An illustration of a calendar on a yellow background outlined in a black paintbrush-style design with white accents. Text: CNIB Alberta Programs – Spring 2024.

CNIB Alberta – Spring Programs

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

  1. CNIB Advocacy Group: Part of CNIB’s mandate is to build stronger community by educating and advocating – to break down barriers and create an inclusive society in which people with sight loss can thrive. CNIB works with Alberta residents (urban and rural) who are blind or partially sighted to become CNIB Advocate. Participants help to: Build awareness of what it is to be blind today, correct misconceptions associated with sight loss, advocate to maintain policies that work for our community and change practices and legislation. If you are interested in being part of our Advocacy Group, email taylor.bauer@cnib.ca.
  2. CNIB Ambassador: The CNIB Ambassador Team amplifies the voices of people who are blind or partially sighted by raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, and inspiring change in communities across Alberta. Ambassadors share their stories and deliver educational presentations covering topics like blindness etiquette, accessibility and inclusion, assistive and accessible technologies, white canes and guide dogs, braille literacy, CNIB programs and services, and 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 inviting CNIB Ambassadors to discuss the needs and experiences of people living with sight loss by requesting a presentation using this link. For more information, email Carl Busch at ambassador.abnwt@cnib.ca or call 780-430-1099.
  3. Empowerment Through Advocacy – Calgary: Details TBC. The "Empowerment through Self-Advocacy" workshop is designed to build on the skills learned in the Self-Advocacy 101 series and equip individuals who are blind or partially sighted with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for themselves effectively in various situations. Through role-playing exercises, interactive discussions, and practical tips, participants will learn how to navigate challenges, assert their needs, and promote inclusivity and accessibility in their daily lives. To register, email taylor.bauer@cnib.ca.

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Children & Youth Programs

  1. Braille Creative Writing Contest: Calling all aspiring young writers! The 2024 Braille Creative Writing Contest is now accepting entries. Since 1997, CNIB has organized a Canada-wide Braille Creative Writing Contest for children and youth. This important competition celebrates braille literacy and encourages young people to flex their creative muscles while practicing their braille skills. Write a short story, essay, or poem on any topic or re-purpose something you've written for school this year! Show off your creative writing talents for a chance to win cash prizes. The contest is open to primary and secondary students (grades K-12) who are blind or partially sighted and live in Canada. 
  2. Alt Route – Calgary: Monday, April 8, 15 & 22, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Compound Skate Park. Alt Route is an accessible skateboarding program based in Calgary, Alberta that strives to create a safe, inclusive, and accessible skatepark experience for children and youth living with sight loss. They do this by implementing a handful of small adaptations to skateparks, such as high contrast markings, tactile feedback strips, and audio beacons. Join CNIB and Alt Route for a season of skateboarding sessions at The Compound! This program suits CNIB participants ages 7-21 who can take part independently. 
  3. Gentle Exercise Program (6-12)  Edmonton: Tuesday, April 9 & 23, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at The Steadward Centre Located in the University of Alberta.  Join CNIB in partnership with the Steadward Centre, for our gentle exercise program. Kids 6-12 can engage in various low impact physical activities each session such as baseball/basketball, yoga, gymnastics, indoor rock climbing, dance etc.
  4. LIFE for Youth and Young Adults – Calgary: Second Thursday of every month, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Leadership, Independence, Future readiness, and Empowerment are all important skills for youth and young adults. Join peers to learn and build on these skills, amongst others and apply them directly into practical settings to ease the pressure of growing up. This program is suitable for individuals with sight loss ages 14-21.
  5. Music Therapy – Calgary: First and Third Tuesday of every month, 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Explore creating rhythms, music theory, instrument discovery, emotion through music and problem solving alongside your peers! CNIB participants ages 6 – 15 (exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis. A level of individual ability to participate independently in all aspects of programming is required).
  6. Music Therapy – Edmonton: First and Third Monday of every month, 5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Hybrid session. Enjoy Music with Melissa as our Music Therapist Melissa Murphy Leads our CNIB Child and Youth Participants into sessions, In person at the Dominelli School of Music or Virtual (Zoom), of dancing, singing, playing various instruments all while learning emotional regulation skills, communication skills and building their social skills.
  7. Music Therapy – Complex Needs: Once a month, 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Zoom. It is music to our ears! Join Elle McAndrews of CORE music therapy and take part in all aspects of music. This virtual program is suitable for children and youth ages 5-16 with sight loss and additional needs (including but not limited to: speech delay, motor impairment, cognitive delay/impairment). Open to participants residing across Alberta/NWT. To register, email kelsey.jenkins@cnib.ca.
  8. Youth Leadership and Volunteer Group – Edmonton: If you are a youth between the ages 14-21 in the Northern Alberta region and you would like to give back to the community, gain volunteer experience, learn leadership, problem solving and delegation skills, join our youth leadership and volunteer group. This group meets twice a month, in our first session each month we will meet at the CNIB Edmonton office to work through various leadership and advocacy skills, while our second session each month will be in the Edmonton community exercising these skills and making a difference in our community. To register, email sabrina.shaw@cnib.ca or call 780-488-4871 ext. 6356.

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Family Programs

  1. Family Cooking (Calgary & Edmonton): Join CNIB Edmonton & Calgary for our Family Cooking! This fun, hands on, engaging program will help teach kids and adults accessible ways of navigating the kitchen safely with sight loss. If you are ready to start introducing independent living skills, learn safe and healthy ways of preparing your favourite meals, then join us as we learn, laugh, cook, and eat together. After we have made our meals we will sit, eat, and share in stories and conversations with other families. Calgary Sessions: April 23, May 23, June 13. Edmonton Sessions: May 26 & July 14. To register in Calgary, email kelsey.jenkins@cnib.ca. To register in Edmonton, email sabrina.shaw@cnib.ca. 
  2. Virtual Family Games Night: First Friday of every month, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Why not start the month off on a high note and join CNIB for our Family Games Night! Test your luck and skills with themed classics like BINGO and Trivia! Win prizes, spend time with community, and have some fun in the process! This program is suitable for CNIB participants ages 6 – 21 and their families/households. Open to participants residing across Alberta/NWT. To register, email kelsey.jenkins@cnib.ca.

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

  1. Calgary Audio Book Club: First Tuesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. over teleconference. This group gets together to discuss books they are reading, recommendations, and sources of audiobooks (including libraries, DAISY players and more). 
  2. Calgary Social Meet Ups: Last Thursday of every month, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. If you are between 18 - 30 years of age and are looking to meet and get to know others in the community, join us at the Calgary Social Meet Ups! 
  3. Edmonton Activity Group: Last Tuesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton and other locations. This group is aimed at fostering social interaction and providing a platform for individuals with sight loss to connect with others. 
  4. Edmonton Social Meet-Up: Dates/Location TBC. 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. Dates/locations change monthly.
  5. Western Social Meet Up: Every Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. on Zoom. This is a general social chat group that meets weekly to chat about anything they feel like. Topics could include local news, weather, books people have read, current events, technology or whatever the group wants to chat about.

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Peer Support Programs

  1. Calgary Café Night: Last Friday of every month in April & June, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Join for some social interaction, musical talent and the opportunity to get together for an informal coffee with other participants and their families. To register, email dayna.fox@cnib.ca.
  2. Calgary Yes & BS (Your Everyday stuff & Brainstorming): Third Thursday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 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. 
  3. Camrose Peer Support Group: First Monday of each month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 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. 
  4. Edmonton Men’s Peer Support Group: Second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 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.
  5. Edmonton Women’s Peer Support Group: First and third Thursday of each month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 pm at CNIB Edmonton. Join this supportive group of women who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss. 
  6. Grande Prairie Peer Support Group: Last Monday of every month, 6:00 p.m. – 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.
  7. Lethbridge Social Group: Third Monday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 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. 
  8. Ponoka White Caners Peer Support Group: First Wednesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 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.
  9. Red Deer Peer Support Group: Second Tuesday of every month, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Red Deer Public Library. This group is meant to help others connect with others who are living with sight loss in the Red Deer area. Join for coffee, conversation, and support. 
  10. Taber Peer Support Group: Third Tuesday of every month, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 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. 
  11. Women’s Virtual Peer Support Group: Second Wednesday of every month, 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Zoom. Join this supportive group of women who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss.    

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CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs

  1. 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.
  2. The CNIB SmartLife Tech @ Home programallows participants to test cutting-edge accessible devices from the comfort of their own homes and beyond! If you live in Alberta and want to try a wide range of accessible technology, look no further than our innovative program, Tech @ Home. 
  3. Drop In Tech Q&A Session – Calgary: Last Thursday of every month, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. This is a local program available to those in Calgary where you can come and drop-in with your technology related questions. We will provide support with your phone, tablet, or computer inquiries whether you have an Android, Apple, or Windows device. Please feel free to bring in your own devices and we encourage family members to participate and learn, explore, and have fun.
  4. Drop In Tech Q&A Session – Edmonton: Last Thursday of every month, 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. This is a local program available to those in Edmonton where you can come and drop-in with your technology related questions. We will provide support with your phone, tablet, or computer inquiries whether you have an Android, Apple, or Windows device. Please feel free to bring in your own devices and we encourage family members to participate and learn, explore, and have fun.
  5. iOS Tech Support Group: Second Tuesday of every month, 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. via teleconference. This group meets monthly to discuss technology, specifically surrounding iOS devices – this includes new features, troubleshooting, apps and general new tech information.
  6. Red Deer Tech Group: Second Tuesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Red Deer Public Library. This tech help program is for anyone using assistive technology or anyone with questions on using this technology for the first time. o register for this program, please contact the Red Deer Public Library or call the library 403-346-4576. 
  7. Say Hey Alexa – Calgary: Thursday, April 11, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Meet Alexa, your personal assistant from Amazon! Alexa is a voice-activated virtual assistant that can help you with a wide range of tasks, from playing music and setting reminders to controlling smart home devices and providing information on the weather, news, and more. Simply say 'Alexa,' followed by your request, and she'll be ready to assist you. With Alexa, your everyday tasks become easier and more convenient.
  8. Say Hey Alexa – Edmonton: Thursday, April 11, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. Meet Alexa, your personal assistant from Amazon! Alexa is a voice-activated virtual assistant that can help you with a wide range of tasks, from playing music and setting reminders to controlling smart home devices and providing information on the weather, news, and more. Simply say 'Alexa,' followed by your request, and she'll be ready to assist you. With Alexa, your everyday tasks become easier and more convenient.
  9. Say Hey Google – Calgary: Thursday, May 9, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Google Assistant is your intelligent companion from Google, available on various devices such as smartphones, smart speakers, and more. It's designed to help you get things done quickly and easily using just your voice. Whether you need to set reminders, get answers to questions, control smart home devices, or even have a friendly chat, Google Assistant is always ready to lend a hand. With its advanced AI capabilities, Google Assistant makes your life simpler and more organized.
  10. Say Hey Google – Edmonton: Thursday, May 9, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. Google Assistant is your intelligent companion from Google, available on various devices such as smartphones, smart speakers, and more. It's designed to help you get things done quickly and easily using just your voice. Whether you need to set reminders, get answers to questions, control smart home devices, or even have a friendly chat, Google Assistant is always ready to lend a hand. With its advanced AI capabilities, Google Assistant makes your life simpler and more organized.
  11. Say Hey Siri – Calgary: Thursday, June 13, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary.  Siri is Apple's virtual assistant, accessible on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices. With Siri, you can perform various tasks hands-free using just your voice. From sending messages and making calls to setting reminders, checking the weather, and even telling jokes, Siri is always at your service. With its intuitive interface and integration with Apple's ecosystem, Siri helps streamline your daily routine and keep you connected wherever you go.
  12. Say Hey Siri – Edmonton: Thursday, June 13, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton.  Siri is Apple's virtual assistant, accessible on iPhones, iPads, Macs, and other Apple devices. With Siri, you can perform various tasks hands-free using just your voice. From sending messages and making calls to setting reminders, checking the weather, and even telling jokes, Siri is always at your service. With its intuitive interface and integration with Apple's ecosystem, Siri helps streamline your daily routine and keep you connected wherever you go.
  13. Seeing the world around you with AI – Edmonton: Tuesday, April 23, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. Join us for an interactive workshop designed for CNIB Vision Mate volunteers and participants, aimed at enhancing independence through the utilization of cutting-edge assistive technology. In this workshop, we will explore two powerful apps—Be My Eyes and Seeing AI—that revolutionize accessibility for individuals with sight loss. Whether you're struggling with everyday tasks or seeking to navigate the world with more confidence, these apps can empower you to achieve greater independence.

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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 dayna.fox@cnib.ca.

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Special Events

CNIB Scholarships

Unlock Your Future: Apply for a CNIB Scholarship Today! Ready to chase your dreams? CNIB scholarships are here to support your personal and professional aspirations. Whether you're just starting out in a cool apprenticeship, diving into skilled trades, or leveling up with continuing education, there are multiple scholarships, bursaries, and other educational awards available to people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. It doesn't matter where you are on your journey – from youth to adults – a scholarship or bursary is waiting just for you. If you are pursuing a diploma or degree, skilled trades certificate, apprenticeship, continuing education program, or post-graduate degree, we encourage you to apply for a CNIB scholarship. Let's make your aspirations a reality, together!

CNIB Scholarships Information Session: Thursday, May 9, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Zoom. Have questions about applying for a CNIB scholarship or need some help understanding how to complete the application? Join us on Thursday, May 9 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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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 confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub,

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Community Corner

Calgary Blind Hockey with the Seeing Ice Dogs (ASRAB): Every Sunday, 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. at the Rose Kohn Arena. Hockey season starts! 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. 

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