An illustration of a calendar on a yellow background outlined in a black paintbrush-style design with white accents. Text: CNIB British Columbia Programs – Fall 2026.

CNIB British Columbia – Fall Programs 2026

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

Emergency Preparedness Workshop: Wednesday, November 4, 12 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Victoria. CNIB and Prepared BC are teaming up to offer an emergency preparedness workshop for the members of the sight loss community on Vancouver Island to support them to be more prepared for unforeseen emergencies. With generous funding from BC Hydro, this emergency preparedness workshop will facilitate discussion and information for participants to gain the knowledge and skills needed to navigate emergency situations calmly and confidently. Together, we will help build a network of support and community resources to equip each participant with an emergency plan tailored to their needs. The first 15 in person participants of the workshop will receive emergency kits to take home! Lunch will be provided for all in-person participants. To register please fill out this online form, or if you have any questions, please contact Tommy Leung at Tommy.Leung@cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642. 
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.

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Children & Youth Programs

AI Unleashed: This national online program for youth, showcasing how artificial intelligence (AI) can empower students - AI's potential is limitless! Facilitated by a youth with sight loss every three months to provide updates on the latest in AI. The fourth session for 2026 is Tuesday, November 24, from 4 to 5 p.m. Register by filling out this online form.
BC-Yukon Family Advocacy Group: Second Thursday of every month, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. from September to June. This drop-in group offers a safe and supportive space to connect with other families, build community, share experiences and stories, discuss needs and challenges, and ask questions. Throughout the year, we welcome guest speakers who share information and resources on topics related to children and youth with sight loss. Each session is led by our parent facilitator, Sina Muscati. Who is a lawyer with Justice Canada and the father of a son with sight loss. Register online to join our email list and receive updates about upcoming meetings, guest speakers, and group activities: Click Here  For more information or questions, 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 p.m. – 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 p.m. – 3:00 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! 
Prince George - Youth Pro D Day Camp: Friday, October 23, 8:30 to 4:30 p.m. at CNIB Prince George. Ready to have some fun this Pro-D Day? CNIB is hosting an all-day camp at our office! The morning will feature fun activities in the community, while the afternoon will focus on “Tech in the Kitchen”— learning how to cook using accessible technology and tools. Welcoming all students 11+. Please bring a nut free lunch, CNIB will be supplying a variety of healthy snacks.
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. 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. 
Tech in the Kitchen - A Family Cooking Class: Saturday, November 28, 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Victoria. We are excited to be hosting an accessible cooking class for the entire family at the CNIB Victoria Hub. During the session we will be making lunch and dessert, with the following accessible tools: CNIB’s talking microwave, Reizen Liquid Level Indicator, Talking Scale and more! Ages 12 & Under must have a family member present with them. Ages 13+ May attend independently.
Volunteer Youth Tech Mate Program - Victoria: Join CNIB’s new youth volunteer program! The CNIB Youth Tech Mate Program is a volunteer opportunity for students who are interested in technology, leadership, and giving back to their community. As a Youth Tech Mate, you will receive training in accessible technology, and support older adults who are blind or have low vision as they build confidence using technology. Complete 15 volunteer hours and receive your own pair of Meta Glasses! (Volunteer hours must be completed by June 2027). Applications Open Until October 1st, 2026, and accepted applicants will be notified by October 9th.   Online Training Dates will be on October 15 & 22, 6 to 7 p.m. To register, please fill out the online form.

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

Unless otherwise listed, please contact Leni White at Leni.White@cnib.ca or 250-216-9909 to register or for more information. Please note: You only need to register once to attend all webinar sessions throughout the year.

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) Group: Third Wednesday of every month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom. Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a reaction to vision loss in which the brain attempts to replace missing visual information by drawing from memory and visual centers.  Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a reaction to vision loss by the brain, which attempts to replace lost information by drawing from your own memory and various visual centers. CBS occurs in people with significant vision loss, leading to visual hallucinations. These hallucinations can range from simple patterns, like lines or shapes, to more complex images such as people, animals, or landscapes. 
CNIB Harmony Choir Program: Every Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria. Join our choir and experience the joy of singing together! Led by music director Marcelina Stanton, the CNIB Harmony Choir Program is designed to foster social connections, confidence, and happiness through music. Open to individuals of all skill levels. No prior choir experience required—just bring your enthusiasm for music!
Seated Dance Program: Every other Thursday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Led by a BC Blind Sports facilitator, this inclusive and adaptive fitness program is designed for individuals who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind. Classes are thoughtfully structured to promote physical activity, confidence, and community connection in a welcoming and supportive environment. To keep participants motivated and energized, the facilitator plays favorite and well-loved songs during each practice, creating a fun atmosphere where you can move, feel your best, and enjoy the music you love. At the end of every session, participants are invited to request songs for the next class, helping shape a personalized and engaging experience for everyone. 
Webinar Series: Talk, Share and Learn: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on various dates. The Webinar Series is a two part monthly program designed to spark meaningful conversations, deepen learning, and support personal well being. It blends expert led education with guided relaxation, creating a balanced experience for both the mind and body. Each month, the program features a new professional guest speaker who brings expertise on a fresh, thought provoking topic. The goal is to expand perspectives and introduce participants to new knowledge, tools, and ways of thinking. The first part is a learning session, while second hour shifts into a wellness focused experience.

  • October 27, 2026 - Disability Is the Ability to Do Things Differently
    Presented by Suzan Jennings, Chair of the City of Victoria Accessibility Advisory Committee, this session will explore how individuals with disabilities adapt, innovate, and thrive in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Drawing on her experience as an accessibility advocate, Suzan will share perspectives on the importance of fostering inclusive environments that empower people of all abilities to participate fully in community life.
  • November 24, 2026 - Navigating Disability Benefits with the GAIN Program
    Learn about GAIN (Guidance and Assistance in Navigating Disability Supports), a program delivered by Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC). Funded by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), GAIN helps individuals understand and access federal, provincial, and territorial disability benefits. The program provides free, individualized support to help applicants navigate eligibility requirements and the application process.
  • December 22nd, 2026 – TBD
    TBA

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Peer Support Programs

Unless otherwise listed, please contact Jamie Auman at Jamie.Auman@cnib.ca or 604-431-2121 extension 6022 to register or for more questions.

Cranbrook Connections Group: Third Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Cranbrook Public Library (1212 2 St N). A monthly community-based support group for Cranbrook area residents to discuss issues relating to sight loss and to socialize with others. Meetings are in person. 
Fraser Valley/Vancouver Island Connections Group: Every second and fourth Thursday of the month, 1 to 3 p.m. via Zoom. A biweekly community-based support group for residents of the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. Meetings are strictly over zoom. 
Kelowna Seniors Connections Group: Third Wednesday of every month, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Rotary Centre for the Arts (421 Cawston Ave.) and via Zoom. 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. Meetings are hybrid. 
Kelowna Working-Age Connections Group: First Wednesday of every month, 4:30 to 6 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna and via Zoom. A monthly community-based support group for Kelowna area residents (ages 30-65) to discuss issues relating to sight loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. Meetings are hybrid.
Peer Mentorship Program: This is a 1-on-1 social and emotional support program. You will receive a phone call from a peer mentor once a week for 10 weeks. You will have the opportunity to talk about daily challenges with vision loss or have a meaningful conversation. Our peer mentors are fellow CNIB clients who have also experienced vision loss. 
Prince George Connections Group: Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Prince George & District Senior Citizens Activity Centre and via Zoom. A biweekly community-based support group for Prince George residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. Meetings alternate between in person and zoom. 
Vancouver Seniors Connections Group: Third Wednesday of every month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. via Zoom. A monthly community-based senior support group for Vancouver area residents aged 55+ that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. Meetings are strictly on zoom. 
Vancouver Working-Age Connections Group: First Thursday of every month, 1 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB New Westminster and via Zoom.  A monthly community-based support group for Vancouver area residents (ages 30-65) that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. Meetings are hybrid. 
Vernon Connections Group: Third Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Vernon Public Library (2800 30th Ave). A monthly community-based support group for Vernon area residents to discuss issues relating to sight loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. Meetings are in person. 
Victoria Connections Group: First Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m., at CNIB Victoria. A monthly community-based support group for residents of Victoria and the surrounding areas, that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. Meetings are in person. 
Vision Odyssey - Adjustment to Vision Loss: Are you new to vision loss? Are you new to CNIB, or have not participated with us in a long while? Our Vision Odyssey series of workshops can help you adjust to your vision loss and help you to find more CNIB programs that can help you in the future. This program is highly recommended for new CNIB clients, or clients who have not received CNIB services in a long while. Program is 6 weeks in duration (once a week) and meetings are via Zoom. Next session is October 20 to November 24 (Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) To register, contact Jamie Auman, Program Coordinator, Advocacy & Peer Support at Jamie.Auman@cnib.ca or 604-431-2121 extension 6022.
Vision Odyssey Day for Family & Friends: Do you have a trusted family member, friend, or caregiver who wants to learn more about your vision loss? This is a single half day workshop for your trusted person that is conducted either in-person or over online conference and telephone conference. This workshop will teach your trusted person tips and strategies on how to support you in your day-to-day life.

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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. ​​​For more information, please call James Kwinecki at 236-638-8092 or email James.Kwinecki@cnib.ca.  

  • Vernon – First Tuesday of every month (1 to 3 p.m.) 
  • Victoria – Third Tuesday of every month (1 to 3:30 p.m.) 
  • Prince George – Third Wednesday of every month (1:30 to 3:30 p.m.) 
  • Kelowna – Third Thursday of every month (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) 
  • New Westminster – Third Thursday of every month (1 to 3:30 p.m.)

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 Shea Anker at 236-881-4853 or email Shea.Anker@cnib.ca 

Surrey Cares Tech Café in Hindi & Punjabi: CNIB is offering hands-on classroom sessions in Hindi & Punjabi to teach adaptive tools and techniques designed for people with varying degrees of vision loss. Learn to navigate daily tasks such as reading medication labels and using a smartphone with ease. Free to attend. All ages welcome. Snacks provided. To register: Contact Meher Kasam (778) 827-0115 Meher.Kasam@volunteer.cnib.ca 

  • October 31, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Surrey Library, City Centre branch 
  • November 21, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Surrey Library, Strawberry Hill branch 

Tech Primers - 1-on-1 Assistive Technology Support: Need help learning your device or assistive technology? Join us for Tech Primers, individualized tutorials designed for people with sight loss. To book an appointment, call Amit at (778) 312-3155 or Email Amit.Ram@cnib.ca.

  • Prince George: First Thursday of each month, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM To book an appointment, call Shea at (236) 881-4853 or Email shea.anker@cnib.ca.
  • Victoria: Second Tuesday of each month, 1-4pm. To book an appointment, call James at 236- 236-638-8092 or email at James.kwinecki@cnib.ca
  • Kelowna: Every second Thursday from 10:00 Am-12:30. To book an appointment, call Jonathan at 437-875-9568 or Email jonathan.saavedra@cnib.ca.
  • New Westminster: Second Thursday of each month 1-4 PM.

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 14 - Special guest Michael Pepin from HumanWare
  • October 28 - Latest news on Meta glasses 
  • November 25 - Cooking with Technology (virtually)

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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! 

  • Creston: Tuesday, October 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Creston Valley Public Library (531 16th Ave)
  • Castlegar: Wednesday, October 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Confluence (1995 6th Ave)
  • Maple Ridge: Details TBA! 

For confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub or call 1-800-563-2642.

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Community Corner

AccessiblePlus.AI is a free, accessible AI platform designed to help people learn, leverage technology, work and lead. It provides a growing team of specialized AI coaches, consultants and learning campuses supporting areas including AI literacy and capability, assistive technology, workplace capability, leadership and decision-making, learning, and problem-solving. Built by and with our community, AccessiblePlus.AI has accessibility at its core, with voice and text experiences designed specifically with our community in mind. Organizations across several countries have already engaged with AccessiblePlus.AI as the platform continues to grow. AccessiblePlus.AI is free, available 24/7, and supports 33 languages. You can simply choose a coach, consultant or campus and start a voice or text conversation — and explore whatever interests you. Explore the platform at www.accessibleplus.ai If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact AccessiblePlus.AI Founder, Randy Kruzeniski at Randy.k59@icloud.com. 
 

Best Kept Secrets for Travelers With Sight Loss is the first book designed to give travelers who are blind or have low vision practical tools to make travel safe, accessible, and enjoyable. It offers advice on planning and packing, traveling by plane, train, or ship, navigating unfamiliar places, staying in hotels, dining out, traveling with a guide dog, and using apps and technology to make trips easier. Author Lynn Jensen, a certified vision rehabilitation therapist who lost her sight shortly after earning her nursing degree, shares insights drawn from her own extensive travel experiences around the world. The book is available in paperback (regular and large print), e-book, and audiobook (MP3 and DAISY) formats. You can purchase a copy through major online retailers or directly through the official website, BlindTravelTips.com.


Canadian Blind Hockey - Canadian Blind Hockey is back - bigger and better than ever! Open to all children and youth who are blind or partially sighted in Vancouver and Victoria - this program is all about building skills, confidence, and friendships on the ice. No skating or hockey experience is needed – we’ll teach you everything you need to know, and Canadian Blind Hockey will help provide equipment for anyone who needs it. Plus, sighted siblings, parents, and family members with skating or hockey experience are encouraged to join the fun as volunteer coaches and mentors, making it a true family experience. Canadian Blind Hockey is committed to running and safe and inclusive environment for our children and youth to learn and develop their Blind Hockey skills. For more information, please contact Canadian Blind Hockey Program Director Luca DeMontis at LucaDeMontis@BlindIceHockey.com. 

  • Vancouver Jr. Eclipse:  Starting on Saturday, October 24, 10 to 11 a.m. 
  • Victoria Canucks:  Starting on Sunday, October 18, 2:10 to 3:20 p.m. 

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