets on the fourth Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Calgary.

Join us for these ongoing events designed to enhance your assistive tech skills and independence! The Lower Mainland SmartLife Tech Cafe meets on the third Thursday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. (except April, July, October & January​​​​​​​) at CNIB New Westminster (610 6th St Unit 201B, New Westminster). 

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 Tuesday of every month from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Smartphones, apps, wearables and other innovative digital tools are game changers in every part of life for people who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision. Are you having challenges with using your technology or do you simply have questions about something new? Learn how technology can enhance your life! Come join us for a Tech Cafe Primer at CNIB Victoria. Each session includes a mix of structured learning, small group discussions, and one-on-one support. We'll share tips, tricks, and plenty of laughs along the way. Third Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time at the CNIB Victoria Hub (102-1675 Douglas Street, Victoria).

Join CNIB for a monthly tech drop-in to learn new skills and get support using your mobile devices and tips and tricks for using AI. This in-person program is open to anyone in the Ottawa area looking for guidance with mobile technology and how AI such as ChatGPT and Meta glasses can be of assistance. Coffee and tea will be available. First Wednesday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern at the CNIB Ottawa Hub. 

Unlock the power of iPhone for accessibility! From web browsing and reading print to navigation, audiobooks, and more, iPhones offer powerful tools for people who are blind or have low vision. With built-in accessibility features and countless apps, these devices can be tailored to your needs. In this hands-on series, you’ll learn how to: navigate your device with confidence, use VoiceOver and Siri, customize low vision settings, and explore new features in iOS 26. Every Tuesday from November 18 to December 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Unlock the power of iPhone for accessibility! From web browsing and reading print to navigation, audiobooks, and more, iPhones offer powerful tools for people who are blind or have low vision. With built-in accessibility features and countless apps, these devices can be tailored to your needs. In this hands-on series, you’ll learn how to: navigate your device with confidence, use VoiceOver and Siri, customize low vision settings, and explore new features in iOS 26. Every Tuesday from November 18 to December 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time at CNIB Bayview – Room 218B (1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto). 

Unlock the key to success and peace of mind through organization—no matter where you are in life! Are you aware of the cutting-edge technology designed to support your personal organizational needs? Discover how accessible technology can transform your daily routines! Tuesday, December 9 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at  the Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre (1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto). 

Tech It Out is our monthly afternoon session where CNIB Tech Lead Steve MacInnes and Tech Mate volunteer Dave spotlight a different type of technology each month. This November, they’ll look at a few of the newest apps for IOS and Android designed to help those living with vision loss. Everyone’s welcome, no experience needed! This December, they’ll take a festive approach to tech for the holidays. From last minute gift ideas to fun apps and websites to enhance your holiday experience. Everyone’s welcome, no experience needed! Everyone’s welcome, no experience needed! Tuesday, December 9 from 2 to 3 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom. 

For your shopping convenience, the Smart Life Centre in Halifax is trialing a monthly evening and weekend where our Smart Life Centre will be open for sales. Tuesday, December 9 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 13 from 10 to 2 p.m.

Unlock the key to success and peace of mind through organization—no matter where you are in life! Are you aware of the cutting-edge technology designed to support your personal organizational needs? Discover how accessible technology can transform your daily routines! Tuesday, December 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. at CNIB SmartLife, CNIB Edmonton (10111 112 St NW, Edmonton).

Unlock the key to success and peace of mind through organization—no matter where you are in life! Are you aware of the cutting-edge technology designed to support your personal organizational needs? Discover how accessible technology can transform your daily routines! Tuesday, December 9 from 1 to 2 p.m.  at CNIB SmartLife, CNIB Calgary (10 11A St. NE, Calgary).

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.

For your shopping convenience, the Smart Life Centre in Halifax is trialing a monthly evening and weekend where our Smart Life Centre will be open for sales. Tuesday, December 9 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 13 from 10 to 2 p.m.

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.

Want to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines anytime, anywhere? Libby makes it easy to access thousands of library titles right from your smartphone, tablet, or computer—completely free with your library card. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to download, set up, and navigate the Libby app so you can start borrowing digital books right away. Whether you’re new to eBooks or a seasoned audiobook listener, this workshop covers all the essentials to help you get the most out of your library’s digital collection. Thursday, January 8 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time on Zoom.

Join us at the Kelowna CNIB Hub for our monthly events designed to empower individuals with vision loss! Each welcoming session offers hands-on opportunities to explore assistive technology and build greater independence. Third Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna (460 Doyle Ave., Unit 106, Kelowna).

Would you like to sit down with a coffee and a pal to learn the tech that will make vision loss easier? Come join us for a Tech Cafe Primer. We’ll spend some time “in class" followed by some 1:1 work and group learning. We'll share some learning - and some laughs - together! Third  Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Q3 Creative Business Hub.