An illustration of a calendar on a yellow background outlined in a black paintbrush-style design with white accents. Text: CNIB Alberta Programs – Winter 2025.

CNIB Alberta – Winter Programs

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 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 our Foundation’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, and advocate to maintain policies that work for our clients and change practices and legislation that work without vision. If you are interested in being part of our Advocacy Group, please connect with Taylor Bauer at 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, please email Ambassador.ABNWT@cnib.ca.
  3. Self- Advocacy 101:  Friday, January 24, 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. The ability to advocate for oneself is an essential skill for individuals who are blind or partially sighted. Effective self-advocacy allows individuals the opportunity to communicate clearly and confidently to get around the barriers for any given situation. You don’t need to be a subject matter expert or have a relationship with your local MP to be an effective self-advocate. An effective self-advocate uses their own skills and resources to navigate systems, build relationships, and create change. Through this two-hour workshop, you will learn the six steps to becoming an effective self-advocate, along with additional resources and skills. To register, please fill out this form. For more information, please contact Taylor.Bauer@cnib.ca. 
  4. What Lies Beneath – Harnessing Your Emotions for Powerful Advocacy: Wednesday February 12, 19 & 26, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. There are many strong emotions that can get in the way of our self-advocacy goals. Join us for an interactive three-part series on harnessing your emotions to become a powerful advocate. Each session will focus on the feelings that can arise during self-advocacy. We'll discuss inaction, reaction, and empowerment and provide tips and resources to help you harness your emotions for powerful advocacy. For more information, please reach out to Taylor.Bauer@cnib.ca.

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Children & Youth Programs

  1. Gentle Exercise Program: Second and fourth Tuesday of every month, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., at The Steadward Centre – University of Alberta. Join CNIB in partnership with the Steadward Centre for our gentle exercise program which aims to promote the physical health of our children and youth. This program will allow kids ages 6 to 12 to engage in various low impact physical activities each session such as baseball, basketball, yoga, gymnastics, indoor rock climbing, dance, and more. You do not want to miss it! To register, please fill out this form. For more information, please contact Sabrina.Shaw@cnib.ca.
  2. Music Therapy – Calgary: Second and fourth 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 to 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). If you’re unable to join every single week, don’t let that keep you from registering! You can drop-in to whichever sessions work for you, please just let us know if that’s the case. For more information, please reach out to Kelsey.Jenkins@cnib.ca.
  3. Music Therapy – Complex Needs: Saturday January 25, February 22, March 29, April 26, May 24, June 14, 11:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. via Zoom. It’s 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 3 to 6 with sight loss, and ages 5 to 15 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. Sing along to your child’s favourite songs and shake all your giggles out! If you’re unable to join every month, don’t let that keep you from registering! You can drop-in to whichever sessions work for you, please just let us know if that’s the case. For more information, please reach out to Kelsey.Jenkins@cnib.ca.
  4. Youth Employment Empowerment Workshop Series: Various dates, 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. Join CNIB Calgary for a new program designed to empower youth with sight loss to achieve their goals and prepare them for the journey of seeking employment. Learn from CNIB’s Come to Work team about accommodations, self-advocacy, resume building, interview skills, and much more! Any changes to workshop subjects will be communicated in advance. For more information, please contact Kelsey.Jenkins@cnib.ca. 
  5. Youth Leadership and Volunteer Group – Edmonton: Second and fourth Thursday of every month, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. This program is for youth between the ages 14 to 21 in the Northern Alberta region who would like to give back to the community, gain volunteer experience, learn leadership, problem solving and delegation skills. This group meets twice a month. For more information, please contact Sabrina.Shaw@cnib.ca.

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

  1. Edmonton Social Meet-Up: First Monday of every month, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at various locations. This group is for people between the ages of 18 to 35 who would like to meet up with others in the Edmonton area.
  2. Western Canada Social Meet-Up: Every Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. via Zoom. This is a general social chat group that meets 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 Nights: Last Friday of every month, 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at CNIB Calgary (starting January 31). Join us for a musical meet up with a friendly bunch of people looking to connect with others! Make new connections and discover friendships and enjoyable music. 
  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 sight loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics.
  3. Camrose Peer Support Group: Second Monday of every month, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Church of God. This peer support group is for community members in the Camrose area to get together and chat about sight loss and their experiences.
  4. Cochrane Support Group: Third Tuesday of every month, 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. This peer support group is for community members in the Cochrane area to get together and chat about sight loss and their experiences. For more information, please contact Samuela at Samuela.Huberty@cnib.ca.
  5. Edmonton Men’s Peer Support Group:  Second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton and via Zoom. Join this supportive group of men to discuss adapting to sight loss, learn about new technologies and services CNIB offers, and socialize with others going through a similar experience.
  6. Edmonton Women’s Peer Support Group:  First and third Thursday of every month, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. Join this supportive group of women to discuss adapting to sight loss, learn about new technologies and services CNIB offers, and socialize with others going through a similar experience.
  7. Grande Prairie Peer Support Group:  Last Monday of every month, 6:00 - 8:30 p.m. This peer support group is for community members in the Grande Prairie area to get together and chat about sight loss and their experiences.
  8. 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 sight loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics.
  9. Medicine Hat Peer Support Group: Location and Date/Time TBD. This peer support group is for community members in the Medicine Hat area to get together and chat about sight loss and their experiences.  
  10. Ponoka Peer Support Group: First Wednesday of every month (starting in February), at St. Mary’s Anglican Church. 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. This peer support group is for community members in the Ponoka area to get together and chat about sight loss and their experiences. 
  11. Red Deer Peer Support Group: Second Wednesday of every month, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Michener Hill Extendicare. This peer support group is for community members in the Red Deer area to get together and chat about sight loss and their experiences.
  12. 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 sight loss and their experiences.
  13. Women’s Virtual Peer Support Group:  Second Wednesday of every month, 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. via Zoom. Join this supportive group of women to discuss adapting to sight loss, learn about new technologies and services CNIB offers, and socialize with others going through a similar experience. 

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CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs

  1. Accessible Tech Hub - SmartLife Centre – Edmonton: Thursday, February 20, 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. Discover tools and devices that can improve daily living, enhance independence, and support accessibility needs. Whether you're new to assistive tech or looking to expand your knowledge, this hands-on workshop offers valuable insights for everyone. For more information, please contact Mercy at Mercy.Ededey@cnib.ca. 
  2. Calgary – Navigating Voiceover with Ease: Thursday, January 23, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Join us for an engaging and comprehensive session designed to empower individuals with sight loss to confidently navigate Apple devices using Voiceover, Apple's powerful accessibility feature. This workshop will introduce participants to the popular screen reader on Apple devices and the importance of assistive technology in everyday life. No prior experience is necessary. Spots are limited, registration is required.  
  3. 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.
  4. CNIB SmartLife Tech @ Home: Explore cutting-edge assistive devices right in your own home! If you live in Alberta and want to try a wide range of accessible technology, look no further than our innovative program Tech @ Home. Visit your local SmartLife Centre today or visit our website to learn more.     
  5. Exploring Meta Glasses – Calgary: Thursday, February 20, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Join us for an immersive workshop exploring the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. Explore how these innovative, audible glasses can transform your daily life, enhancing communication, navigation, and independence for individuals with sight loss. This hands-on session will provide practical demonstrations and insights into using Ray-Ban Meta Glasses effectively. Seats are limited, registration is required. 
  6. Exploring Meta Glasses – Edmonton: Thursday, March 20, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM, at CNIB Edmonton. Join us for an immersive workshop exploring the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. Explore how these innovative, audible glasses can transform your daily life, enhancing communication, navigation, and independence for individuals with sight loss. This hands-on session will provide practical demonstrations and insights into using Ray-Ban Meta Glasses effectively. Seats are limited, registration is required. To register, please fill out this form. For more information, please contact Mercy at Mercy.Ededey@cnib.ca. 
  7. Insight Out Loud – Exploring Seeing AI – Calgary: Thursday, March 20, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. Seeing AI is a free app that narrates the world around you. Designed for the sight loss community, this app harnesses the power of both artificial Intelligence and your phone’s camera to open the visual world around you by describing nearby people, text and objects. In this interactive session, participants will have the opportunity to explore Seeing AI on their iPhone or iPad and learn to utilize the application to assist with a variety of daily tasks.
  8. Scam Savvy – Staying Safe with Technology – Edmonton: Thursday, January 16, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. Join us for a workshop designed to help you stay safe online and avoid scams. Learn about common fraud tactics, how to protect your personal information, and best practices for secure browsing and communication. Empower yourself with the knowledge to navigate technology safely and confidently.

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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 Grace.ODriscoll@cnib.ca.

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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 additional confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub.

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Community Corner

  1. Beyond Sight: Hobbies, Interests, and Entrepreneurship Event: Wednesday, May 21, 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. We're thrilled to announce our first-ever "Beyond Sight" event at the CNIB, and we need your help to make it a success! This event aims to celebrates the talents, hobbies, and entrepreneurial ventures of individuals with sight loss, and we're looking for participants to showcase their unique skills. What You Can Showcase: Creative Arts (e.g., painting, knitting, crafting), Entrepreneurial Ventures (e.g., small businesses, services), Performance Arts (e.g., music, poetry, dance), Unique Hobbies (e.g., technology, sports). Your participation will help showcase the diverse and fulfilling lives of individuals with sight loss, while promoting inclusion in our community. To be considered, or for more information, please contact Sanduni Kandegedarage at Sanduni.Kandegedarage@cnib.ca.
  2. Calgary Blind Hockey with the Seeing Ice Dogs (ASRAB) : Every Sunday, 8:30 p.m. – 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.
  3. Camrose Blind Hockey: Get involved! Camrose Blind Hockey is currently looking for individuals interested in trying blind hockey and/or volunteering. The goal is to have full-time adult and youth programs running and competing at local, provincial and national levels. Ideally, they would like to recruit 10-20 people that would be able to regularly participate in an open ice/free use practice/scrimmage once a month. For more information regarding fees and potential arena schedule, you can contact Hans at redninja411@hotmail.com. Please use Camrose Blind Hockey as your subject line and include your contact information, experience level, age, and desired playing position. 
  4. Edmonton SeeHawks Blind Hockey Team: Come play hockey with the Seeing Ice Dogs hockey team – where hockey has no limits! No experience necessary. Every Sunday at Rose Kohn Arena. Open to all ages and skill levels, the SeeHawks welcome blind and partially sighted participants to experience the excitement of hockey in a fun, inclusive environment. We provide the gear—you bring the energy! With weekend practices at the Downtown Community Arena and plenty of social events, tournaments, and fundraisers, you’ll be part of a dynamic and supportive team. Ready to get started? Contact us directly by phone at 780-863-7346, email EdmontonSeeHawks@gmail.com or visit our contact page to learn more! 

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