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
- Children & Youth Programs
- Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs
- Come to Work Programs
- Peer Support Programs
- CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs
- CNIB Mobile Hub
- Community Corner
Advocacy Programs
Outreach Presentation: By request, CNIB staff or volunteers provide virtual or in-person presentation about sight loss and CNIB services to businesses, community centres, schools, care homes and more. Please book a presentation by filling out the online form here. If you require any assistance, please contact Tommy Leung, Manager, Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations at Tommy.Leung@cnib.ca or 604-764-1872.
One-On-One Advocacy Support: CNIB Advocacy staff provides guidance and resources about any sight-loss related advocacy issues. Appointments are required. For more information, email Jamie.Auman@cnib.ca or call 604-431-2121 ext. 6022.
Self Advocacy Workshop: Sign up to learn how to advocate for yourself. Facilitated by one of CNIB’s advocate volunteers, this workshop will teach you how to be the best self-advocate you can be! To register, please contact Jamie Auman, Program Coordinator, Advocacy & Peer Support at Jamie.Auman@cnib.ca or 604-431-2121 extension 6022.
Children & Youth Programs
BC-Yukon Family Advocacy Group: Returning after the summer break for the second Thursday of each month, at 5:30 p.m. This advocacy group for parents and guardians aims to empower and connect families across the province and territory, working to identify advocacy items along with the needs of students who are DeafBlind, blind and partially sighted. To create a space for families, we have hired a parent facilitator, Sina Muscati. He is a lawyer with Justice Canada, and the father of a son with sight loss. For more information, questions or to register, please contact Alix Straith, Program Lead, Children and Youth at 778-990-2356 or Alix.Straith@cnib.ca.
Music for Kids Monday Session: Every Monday, 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly virtual sessions for children and youth participants across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more! Get ready to make some music!
Music for Kids Tuesday Session: Every Tuesday, 2:15 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly virtual sessions for children and youth participants across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more! Get ready to make some music!
Song Bingo Game Night: Come join us on alternating Fridays for an inter-generational fun! All you need to participate is access to phone or Zoom and a bingo card at home or online! Feel free to play as a family or house. There will be prizes for the first 3 bingo winners of each game and those who correctly name the most tunes. This program is open to kids and “kids at heart” (all ages). To register, please fill out the online form or contact Shruti Shravah, Program Coordinator, Children & Youth, at Shruti.Shravah@cnib.ca or 604-644-6536.
AI Unleashed: CNIB is excited to present a national online program for youth, showcasing how artificial intelligence (AI) can empower youth, from enhancing education, AI's potential is limitless! Facilitated by a youth with sight loss every three months to provide updates on the latest in AI. The last session for 2025 is November 25 from 4 to 5 p.m. Register by completing a short online form.
Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs
Unless otherwise specified, please contact Leni White at Leni.White@cnib.ca for more information or to register for these programs.
Coffee-Talks: Biweekly on Fridays, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Each session will have a topic of discussion. This program is designed for those 19+.
Seated Dance Fitness Zoom: Second and fourth Thursday of every month, 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. via Zoom. Join Us for Adaptive Seated Dance! Adaptive Dance instructor Tiffany Tjosvold leads a high-energy, seated dance class suitable for all fitness levels. Participants are invited to stay and socialize after the session. Seated dance is a form of dance exercise performed while sitting in a chair. It combines rhythmic movements, often set to music, to provide a full-body workout that is accessible to people of all fitness levels and abilities. It’s a fun and engaging way to stay active, especially for those who may have mobility challenges or prefer a low-impact exercise option. Come join us for a fun and invigorating session and stay to socialize with fellow participants. We look forward to dancing with you!
Understanding Charles Bonnett Syndrome (CBS): Every third Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom. You're Invited! Join us for an enlightening program on Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), a condition that affects individuals with significant vision loss, leading to vivid visual hallucinations. These hallucinations can range from simple patterns or shapes to complex scenes involving people or animals. Importantly, those experiencing CBS are typically aware that these visions are not real, which distinguishes it from other psychiatric disorders. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about CBS, its impact, and ways to support those affected. We look forward to seeing you there!
Victoria Harmony Choir: Every Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria. Join Our Choir! Led by music director Marcelina Stanton, this program aims to increase social connections, confidence, and joy through music. Participants will develop musical skills, teamwork, self-confidence, and more. Singing in a choir offers numerous benefits, including improved mental and physical health, enhanced social connections, cognitive benefits, and a powerful outlet for emotional expression. Come join us and experience the many benefits of singing in a choir. We look forward to making beautiful music together!
Victoria Lawn Bowling Club: Exciting news for all lawn bowling enthusiasts! The Lawn Bowling Pacific Club in Victoria located at 720 Belleville St, Victoria, BC has generously opened their greens for our participants, offering free access to this enjoyable sport. Put on your safe shoes and get ready to roll. Whether you're a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved, stay active, and enjoy some great company. To register, fill out the online form.
Come to Work Programs
Career Quest 8: Tuesday, October 21 to Thursday, November 27. This program ends a 6-week career counseling workshop series designed exclusively for BC & Yukon Talent Pool Members through CNIB’s Come to Work Program. The workshop helps participants explore their personality, values, interests, and abilities through guided discussions and assessments. Held twice weekly, the sessions aim to build confidence and support informed career decisions based on each participant’s strengths. The series is facilitated by CNIB Career Counselor Caleb Okoh and is offered virtually, with the possibility of hybrid sessions. Participants who complete the program receive a certificate and can book one-on-one follow-up sessions. For more details or help with registration, feel free to reach out to Caleb at Caleb.Okoh@cnib.ca.
Peer Support Programs
Kelowna Seniors Peer Support Group: Third Wednesday of every month, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Rotary Centre for the Arts (421 Cawston Ave., Kelowna). A monthly community-based senior support group for Kelowna area residents aged 55+ to discuss issues relating to sight loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics.
Kelowna Working-Age Connections Group: First Wednesday of every month, 4:30 to 6 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna. This is a monthly community-based support group for Kelowna area residents (ages 30-55) that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics.
Prince George Connections Group: Biweekly on Tuesdays, 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Prince George & District Senior Citizens Activity Centre Society (425 Brunswick St., Prince George). This is a community-based support group for Prince George residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support.
Vancouver Seniors Connections Group: Third Wednesday of every month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom. This is a community-based senior support group for Vancouver area residents aged 55+ that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support.
Vancouver Working-Age Connections Group: First Thursday of every month, 1 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. This is a community-based support group for Vancouver area residents (ages 30-55) that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics.
Victoria & Abbotsford Connections Group: Second Thursday of every month, 1 to 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. This is a community-based support group for Victoria and Abbotsford area residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support.
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. It is Canada’s largest retailer of assistive products for people with sight loss, serving over 20,000+ people a year, offering 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.
SmartLife Open House and Tech Cafes: Would you like to sit down with a coffee and a pal to learn the tech that will make vision loss easier? Would you like to have some “hands-on” time with the technology on offer from SmartLife? Come join us as we explore assistive devices and apps as a group, followed by a chance to share tips and tricks in small groups or one on one. We'll share some learning - and some laughs - together! Taking place at CNIB offices in Victoria, Prince George, Kelowna and New Westminster. Refreshments provided.
- Victoria – Third Tuesday of every month (1:30 to 3:30pm)
- Prince George – third Wednesday of every month (1:30 to 3:30pm)
- Kelowna – Third Thursday of every month (1:30 to 3:30pm)
- New Westminster – Third Thursday of every month (1:30 to 3:30pm)
For more information, please call Julia Bonnett at 778-897-3115 or email Julia.Bonnett@cnib.ca.
CNIB SmartLife Tech @ Home: Explore cutting-edge assistive devices right in your own home! If you live in BC and want to try a wide range of accessible technology, look no further than our innovative program Tech @ Home. Check out the accessible brochure, and discover the financial assistance programs in your province. Every Canadian with sight loss has the right to access accessible technology.
Gift of Technology: Through the generosity of our donors, this program is able to provide various Assistive Technology devices at no cost to participants living with sight loss in BC. If you could benefit from an updated piece of technology or software, please reach out to Amit Ram at Amit.Ram@cnib.ca or 778-312-3155.
Intro to Assistive Technology: Second Tuesday of every month, 12 to 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. Like it or not, technology is becoming a big part of modern life. Nowadays, people rely on computers and smartphones for work, school, entertainment and connection. For people with vision loss, assistive technology offers all of this as well as increased confidence and independence. Join us over Zoom for Intro to Assistive Technology – also welcomed are family, friends & community! To register, call Amit Ram at 778-312-3155 or email Amit.Ram@cnib.ca.
Wireless Wednesday: Second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. Are you new to assistive technology? Want to get more out of your smart device or computer? This virtual workshop is a 2 for 1! This drop-in workshop offers a short learning module on an Assistive Technology topic, followed by a tech-focused Q&A session. Come prepared to swap tips and tricks and strengthen your own tech skills in the process. For more information, please call Amit at 778-312-3155 or email Amit.Ram@cnib.ca.
- October 8 - Representative from Blind Shell speaking about the Classic 3 smartphone and Luna, the AI powered personal assistant
- November 12 - Representative from WeWalk, speaking about new features on this AI Powered Smart Cane.
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.
Community Corner
Canadian Blind Hockey - Vancouver Jr. Eclipse: Starting on Saturday, October 25, 10 to 11 a.m. The Vancouver Jr. Eclipse Blind Hockey program is open to all children and youth who are blind or partially sighted in Vancouver and the surrounding region. No previous skating or hockey experience is required. This is a skills and development program and Canadian Blind Hockey will assist in getting gear for any participants that need it. Sighted siblings, parents, and other family members who have skating and hockey experience are invited to participate in a coaching / volunteer capacity. Foore information, please contact Canadian Blind Hockey Program Director Luca DeMontis at LucaDeMontis@BlindIceHockey.com.
Lacrossing Barriers: Every Saturday, 10 to 11:30 a.m. All ages and experience levels welcome. Lacrossing Barriers is a Not For Profit Organization dedicated to providing opportunities to play sport, move, and learn skills to those in marginalized communities. They believe in All Abilities and All Possibilities, focusing on the supports participants need to enjoy and succeed. Join their Adaptive and Inclusive Lacrosse Programming for eight Saturdays, where they will share Canada's National Summer Sport through a fun, play, and laughter-based approach. For more information or to register, please visit: www.lacrossingbarriers.org or email Scott@LacrossingBarriers.org.
Victoria All-Ages Blind Hockey Program (New!): Starting October 26, 2:10 - 3:35 p.m. For the first time ever, we’re bringing Blind Hockey to Victoria with an all-ages program that welcomes all participants who are blind and or partially sighted. Whether you’re a young aspiring athlete or an adult looking to try something new, this inclusive program is open to anyone living with vision loss who wants to experience the thrill of Blind Hockey in a fun and accessible way. For more information or to sign up, visit www.canadianblindhockey.com or email Canadian Blind Hockey Program Director Luca DeMontis LucaDeMontis@BlindIceHockey.com.