Join us! Our free programs are available to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Below, you'll find a snapshot of programs offered across the province throughout the winter. 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
- Children & Youth Programs
- Peer Support Programs
- CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs
- Vision Mate
- Special Events
- CNIB Mobile Hub
- Community Corner
Advocacy Programs
Book a Presentation - Ambassador Program: 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.
CNIB Advocacy: The CNIB Advocacy 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
Supporting a Loved One with Sight Loss - A Practical Allyship Workshop: Tuesday, April 21, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Do you have a friend or family member with sight loss and want to feel more confident supporting them? Join us for a friendly, informative workshop designed specifically for loved ones. In this session, we’ll explore what sight loss really means, discuss practical ways to offer support, and share tips on being a strong ally, at home, in public, and in moments that matter. Whether you’re new to sight loss or looking to deepen your understanding, this workshop will give you the tools, insight, and confidence to help your loved one thrive.
Children & Youth Programs
We kindly ask participants to register for programs at least one business day.
Northern Alberta Programs
Edmonton Beeping Eggs Accessible Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 28, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at TELUS World of Science (11211 142 St NW, Edmonton). The Beeping Eggs Hunt is back and we are excited to announce that Beeping Eggs 2026 will be hosted indoors at the TELUS World of Science! Join CNIB, ASVI, Edmonton Police Services and Edmonton Police Foundation as we partner for a fun, accessible, and family-friendly Easter egg hunt experience. Here, children will search for beeping eggs in a safe, fun and inclusive environment. This event is specially designed to ensure children with sight loss can independently participate in a fun easter tradition surrounded by activities, treats and science themed fun! For CNIB Participants ages 0-21 and their families.
Regional Youth Planning Committee (Edmonton): Third Monday of every month, 5 to 6 p.m. via Zoom. We are looking for Youth Leaders (14-21) in getting involved with planning activities for their peers! To register, contact Sabrina Shaw at Sabrina.Shaw@cnib.ca or (587) 930-1558.
Southern Alberta Programs
Alt-Route 2026 - Accessible Skateboarding: Dates and times TBA at The Compound YYC (4303 9 St SE, Calgary). Alt Route is proud to present the second year of our new, fully structured Accessible Skateboarding Summer Camp! Unlike any program Alt Route has offered before, this multi-session camp has been carefully designed based on participant feedback. It features skilled, certified coaches and aims to help participants develop new skills or build on existing ones in a supportive, fun, and inclusive environment. This program is crafted to challenge and empower you in a safe, supportive environment. Each session will offer new learning opportunities, and we’ll wrap up with a community event where participants can build community and showcase their progress! Please fill out the registration link to receive updates on dates and to receive the registration form when it's officially released; space is limited, so sign up early to avoid missing out!
Calgary Beeping Eggs Accessible Easter Egg Hunt: Saturday, March 28, 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Easter is fast approaching! Join CNIB, the Calgary Police Service, and the Calgary Police Youth Foundation as we partner to deliver an adapted version of this fun Easter tradition. Search for oversized 3D printed Easter eggs and emit a loud beeping sound- making it easier to find without vision. Families can also look forward to treats, games, a petting zoo filled with a variety of animals, and more! For many of the kids joining, this is their first chance to fully participate in an Easter egg hunt, a rite of passage and annual tradition for many sighted children. It's a chance for kids with sight loss to enjoy the holiday and to just be kids! Please register each child that will be attending.
Regional Youth Planning Committee (Calgary): Every third Monday via Zoom or in-person at CNIB Calgary. We are looking for Youth Leaders (14-21) in Calgary, or surrounding areas interested in getting involved with planning activities for their peers!
Province Wide Programs
AATEC Youth Summit Planning Committee: Date and time TBD via Zoom. The Youth Summit Planning Committee is a dedicated team of youth leaders, supported by AATEC and CNIB, who lead the vision and execution of Alberta’s annual Youth Summit. This committee of youth will shape the theme and overall experience to ensure the summit reflects the real needs, interests, and voices of youth with sight loss. If you are interested, register today!
Access to Education Summit - Empowering the Next Generation: The Alberta Access to Education, in collaboration with CNIB, is thrilled to invite you to our third annual summit, Empowering the Next Generation. This 2-day hybrid event was designed specifically to highlight existing resources and programs that will support the empowerment of children & youth with sight loss across Canada. Returning this year, the Youth Summit will once again take place alongside the main information sessions. Created by and for youth with sight loss, this youth-led experience will focus on empowerment, leadership, and strengthening community connections.
Day 1: Saturday, May 23rd, 1 to 6 p.m. via Zoom and in-person at CNIB Calgary. Community BBQ will follow at 6 to 8 p.m.
Day 2: Sunday, May 24th, 10 to 4:15 p.m. via Zoom and in-person at CNIB Calgary.
Alberta Parent Peer Group: Every fourth Monday, 6:30 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Come together with other parents and experts for impactful discussions on topics that affect children and youth with sight loss and their families.
Peer Support Programs
Northern Alberta Peer Groups
Adjustment to Sight Loss: Wednesdays starting April 8th to May 20th from 10 a.m. to noon. The Adjustment to Sight Loss 7-week formal peer support program is a CNIB volunteer-led group for individuals who are blind or have low vision. The program platform is for participants to gain information, provide mutual support, and exchange valuable insights. It is an opportunity to connect with others who are navigating similar life experiences related to the adjustment of sight loss. Contact Dayna at Dayna.Fox@cnib.ca to register.
Camrose Support Group: Second Monday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. 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.
Edmonton Indigenous Peer Group: April 25th, May 24th, and June 28th, 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. This program is designed to provide support for Indigenous people who are blind or partially sighted through traditional teachings and empowerment in a safe, welcoming environment. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in accessible land-based learning, engage with facilitators from a variety of backgrounds, and build meaningful relationships within their community. The program will meet in person once a month, creating ongoing opportunities to connect through Indigenous ways of knowing.
Edmonton Men’s Support Group: Join our monthly Men's Peer Support group to discuss adapting to vision loss, learn about new technologies, and the services that CNIB must assist, and socialize with others going through the same thing. This meeting is on the Second Wednesday of each month, 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB office.
Edmonton Women’s Support Group (In Person): Join this supportive group of women who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss. This group meets on the First and third Thursday of each month, 1 to 3 p.m. 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. To register, contact Janessa Wood, Indigenous Community Coordinator, Janessa.Wood@cnib.ca.
Grande Prairie Support Group: Last Monday of every month, 6 to 8:30 p.m. This peer support group is for community members in the Grande Prairie area to get together and chat about vision loss and their experiences.
Ponoka Support Group: First Wednesday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. 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 and January.
Sherwood Park Peer Support Group: Every third Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. This group is a welcoming space for people who are blind or partially sighted to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Through monthly gatherings, members can build friendships, exchange practical tips for living with vision loss, and enjoy meaningful conversations in a supportive environment.
Spruce Grove Peer Support Group: Every third Tuesday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. This is a supportive gathering where members can connect, share experiences, and encourage one another. Whether you’re looking for community, understanding, or simply a place to talk, you’ll find a warm and welcoming space here.
St. Albert Peer Support Group: Every fourth Thursday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m. This is a welcoming space for people who are blind or partially sighted to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Through monthly gatherings, members can build friendships, exchange practical tips for living with vision loss, and enjoy meaningful conversations in a supportive environment.
Southern Alberta Peer Groups
Airdrie Peer Support Group: Third Tuesday of the month, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Hillside Church. Join this supportive group who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss. Airdrie Peer Group will be at the Hillside Church in Airdrie, on the third Tuesday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. For registration details please contact Sam Huberty.
Calgary Café Night: Friday, March 27 & May 29, 6 to 8:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Welcome to our CNIB Café Night! Join us for an evening of great company, live music, coffee and snacks at the Calgary CNIB office. Listen to our talented volunteer band or participate during our open mic portion of the evening, we’d be so happy to have you!
Calgary Social Tea: First Thursday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Welcome to our CNIB Calgary Social Tea! Join us for coffee, snacks, and great conversation! Contact Samuela Huberty for registration and further details.
Calgary – Yes and BS Support Group (Your Everyday Stuff and Brainstorming): Third Thursday of each 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, 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.
Cochrane Peer Support Group: Second Tuesday of every month, 5 to 7 p.m. at Cochrane Public Library. Join us at the Cochrane Public Library on the second Tuesday of each month to connect with others and discuss issues relating to vision loss. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. Please register with Sam Huberty.
Lethbridge Sunshine Social – Support Group: Every third Monday, 2 to 3 p.m. at McKillop United Church. 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 Medicine Hat CORE Association Boardroom. Join this new group to talk about issues surrounding vision loss. The Medicine Hat Peer Group will be at the CORE Association building, on the fourth Wednesday of the month from 1 – 3 p.m. For registration details please contact Sam Huberty at Samuela.Huberty@cnib.ca.
Taber Peer Support Group: Third Tuesday of every month, 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Clearview Lodge. Peer Support Group supporting the residents of Taber.
Visionaries - Red Deer Peer Support Group: Second Wednesday of every month, 6 to 8 p.m. at ABC Country Restaurant. If you're struggling to overcome the emotional challenges of sight loss and wish you had someone to help you work through these feelings, you’re not alone. We're here for you. Join this supportive group who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss.
Virtual Alberta Peer Groups:
Calgary – Audio Book Club: First Tuesday of every month, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Teleconference. Calgary Audio Book 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.
iOS Support Group: Second Tuesday of every month, 5 to 6 p.m. via Teleconference. If you need help with your iOS device or just want to talk tech join our group to learn more or share your expertise! Call in information will be shared after registering.
Virtual Edmonton Men’s Support Group: Join our monthly Virtual Men's Peer Support group to discuss adapting to vision loss, learn about new technologies, and the services that CNIB must assist, and socialize with others going through the same thing. This meeting is on the Fourth Wednesday of each month, 1:00 – 3:00 pm MT on Teleconference phone. Registration required. To register for this program, please contact Sanduni Kandegedarage, Program Coordinator, Vision Mates & Peer Support at Sanduni.Kandegedarage@cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642.
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: Join this supportive group of women who meet to discuss vision loss issues.
CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs
We kindly ask participants to register for programs at least one business day before the start date.
Accessible Technology: Accessible technology plays a crucial role in the lives of individuals experiencing sight loss by promoting greater independence and inclusivity in daily life. These tools are designed to cater to diverse needs, allowing users to engage with everyday tasks more confidently and efficiently. Whether it's managing schedules, communicating, or navigating the environment, accessible apps and devices ensure that individuals can fully participate in all aspects of life. By fostering accessibility, these technologies empower individuals to live with greater autonomy, enhance their quality of life, and stay connected to the world around them. To enquire further into the programs below, please email Meaghan.Hargrave@cnib.ca.
Be My Eyes Unpacked: Wednesday April 8 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., location TBA. Join us for Be My Eyes Unpacked, a practical and interactive session exploring how the Be My Eyes app can support greater independence in everyday life. Learn how to connect instantly with a sighted volunteer from the community or through a partner organization for real-time visual assistance. We’ll cover common uses, helpful tips, and important privacy considerations to help you use the app with confidence. We’ll also explore Be My AI, the app’s artificial intelligence feature, and how it can provide instant image descriptions, detailed visual information, and on-demand support when a live volunteer may not be needed. Whether you’re new to Be My Eyes or looking to build your skills, this session will help you feel more comfortable, confident, and connected. To register, email Meaghan.Hargrave@cnib.ca.
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.
iOS Support Group: Second Tuesday of every month, 5 to 6:30 p.m. via 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! Call in information will be shared after registering. For more information or register, please contact Sam at Samuela.Huberty@cnib.ca or call 403-614-4192.
Let’s Tech About It - Peer Support for All Things Devices: Every fourth Thursday from 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! To register, email Meaghan.Hargrave@cnib.ca.
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.
Tech@Home Program: Clients can 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; (403) 407-1835, Curtis.Ruttle@cnib.ca.
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, contact Dayna Fox at Dayna.Fox@cnib.ca.
Special Events
Beyond Sight - Hobbies, Interest, and Entrepreneurship: October 2026, time and location TBA in Edmonton. Beyond Sight is a CNIB showcase event celebrating the diverse talents, passions, and entrepreneurial ventures of individuals with sight loss. This empowering event promotes inclusion and highlights how people with sight loss actively pursue creative interests, hobbies, and business. We are currently inviting individuals who would like to present at this year’s event. If you have a hobby, talent, small business, creative project, or skill you would like to share, we would love to hear from you. If you are interested in presenting, please reach out with a brief description of what you would like to showcase, and any space or equipment needs to Sanduni Kandegedarage at Sanduni.Kandegedarage@cnib.ca or (587) 388-0567.
CNIB Mobile Hub
CNIB on the Road – the CNIB Mobile Hub is coming to a community near you. Drop in to meet CNIB staff and learn more about free programs and resources for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. Enjoy a day of recreational and social activities, technology workshops, and much more. Experience the latest breakthroughs in assistive tech from CNIB SmartLife and connect with other members of the sight loss community. We’d love for you to join us when we visit your community! For the most updated list of confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub.
Community Corner
We kindly ask participants to register for programs at least one business day before the start date.
AATEC Parent Peer Group: Fourth Monday of every month, 6:30 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. Come together with other parents and experts for impactful discussions on topics that affect children and youth with sight loss and their families.
Calgary Blind Hockey with the Seeing Ice Dogs (ASRAB): Every Sunday, 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the Rose Kohn Arena. Come play hockey with the Seeing Ice Dogs hockey team. No experience necessary. For people 18+. 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 Blind Hockey: Camrose Canines is a blind hockey program 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 impairments. For more information, please contact CamroseCaninesBlindHockey@gmail.com.
Edmonton SeeHawks Blind Hockey Team -- where hockey has no limits!: 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.