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 summer. 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
- Come to Work Programs
- Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs
- Peer Support Programs
- SmartLife & Technology Programs
- Mobile Hub
- Special Events
- Community Corner
Advocacy Programs
Canada Post Accommodations - Info Sessions: July 7 & 8 via Zoom. CNIB is partnering with Canada Post to provide two information sessions on their Delivery Accommodation Program, including the types of accommodations available and how individuals can request them. For more information, please contact Gabriella Rabaa, Lead, Public Affairs at gabriella.rabaa@cnib.ca or call 1-800-563-2642. Register by filling out the online forms.
Outreach Presentations: By request, CNIB staff or volunteers provide virtual or in-person presentations 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 have any questions or require assistance filling out the form, please contact Tommy Leung, Manager, Advocacy and Stakeholder Operations, 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. To book an appointment, please contact Jamie Auman, Program Coordinator, Advocacy & Peer Support at Jamie.Auman@cnib.ca or 604-431-2121 extension 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
AI Unleashed: Tuesday, August 18, 4 to 5 p.m. CNIB is excited to present a 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. Register by completing a short online form: Click Here
BC-Yukon Family Advocacy Group: The second Thursday of each month, from September to June. This advocacy group for parents and guardians aims to empower and connect families across the province and territory while identifying advocacy priorities and the needs of students who are Deafblind, blind, or partially sighted. Each session and agenda is led by our parent facilitator, Sina Muscati. He is a lawyer with Justice Canada and the father of a son with sight loss. New parents and guardians are always welcome!
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.
Come to Work Programs
On hiatus for the summer.
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.
Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) Group: Third Wednesday of every month, starting January 21, 10 a.m. - 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. This can lead to visual hallucinations, ranging from simple patterns (lines, shapes) to complex images (people, animals, landscapes). This program provides comprehensive information about CBS, support for individuals experiencing CBS and their caregivers and a safe space to share experiences, build confidence, and learn coping strategies.
Lawn Bowling Victoria: Wednesday, July 29 & August 26, 10 to 11:35 a.m. at Lawn Bowling Pacific Club (720 Belleville St). Exciting news for all lawn bowling enthusiasts! The Lawn Bowling Pacific Club has generously opened their greens for our participants, offering free access to this enjoyable sport. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this is a fantastic chance to stay active, meet new people, and enjoy great company. Note that light refreshments will be provided. Please arrive at 9:30 am to socialize prior to the session.
Seated Dance Fitness Zoom: Every other Thursday, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. BC Blind Sports facilitator Cindy Atkinson offers inclusive, adaptive fitness classes for individuals who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind. The program is designed to support physical activity, confidence, and social connection in a safe, welcoming environment.
Victoria Harmony Choir: Every Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria. This program intends to bring youth and adults who are blind or partially sighted from across Vancouver Island to experience many benefits for the mind, body, and soul that community and singing can bring. We are thrilled to welcome Marcelina Stanton as the musical director. She is a Latin American musician who loves to perform popular and traditional songs and play guitar. No prior singing experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome, and if you play an instrument, you are invited to bring it along!
Webinar Series - Talk, Share and Learn: Various dates, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. online. The Webinar Series program is designed to delve deeper into thought‑provoking topics with guidance from professional guest speakers. The goal is to explore ideas in greater depth and bring fresh insights from experts in the field. Stay tuned as we embark on this new journey—same spirit of conversation, now with an enriched experience! Please note: You only need to register once to attend all webinar sessions throughout the year.
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Peer Support Programs
Unless otherwise listed, please contact Jamie Auman, Program Coordinator, Advocacy & Peer Support at jamie.auman@cnib.ca or 604-431-2121 extension 6022 for more information or to register for these programs.
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 over zoom. Next session is June 8 to July 13 (Mondays from 1 to 3 p.m).
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.
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 nice conversation. Our peer mentors are fellow CNIB clients who have also experienced vision loss.
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 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Rotary Centre for the Arts (421 Cawston Ave.) and over 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 office (106 – 4640 Doyle Ave) and over zoom. A monthly community-based support group for Kelowna area residents (ages 30-55) 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.
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 (425 Brunswick St.) and over 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. over 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 Office (201B – 610 6th St.) and over zoom. A monthly 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. 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 the CNIB Victoria office (#102 – 1675 Douglas St.). 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.
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.
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 call 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) 881-4853or email shea.anker@cnib.ca.
SmartLife Open House and Tech Cafe - Kelowna: Third Thursday of every month, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna. 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 with other CNIB peers. We'll share some learning - and some laughs - together! Taking place at various locations around the Lower Mainland, as well as the CNIB offices in Victoria, Prince George, Kelowna, Vernon and Vancouver. Refreshments provided. See schedule below. For more information, please contact James Kwinecki at 236-638-8092 or james.kwinecki@cnib.ca.
SmartLife Open House and Tech Cafe - New Westminster: Third Thursday of every month, 1 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB New Westminster. 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 with other CNIB peers. We'll share some learning - and some laughs - together! Taking place at various locations around the Lower Mainland, as well as the CNIB offices in Victoria, Prince George, Kelowna, Vernon and Vancouver. Refreshments provided. See schedule below. For more information, please contact James Kwinecki at 236-638-8092 or james.kwinecki@cnib.ca.
SmartLife Open House and Tech Cafe - Prince George: Third Wednesday of every month, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Q3 Creative Business Hub. 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 with other CNIB peers. We'll share some learning - and some laughs - together! Taking place at various locations around the Lower Mainland, as well as the CNIB offices in Victoria, Prince George, Kelowna, Vernon and Vancouver. Refreshments provided. See schedule below. For more information, please contact James Kwinecki at 236-638-8092 or james.kwinecki@cnib.ca.
SmartLife Open House and Tech Cafe - Vernon: First Tuesday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. at Vernon Public Library. 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 with other CNIB peers. We'll share some learning - and some laughs - together! Taking place at various locations around the Lower Mainland, as well as the CNIB offices in Victoria, Prince George, Kelowna, Vernon and Vancouver. Refreshments provided. See schedule below. For more information, please contact James Kwinecki at 236-638-8092 or james.kwinecki@cnib.ca.
SmartLife Open House and Tech Cafe - Victoria: Third Tuesday of every month, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria. 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 with other CNIB peers. We'll share some learning - and some laughs - together! Taking place at various locations around the Lower Mainland, as well as the CNIB offices in Victoria, Prince George, Kelowna, Vernon and Vancouver. Refreshments provided. See schedule below. For more information, please contact James Kwinecki at 236-638-8092 or james.kwinecki@cnib.ca.
Wireless Wednesday: Second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 1 to 3 p.m. via Zoom, with the exception of August. 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. There will be some special guests presenting this summer! For more information, please call Amit at 778-312-3155 or email Amit.Ram@cnib.ca.
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.
Upcoming stops:
Squamish: Thursday, July 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Squamish Public Library
Prince George: Wednesday, September 9,
Community Corner
Canadian Blind Hockey: Vancouver Jr. Eclipse: 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 a.m. 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.