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

CNIB British Columbia – Winter 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 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

Emergency  Preparedness Workshop - New Westminster: CNIB and AEBC are teaming up to ensure that members of the sight loss community are prepared for the upcoming wildfire season and other unforeseen emergencies. Through this workshop, participants will 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 20 in person participants of each workshop will receive emergency kits to take home! Lunch will be provided for all in-person participants. To register, or if you have any questions, please contact Tommy Leung at Tommy.Leung@cnib.ca, or call 1-800-563-2642, ext. 6024. 

  1. Tuesday, February 3, 12 to 3 p.m.: Deafblind client-focused workshop
  2. Thursday, February 5, 12 to 3 p.m.: Blind or low-vision client-focused workshop

Outreach Presentation: 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 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:  Thursday, January 16, 1 - 3:00 p.m. Join us 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: 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 first session for 2026 is Tuesday, February 24 from 4 - 5 p.m. To register, please complete this online form.
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, 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 or to register, please contact Alix Straith, Program Lead, Children and Youth at 778-990-2356 or Alix.Straith@cnib.ca.
Family and Youth Focused Emergency Preparedness Workshop: Saturday, February 7, 12 - 3 p.m. at CNIB New Westminster or via Zoom. CNIB and AEBC are teaming up to ensure that members of the sight loss community are prepared for the upcoming wildfire season and unforeseen emergencies. Through this workshop, participants will 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. This session is specifically designed for families along with youth, we welcome participants and their entire family to join us. The first 20 in person participants will receive emergency kits to take home! Lunch will be provided for all in-person participants. To register, please complete this short online form.
Life Beyond High School: Wednesday, January 21, 6 - 7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Whether you are graduating this year or in a few years, we invite you to join us for an informative session where you can meet CNIB staff from across the country. As students transition out of high school, CNIB is here to support them, their parents and guardians, and TSVIs as they prepare for life beyond graduation. The session will feature presentations on CNIB BC-Yukon programs and national opportunities, including scholarships, the National Youth Council, volunteering, CNIB Lake Joe, Come to Work, and more. A resource document will also be provided, and it can be shared with those who are unable to attend. To register, please complete this online form. For more information, 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 – 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly 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 – 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly 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 three 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. 

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

To register for these programs or for more information, please contact Leni White at Leni.White@cnib.ca or 250-216-9909, unless otherwise listed. 

Coffee-Talks: Biweekly on Fridays, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. via Zoom. Each session will have a topic of discussion. This program is designed for those 19+.  
Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) Group: Every 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 Pacific Club: Exciting news for all lawn bowling enthusiasts! The Lawn Bowling Pacific Club of Victoria has generously opened their greens for our participants, offering free access to this enjoyable sport. Next year’s schedule will run through the months of June, July, August, and September 2026, giving you even more opportunities to join in. 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. This Club meets at 720 Belleville Street, Victoria. Register for the 2026 Season here!
Seated Dance Fitness Zoom: Every other Thursday, 3:30 – 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Adaptive Dance instructor Tiffany Tjosvold will lead a virtual high energy, seated dance class for participants ages 19+. This class is suitable for all fitness levels. 
Victoria Harmony Choir: Every Friday, 1:30 – 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: 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. 

  1. Building Resilience: Tuesday, January 27, 10 a.m. via Zoom. Life often presents challenges, both personal and professional. This workshop focuses on practical strategies to strengthen resilience—the ability to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of adversity.  Guest speaker: Dr. James Hambrick.
  2. Everything You Need to Know about Taxes: Tuesday, February 24, 10 a.m. via Zoom. Taxes can feel overwhelming but understanding them is essential for financial confidence and planning. This workshop provides a practical, easy‑to‑follow guide to the fundamentals of taxation, helping participants navigate filing requirements, deductions, credits, and common pitfalls. Guest speaker: Laurie Amigo.
  3. Understanding Service Canada Services: Tuesday, March 31, 10 a.m. via Zoom. Navigating government programs can sometimes feel complex. This workshop provides a clear and practical introduction to the wide range of services offered by Service Canada, helping participants understand how to access benefits, programs, and resources that support individuals and families. Guest speaker: Tzena Russel.
  4. Photography - The Sky is the Limit: Tuesday, April 28, 10 a.m. via Zoom. Photography is more than capturing images—it’s about seeing the world from new perspectives. This workshop invites participants to explore creative techniques that expand their vision and elevate their photography skills, whether using a professional camera or a smartphone. Guest speaker: Alexandra Halliday.

Self-Management - Lifelong Learning BC:  Dates and times TBD. This program offers FREE health programs for adults with chronic conditions, available in various formats (in-person, virtual, online, by telephone, or by mail) for BC residents. Learn the skills and gain the confidence to live well with chronic conditions.

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Come to Work Programs

Career Quest 9: Tuesday, January 13 - Thursday, February 19: This program is 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. Please Note: Between each Career Quest session, meetings will continue to be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays until the start of the next session. For more details or help with registration, please reach out to  Caleb.Okoh@cnib.ca.
Vision to Reality Foundation – Information Session: Tuesday, January 13th,  2 - 3 p.m. via Zoom. Join us for a brief and engaging information session to learn more about the Vision to Reality Foundation, an initiative designed to support individuals with sight loss in building confidence, developing new skills, and accessing meaningful opportunities. This session will provide an overview of upcoming programs, supports, and ways to get involved. Whether you're exploring personal development, career growth, or community connection, this is a great place to start. For more details or help with registration, please reach out to Claudia.Befo@cnib.ca.  


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Peer Support Programs

Unless otherwise noted, to register for these programs, please contact Jamie Auman, Program Coordinator, Advocacy & Peer Support at Jamie.Auman@cnib.ca or 604-431-2121 extension 6022. 

Cranbrook Connections Group: Sundays (mid-month) of every month starting at 11 a.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. 
Fraser Valley/Vancouver Island Connections Group: Every second and fourth Thursday of the month, 1 – 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. 
Kelowna Seniors Connections Group: Third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 - 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. 
Kelowna Working-Age Connections Group: First Wednesday of every month, 4:30 – 6 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna or via 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. 
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. 
Prince George Connections Group: Every second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 1:30 – 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. – 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. 
Vancouver Working-Age Connections Group: First Thursday of every month, 1 – 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. 
Vernon Connections Group: Third Tuesday of every month from 1 - 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. 
Victoria Connections Group:  Every second Wednesday of the month,10 a.m. – 12 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. 
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. Each workshop goes over a different service that CNIB can offer to you. Program is 6 weeks in duration, Tuesdays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Meetings are over zoom. 
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 full-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. They will also be connecting with others in the vision loss community. 

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CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs

*Winter Closure Schedule*:  Please find below the upcoming closure schedule for CNIB SmartLife locations in BC. We encourage you to review these dates and plan your visits accordingly.

  1. New Westminster: Closed January 2, January 12-14, and Fridays starting in January until further notice.
  2. Kelowna: Closed January 2, January 14 & 15
  3. Victoria: Closed January 15 & 16

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 778-312-3155.
Intro to Assistive Technology: Second Tuesday of every month, 12 - 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. 
SmartLife Open House and Tech Primer Cafes - Would you like to sit down with a coffee and a pal to learn the tech that will make sight 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, Vernon and New Westminster. Refreshments provided. For more information, please call Julia Bonnett at 778-897-3115 or email Julia.Bonnett@cnib.ca.

  1. Vernon: First Tuesday of every month, 1 - 3 p.m. (starting February 3) at Vernon Public Library
  2. Victoria:  Third Tuesday of every month, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria
  3. Prince George: Third Wednesday of every month, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Prince George
  4. Kelowna:  Third Thursday of every  month, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna
  5. New Westminster: Third Thursday of every month, 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. at CNIB New Westminster

Wireless Wednesday:  Every second and fourth Wednesday, 1 – 3 p.m. Are you new to assistive technology? Want to get more out of your smart device or computer? This Zoom 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. 

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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 questions, please contact Sharon Pratt at Sharon.Pratt@cnib.ca.

  • Comox: Tuesday, February 24, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at St. Peter's Anglican Church (218 Church St)
  • Nanaimo: Wednesday, February 25, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Beban Park Social Centre (2300 Bowen Road)

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

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Community Corner

Braille Mountain Initiative: If you’re a skier with sight loss, who’s dreamed of carving through untouched powder in the heart of the Canadian Rockies — this is your chance. Join Braille Mountain Initiative, a charity dedicated to  bringing adventurers with sight loss into the backcountry, for a once-in-a-lifetime week at Sorcerer Lodge from April 5–12, 2026. Spend seven days in deep mountain wilderness — where the snow is endless, the laughter is contagious, and every turn is guided by trust, teamwork, and exhilaration. Each participant is paired with an experienced ski guide, ensuring safety, freedom, and pure mountain joy. If you’ve ever dreamed of skiing deep in the backcountry, now’s your moment. Email info@BrailleMountainInitiative.com to reserve your spot or learn more.
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. For more information, please contact Canadian Blind Hockey Program Director Luca DeMontis at LucaDeMontis@BlindIceHockey.com.
Canadian Blind Hockey - Victoria All-Ages: 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 sight loss who wants to experience the thrill of Blind Hockey in a fun and accessible way. Ready to Lace Up? No experience is needed and equipment can be provided. Join a growing community that believes hockey truly is for everyone. For more information, please contact Canadian Blind Hockey Program Director Luca DeMontis at LucaDeMontis@BlindIceHockey.com.
Lacrossing Barriers: Every Saturday starting January 25, 10 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. Lacrossing Barriers is a non-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. To register, visit their website or email Scott@LacrossingBarriers.org. 

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