Join us! Our free programs are available to people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Below, you'll find a snapshot of programs offered across the province throughout the fall. Schedule may be subject to change. We kindly ask participants to register for programs at least one business day before the start date.
For program offerings available nationwide, explore our online calendar.
- Advocacy Programs
- Next Generation Programs
- Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs
- Peer Support Programs
- CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs
- Vision Mate
- CNIB Mobile Hub
- Community Corner
Advocacy Programs
CNIB Advocacy Team: This team amplifies the voices of people who are blind or partially sighted by raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, and inspiring change in communities across Alberta. This work cannot be done without the help of volunteers. From classrooms to city hall or speaking to corporations, our Community Engagement Volunteers provide public education and advocacy to help raise awareness about key issues facing the sight loss community and create positive change for people who are blind or low vision. If you are interested in becoming a Community Engagement Volunteer or learning more about how you can get involved, please reach out to Taylor.Bauer@cnib.ca.
CNIB Ambassador: Through CNIB Advocacy, our volunteer Ambassadors share their stories and deliver educational presentations to external groups covering topics like Blindness etiquette, Accessibility and Inclusion, Guide Dogs, Accessible Technology, Braille literacy, CNIB programs and services, and so much more. Presentations are delivered in-person or virtually to businesses, classrooms, healthcare spaces, community groups, governments, senior residences, social gatherings, workplaces, and more. Help us break down barriers by requesting a CNIB Ambassador Presentation by reaching out to Rishma.Mawani@cnib.ca.
Edmonton Election: Not every Edmontonian marks an ‘X’ in the same way. That’s why there are multiple voting options for Edmontonians who are blind, Deafblind or who have low vision. Thanks to recent changes to provincial legislation and the Election Bylaw, elector assistance terminals will be available for the 2025 Edmonton Election. Elector assistance terminals use multiple accessibility features to help voters mark a ballot, including adjustable text and contrast settings, or audible playback of names. Elector assistance terminals are available during ward-based advance voting from October 7 to 11. On Election Day (October 20), machines will be available at a single city-wide station. All voting stations will also be equipped with voting templates designed for individuals who are blind or have low vision.
If you can't get to a voting station, or if you’re away or working, you might consider a special ballot. Special ballots are available to any eligible voter, and allow you to vote from home, while travelling, or in person at the Edmonton Elections office. Special ballot applications are now open (apply online or contact the Edmonton Elections office). Packages will be sent out starting the last week of September and must be returned by Election Day. Visit the Elections Alberta website or call 1-877-422-8683. Stay connected! Follow Edmonton Elections’ social channels, and visit edmonton.ca/elections to sign up for their e-newsletter. Email any questions to elections@edmonton.ca.
Stronger Voices, Stronger Communities:
CNIB’s Mobile Hub is shifting toward a more community-driven advocacy model, and your input will help shape what that looks like in your community. We want to understand the real accessibility challenges people who are blind or low vision face every day, and how we can work together to create change. This short survey is about your experiences, ideas, and priorities. There are no right or wrong answers - just your perspective. What you share will guide our advocacy work, influence the activities we bring to future Mobile Hubs, and help us focus on the issues that matter most in your community. Take the survey here.
Next Generation (Children & Youth) Programs
AATEC Resource Alley: November 2025, date and time TBA. The AATEC Resources alley will bring together organizations dedicated to supporting children and youth with disabilities in every aspect of life—Live, Play, Work, Learn, and Tech. This interactive space brings together experts, programs, and tools to help educators, parents, and youth discover services that foster inclusion, growth, and independence.
FIRST Lego League - Kids STEM Program - Edmonton: The FIRST Lego League is a fun an exciting way to learn about Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). This program will challenge young minds to develop a Lego Spike Prime robot to complete various tasks in a competitive game. This program fosters a love of learning and promotes teamwork and having fun.
Parent Peer Group: Fourth Monday of every month, 6:30 to 8 p.m, via Zoom. Alberta Parent Peer Group brings together parents and experts for impactful discussions on topics that affect children and youth with sight loss and their families.
Youth Volunteer Group - Edmonton: Second Thursday of every month from October to April at various locations across Edmonton. This program is geared toward youth aged 14 to 21 who would like to give back to the community, gain volunteer experience, learn leadership, problem solving and delegation skills by volunteering at various locations around the city.
Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs
Audiobook Club - Calgary: First Tuesday of every month, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Teleconference. Calgary Audiobook club gets together on the first Tuesday of each month to discuss the books that we’ve read over the course of the month, highlight our favourites and give recommendations.
Beyond Sight: Hobbies, Interests, and Entrepreneurship: Beyond Sight aims to celebrate the creativity and skills of individuals with sight loss. The goal is to inspire others and highlight the diverse, fulfilling lives that individuals lead, while promoting inclusion and empowerment in the broader community. The event will feature several participants showcasing a variety of hobbies, interests, and businesses, from art and music to writers, athletes, and more! Participants will have tables to display their work, share their story, or demonstrate (and sell) their craft, creating a vibrant atmosphere where guests can explore, connect, and be inspired. For more information, please reach out to Sam Huberty at 403-614-4192 or by email at Samuela.Huberty@cnib.ca.
Calgary Café Nights: Last Friday of every month, 7 to 9 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Join us for a musical meet-up in the with a friendly bunch of people looking to connect with others! Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable music. Please note: September’s meeting, this will be held on Friday, October 4.
Calgary Music Group: Second and fourth Monday of every month, 6 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Please join us for our Calgary Music Group! Open to individuals over the age of 18 who are interested in participating and learning in a musical group setting, the focus of the group is to work together on various songs with the goals of increasing knowledge, participation and enjoyment of music. All instruments (including voice!) are welcome, but all participants must bring their own instruments to the group.
Peer Support Programs
Unless otherwise noted, please contact Sam Huberty to register or for more information at Samuela.Huberty@cnib.ca or 403-614-4192.
Airdrie Peer Support Group: Third Tuesday of every month, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hillside Church in Airdrie. Join this supportive group who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss.
Calgary Yes & BS (Your Everyday Stuff & Brainstorming): Third Thursday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. A monthly community-based support group to discuss issues relating to vision loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics.
Calgary 18-35 Peer Social Group: Last Wednesday of every month, except December, 5 to 7 p.m. at various locations. Looking to connect, have fun, and build lasting friendships? If you're between the ages of 18 and 35 and living with sight loss, this group is for you! Join us every month for a couple of hours of laughter, support, and great conversation with others who truly understand your journey. Whether you’re looking to share experiences, try something new, or just hang out, this is your space to be yourself.
Camrose Peer Support Group: Second Monday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. at Church of God in Camrose. This peer support group is for community members in the Camrose area to get together and chat about successes, struggles and resources when living with sight loss.
Cochrane Peer Support Group: Second Tuesday of the month, 5 to 7 p.m. at Cochrane Public Library. Join us to connect with others and discuss issues relating to vision loss. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics.
Edmonton Men’s Peer Support Group: Second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. Virtual and in-person options available. Join our biweekly Men's Peer Support group to discuss adapting to vision loss, learn about new technologies, and the services that CNIB must assist, and also socialize with others going through the same thing.
Edmonton Women’s Peer Support Group: First and third Thursday of each month, 1 to 3 pm at CNIB Edmonton. Join this supportive group of women who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss.
Edmonton 18-35 Group: If you are between the ages of 18-35 and would like to meet up with others in the Edmonton area, this group is for you. The group gets together once a month for a couple of hours to socialize.
Grande Prairie Peer Support Group: Last Monday of every month, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Cairn on the Boulevard. This peer support group is for community members in the Grande Prairie area to get together and chat about vision loss and their experiences.
Lethbridge Social Group: Third Monday of every month, 2 to 3 p.m. at McKillop United Church. This is a monthly community-based group to discuss issues relating to vision loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics.
Medicine Hat Peer Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. at the CORE Association. This peer support group is for community members in the Medicine Hat area to get together and chat about successes, struggles and resources when living with sight loss.
Ponoka White Caners Peer Support Group: First Wednesday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. at St. Mary's Anglican Church. This peer support group is for community members in the Ponoka area to get together and chat about vision loss and their experiences. This group does not meet in December or January.
Red Deer Peer Support Group - Visionaries: Second Wednesday of every month, 6 to 8 p.m. at ABC Country Restaurant. This group is meant to help others connect with others who are living with sight loss in the Red Deer area to chat about successes, struggles and resources when living with sight loss.
Taber Peer Support Group: Third Tuesday of every month, 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Clearview Lodge. This peer support group is for community members in the Taber area to get together and chat about vision loss and their experiences.
Western Social Meet-Up Group: Every Thursday, 10 to 11:30 a.m. via Zoom. Join us for our weekly social meet up group. We’ll get to know each other, share some good news stories, and socialize. Zoom information will be shared after registering.
Women’s Virtual Peer Support Group: Second Wednesday of every month, 7 to 8 p.m. via teleconference. Join this supportive group of women who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss.
CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs
CNIB SmartLife: Home to a myriad of accessible technologies and devices, CNIB SmartLife is an interactive retail and lifestyle experience like no other. CNIB SmartLife is committed to emboldening people with sight loss to lead independent, active lives and helping them gain access to life-changing technology. CNIB SmartLife is Canada’s largest retailer of assistive products for people with sight loss, serving over 20,000+ people a year. CNIB SmartLife offers services both online and in physical spaces, as well as a variety of accessible technology programs. All proceeds from CNIB SmartLife go to supporting CNIB’s life-changing programs for people with sight loss across Canada.
The CNIB SmartLife Tech @ Home program allows clients to borrow magnifiers or OCR devices for one week to test them out and determine if they’re a good fit. For more information about this program, please contact Curtis Ruttle; at (403) 407-1835 or Curtis.Ruttle@cnib.ca.
Amazon Alexa Versus Google Home: Thursday, October 16, 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Smart speakers and virtual assistants are rapidly becoming essential tools in our daily lives — from managing schedules and playing music to controlling smart home devices. But when it comes to choosing between Amazon Alexa and Google Home. How do you know which one best suit your needs? In this interactive workshop, we’ll dive into a hands-on comparison of the two most popular smart home ecosystems. You’ll explore the unique features, strengths, and limitations of each platform, guided by live demonstrations, real-world use cases, and Q&A.
iOS Tech Support Group: Second Thursday of every month, 5 to 6 p.m. via teleconference. This group discusses technology, specifically surrounding iOS devices – including new features, troubleshooting, apps and general new tech information.
Let's Tech About It: Thursday, October 23, 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Join a friendly, inclusive space where people of all skill levels can learn, share, and grow their tech confidence. Whether you're new to devices or curious about advanced features, this group is here to help! Each session begins with a focused topic—like new tools, features, or tech tips—followed by open Q&A for your device-related questions. Bring your smartphone, tablet, or computer questions and learn alongside peers in a supportive environment. Let’s navigate the digital world together—one device at a time!
Reading Without Walls - Exploring CELA: Thursday, November 13, 1 to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. If you’re blind or visually impaired, accessing books in traditional formats can be challenging. The Centre for Equitable Library Access (CELA) is here to help by providing a wide range of free, accessible reading materials designed specifically for readers with print disabilities.This session will guide you through how to register for CELA’s services and explore the many ways you can access books tailored to your needs. Whether you prefer braille, large print, or audiobooks, CELA offers multiple formats to make reading easier and more enjoyable.
Reading Without Walls - Exploring Libby: Thursday, December 11, 1 to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Your Free Digital Library App 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.
Tech Hotline: Clients can either call our Contact Centre or book a 1:1 virtual session with a technology specialist using the link below. Support is available on a wide range of technology-related topics. Call our Contact Centre at 1-800-563-2642 or the Online Booking Form.
Vision Mate
The Vision Mate program matches people who are blind or partially sighted with sighted volunteers who provide companionship and one-on-one assistance with everyday tasks and errands. Activities you and your match do together are based on your needs and interests! Vision Mate volunteers can assist individuals with various activities, including errands, going for walks, labelling and organizing household items, reading, or fun outings and recreational activities. Matches are made with someone who lives close to your home, school or work. Visits are typically one or two hours a week in the person’s home or another suitable place at a mutually convenient time. This program is also available virtually – with matches connecting by phone or online. For more information or to register, email Grace.ODriscoll@cnib.ca.
CNIB Mobile Hub
We want to hear from you: CNIB Alberta is looking to shift Mobile Hubs toward a more community-driven advocacy model, and your input will help shape what that looks like in your community. We want to understand the real accessibility challenges people who are blind or low vision face every day, and how we can work together to create change. This short survey is about your experiences, ideas, and priorities. What you share will guide our advocacy work, influence the activities we bring to future Mobile Hubs, and help us focus on the issues that matter most in your community. Take the survey here. For a list of confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub.
Community Corner
Calgary Blind Hockey with the Seeing Ice Dogs (ASRAB) : Every Sunday, 8 to 9:30 p.m. at the Rose Kohn Arena (502 Heritage Drive SW). Come play hockey with the Seeing Ice Dogs hockey team. No experience necessary. For people 18+, but youth can participate if parents accompany them at the arena. Sign up by contacting the Calgary Program Coordinator with your name and phone number.
Camrose Canines Blind Hockey: Camrose Canines is a blind hockey team based out of Camrose, Alberta, for all ages. Building hockey skills, teaching how to play blind hockey, and connecting individuals with different degrees of visual loss. For more information, please contact CamroseCaninesBlindHockey@gmail.com.
Edmonton SeeHawks Blind Hockey Team: Edmonton SeeHawks Blind Hockey is an organization founded in 1979. In 2022, we expanded our program to include the Edmonton Junior SeeHawks. Based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, our dedicated team of volunteers, coaches, and supporters share a common goal: to make hockey a sport that everyone can enjoy, regardless of their level of vision. Our mission is to provide an inclusive and empowering environment for individuals with visual impairments to experience the joy and camaraderie of ice hockey, promoting accessibility and breaking down barriers within the hockey community – click here for details. To register, please contact: EdmontonSeeHawks@gmail.com.
Ski for Light Canada 2026: Monday, January 26 through to Sunday February 1, 2026 in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park. Ski for Light Canada is a week-long cross-country skiing event for blind and partially sighted adults. Each blind and low-vision participant has a dedicated, trained guide with whom they ski on the trails. Registration is planned to open on September 15, 2026 and is limited.