Child & Family Services
This section outlines the various programs, camps, and other special events offered to children, youth and families.
For your convenience, we have classified our Child and Family Services into the following categories:
Edmonton and Area
NEW: Parent and Tot Time
Drop by for a visit
Stop by the Toy Lending Library during our weekly drop-in time to check out our exciting new toys, have fun and play with your peers! Coffee and light refreshments will be provided for parents while the children explore and play! It is a great way for kids and parents alike to socialize and connect with one another. Siblings are welcome.
Date: Wednesday mornings
Ages: Birth to 18 years
Time: 10:30am - 12:00pm
Location: CNIB – Edmonton Children’s Centre (12010 Jasper Avenue)
Quick Updates
- Join our community of families on the Family Contact List. To add your name please request a consent form.
- Would you like to see a parent information session on a certain topic? Please let us know your ideas so we can expand and broaden our offered activities.
- Check out the Vision Alberta website at www.vision.alberta.ca for information on upcoming workshops and helpful resources.
- Are you looking for funding for a music program? Please contact the Brail Tone Music Society (780-448-1807) for more information on available funding.
- CareerConnect Canada, a new online employment networking and mentoring program offered in partnership with the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is now available. Please visit www.cnib.ca/careerconnect to begin connecting with a mentor.
- CNIB Alberta is creating a Youth Advisory Council to ensure that current initiatives, new programs and CNIB policies are reflective and responsive to the needs of youth who are blind, deafblind, or partially sighted.
- Grande Prairie Clients: watch for a fun recreation event on March 14th, 2012. Come connect with your peers in the Grande Prairie area! Please contact CNIB for more information.
Winter 2012 Play Group
Music and Me
Join us as we play instruments, sing, move, and learn about various concepts! Lots of noise and lots of fun! This is a registered program and participants will be required to commit to all sessions. Siblings are welcome. **Please RSVP by January 20, 2012.
Dates: February 10, 24, March 9, 23, April 6, 20, 2012
Time: 10:00am - 11:00am
Location: CNIB Edmonton Children's Centre
Winter 2012 Special Events
Sensory Safari: A Tactile Museum Experience
Come and join us at the Royal Alberta Museum for a day of fun exploring animals from all over the world. Feel the fur of a lion, see how tall a bear can be, and test your courage with some great (live?) bugs! This event is for clients of all ages. Friends and family are welcome!
Date: Saturday, March 3, 2012
Time: 10:00am - 3:00pm
Location: Royal Alberta Museum 12845 102 Avenue
Parent Information Evening: Adaptive Sports and Recreation
Please join us as the Alberta Sports and Recreation Association for the Blind (ASRAB) presents on sports and recreational opportunities for blind and partially sighted individuals. Come learn about ASRAB, adaptive sports equipment, various sports and recreation programs, and ways to help your child be a healthier, more active individual. **Please RSVP by April 6, 2012.
Date: Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: CNIB Edmonton
Weekend in the Woods
Join CNIB for a Weekend in the Woods, our fifth leadership retreat for blind, partially sighted, or deafblind young people aged 15-20. Who should attend? Youth who want to become leaders in their community, challenge themselves, and try new things. All participants should be independent in their self care, personal hygiene, and travel. Contact CNIB for more information and application packages.
Date and Location: TBA, May 2012
**Registration is required as low numbers will result in cancellation of the event.
For more information or to register contact Samantha Nitchie at 780-453-8332 samantha.nitchie@cnib.ca
Calgary and Area
Child and Family Resources
CNIB Toy Lending Library
Stop by and check out our new and exciting toys for children with vision loss! We are constantly updating our library, so be sure to come by often to see what’s new. Please note that items may be loaned for one month at a time. Please return toys or resources on time as they need to be shared with a large group. For information on our Toy Lending Library please call Aimee at 403-261-7222.
Hours of Operation:
Calgary Hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. Please check in with the receptionist when you arrive.
Lethbridge office hours: Please call 403-327-1044.
Red Deer office hours: Please call 403-346-0037
Medicine Hat office hours: Please call 403- 527- 2211
Calgary Calendar of Events 2011-2012:
The following groups are open to clients, their siblings, parents, and service providers. Children of all abilities can participate. Participants are asked to register at least two weeks prior to the group. Only those registered will be informed of changes in the schedule or topic.
Back by popular demand: MUSIC THERAPY GROUP with jb music therapy inc.
For children 0-5 years old. CNIB Calgary office.
Dates: October 5, November 2, November 30, January 11, February 1, March 7, April 4, May 9*, June 6*.
*May and June group facilitated by children's department staff.
Time: 10:15 start time. 1 hour in duration.
Preschool Skills group:
For children 2.5-5 years old. Will be occurring monthly.
10am and 1:30pm.
Special Opportunity: Tactile Quilts
Objective: Learn how to make a tactile quilt and the uses of tactile quilts for children who are blind or partially sighted.
Open to: Parents, grandparents, other family members, caregivers, and those whose passion is quilting/sewing.
Please let us know if you are interested in this event.
To RSVP for the above event(s), or if you have any questions please contact Aimee Evans at 403-261-7222 or aimee.evans@cnib.ca.
This publication is designed to be a resource for children and youth with vision loss and their families. Although not a comprehensive listing, this guide highlights many of the services and resources available to Alberta families.