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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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Shared Visions – Creative Arts Meetup

Join this monthly professional development and awareness session and learn about other part-time, full-time, or freelance artists and performers who experience low vision and blindness. Sessions will rotate guest speakers in the areas of music, performing arts and theatre or visual/tactile arts. Attendees will meet on the first Tuesday of each month (excluding June/July/August) from 7:30 p.m.  to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
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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.
CNIB Learning academy logo. A graphic-art illustration of a smiling face/icon wearing a graduation cap with white accents. Text: CNIB Learning Academy

SCORE Scholars (grades 11, 12 & first year of post-secondary)

Put down the textbooks and join CNIB this summer for this unique all-expenses-paid opportunity! This transformational experience will provide you with an edge in your academic and job-seeking goals. Discover and explore your potential through educational and empowering activities while connecting with like-minded peers. SCORE Scholars programming helps participants build essential leadership, independence, pre-employment, and social skills. We’ll explore the city of Toronto by visiting restaurants and local attractions.Accommodations and programming will take place at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus from July 19 – August 2, 2025. Application deadline is April 14, 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!
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I Can...Run (In-Person and Virtual)

Run, walk or hike! Take on the "I Can...." run challenge in 2025! Led by Ryan Van Praet, an Ironman Triathlete and endurance athlete, and Jenn Flemke, Triathlon Ontario Coach of the Year in 2024, this program will be a virtual "learn-to-run" style program. Grab a pair of running shoes, convince a friend to join you or even learn to guide you! The I Can...Run 10-week challenge begins February 10 and ends April 19, 2025. 
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Youth Improv Club

Ready to practice your wit? Join fellow theatre enthusiasts and find your fit at Youth Improv Club. Practice improvising in a monthly online group, where we will use prompts and play games together. Develop your skills of saying "Yes, and..." in order to work through scenes. Bring your creativity, ideas, and readiness to try new things. This virtual group will provide a platform to pitch a new bit, connect with others, and elevate your confidence in improv. The Youth Improv Club meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
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I Can…Club Newsletter

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. 
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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 Room for Kids is turning into a Fairy Tale Factory! Join Teaching Artist and Oboist, Joey Salvalaggio on an exploration of the world tradition of fairy tales and nursery rhymes and how they are represented in music. From the familiar to the obscure, from Jack in the Beanstalk to Baba Yaga, these sessions take you on a journey around the world, exploring different cultures and music. But a visit from Mr. Joey wouldn't be complete without creating our own brand new fairy tale classic that will endure for years to come. Every Wednesday from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time 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. 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.
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Early Years Speaker Series – April

Join the Early Years Digital Literacy Project team and other industry partners for an exciting series of presentations. Topics will focus on supporting the learning and development of children who are blind or low vision, between the ages of 2-6 who are living in Canada. April Session: We'll welcome Eugene Chong, General Manager, CNIB Lake Joe for a combination info session and focus group. Learn about the programs that Lake Joe offers and help us learn what would be of interest to you as we look to expand our programming to offer an early years families only get-away weekend.
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CNIB Scholarships – Information Session (April 2025)

Join us on April 22 for a virtual information session where we’ll outline available scholarships, eligibility criteria, review the application process and deadlines, and answer any burning questions that you may have. 
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Accessible Easter Egg Hunts Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon

Join CNIB for accessible Easter egg hunts in Ottawa, Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon. In this adapted version of a fun Easter tradition, children and youth who are blind or have low vision (and their families) search for large hidden eggs that emit audible beeping sounds. 
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!
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Ontario Parents of Visually Impaired Children (OPVIC)

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.