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

CNIB Manitoba – Fall Programs 2025

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

To register for Advocacy programs, or for more information, please contact Vivi Dabee at Vivi.Dabee@cnib.ca or 204-396-9487.

  1. Community Engagement Volunteers: Last Thursday of every month, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Community Engagement Volunteers provide public education, speaking to government officials, educators, students, employers, healthcare professionals and the public about issues that affect members of the sight loss community. This program is also dedicated to building the advocacy and communication skills of our Community Engagement Volunteers and empowers them to become informed advocates and create change. Volunteers will gain a sense of confidence and experience greater self-esteem as active members of this team. 

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Next Generation (Children & Youth) Programs

To register for the Next Generation Programs or for more information, please contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or call (204) 290-3294.

  1. Parent and Tot Support Group: Fall dates and times TBA at CNIB Winnipeg Office. This is a space for parents of children that are blind or low vision ages 0 to 6 to come and find support and resources from each other.
  2. Young Adult Social Club: Fall dates and times TBA at CNIB Winnipeg or other location. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted young adults ages 18 to 29 to connect and find community. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie nights, karaoke battles, dining out at restaurants and monthly excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering community and building connections.
  3. Youth Adventure Club: Fall dates and times TBA at CNIB Winnipeg or other location. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted youth ages 13-18 (Grades 8-12) to connect and find a sense of community with each other. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie and game nights, guest speakers, and excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering self-esteem and enhancing socialization skills. Registration for this program is required.

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

Unless otherwise noted, to register for Culture, Sport & Recreation programs or for more information, please contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or (204) 230-1496.

  1. Brandon Dinner Club: Second Tuesday of every month, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at various restaurants in Brandon. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants across Brandon for dinner.  Please contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204) 290-3294 to register or for more info.
  2. Brandon Yoga: 7-week session starting Thursday, September 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Divine Energy Massage Therapy. In this program, individuals will learn the basics of stretching and yoga. These sessions can improve an individual’s core strength, flexibility, and balance while providing relation techniques and increased self-confidence. For more information and to register, contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204) 290-3294
  3. Brunch Club: First Monday of every month plus one Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at various restaurants in Winnipeg. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for brunch. Due to its popular demand, this program will be offered two times a month. One on the first Monday unless notified and the second offering will be on a Saturday.
  4. CNIB Drop-In: Every Monday, 12 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. The CNIB has a drop in area that is open for participants to come and connect with other peers. Coffee available for a fee.
  5. Community Forum: Wednesday, October 15, 1:30 to 3 p.m. Join us twice a year for a chance to connect and discuss the programs and activities of the CNIB Manitoba division. This group is open to both new and current active participants. We want to hear your thoughts! Whether you have ideas for new groups, want to contribute to discussions about outings and programs, or simply wish to listen and learn, your participation is welcome.
  6. L.!.T.E.: Tuesday, October 28, at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the L!TE group – Live! Theatre Entertainment. The focus of this group is for individuals who enjoy live theatre entertainment. If you like the Rainbow Stage, Prairie Theatre Exchange and other live theatre venues, then this group will be for you! Register as soon as possible as seating is limited. Contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or (204) 230-1496.
  7. Opening Doors: Last Monday of every second month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This is a group in which you have the opportunity to learn about a variety of community resources. A different presenter will be chosen each session. These community informational sessions will compliment our Drop-In.
  8. Winnipeg Walking Group: Every Monday, 10 to 11 a.m. at CF Polo Park Mall. The Walking Group Program provides a chance for individuals who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills.  

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Peer Support Programs

Unless otherwise noted, to register for Peer Support programs or for more information, please contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or 204-290-3294. 

  1. Adjusting to Vision Loss: Every Tuesday from November 19 until December 17, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This five-week program provides individuals with an inclusive support network, the opportunity to share practical support strategies, and to help to face the future with confidence, independence, happiness, and hope. The purpose of the program is to provide adults who are blind or partially sighted with support during their adjustment to vision loss. It seeks to improve participants' knowledge about eye conditions, living with vision loss, and CNIB and other community supports and services. To register, contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or 204-230-1496.

  2. Bible Study Group:  Every Thursday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Make new friends or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding. 
  3. Brandon Connects: Last Tuesday of every month, 1:30 to 3 p.m., at the United Way of Brandon Boardroom (201-1011 Rosser Ave). This peer group is for individuals in the Brandon area that would like to come together to learn from others who have sight loss. This program allows for individuals to support one another in a safe social environment. 
  4. Dauphin Peer Support Group: Third Wednesday of every month, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Dauphin Public Library. Rekindle old friendships while making new ones, meet new people and have enjoyable conversations. This group Peer Support group offers a safe, positive social network for those that are blind or partially sighted. 
  5. Friday Morning Coffee Group: Every Friday, 10 to 12 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Rekindle old friendships while making new ones, meet new people and have enjoyable conversations. This group offers a safe, positive social network for those with sight loss. 
  6. Life Coaching: Third Thursday of every month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Are you interested in personal development and have sight loss? We invite you to join our engaging and interactive Life Coaching series starting on October 17. In this group, we will explore topics such as love, dating, relationships, confidence, and more.
  7. Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support Group: First and third Wednesday of every month, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. This program is designed for blind or low vision Indigenous individuals who are wanting to connect with others experiencing similar circumstances in a safe and comfortable setting. This program will also provide an opportunity for participants to learn from various guest speakers. 
  8. Virtual Coffee Group: Every Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversation. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network for people experiencing sight loss. Everyone is welcome. 

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CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs

  1. 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.
  2. The CNIB SmartLife Tech @ Home program allows participants to test cutting-edge accessible devices from the comfort of their own homes and beyond. Through this program, Canadians with sight loss gain access to life-changing technology– no matter where they live.
  3. Phone it Forward: This program is designed to equip clients with technology to increase independence. Phones are set up by CNIB Program Leads and training is provided by Vision Loss Rehabilitation (VLR) Specialists. We provide iPhone and a variety of Android phones. Phones have the following accessible apps: Be My Eyes, Seeing AI, BlindSquare Events. CNIB wants to ensure that anyone who is blind or partially sighted can benefit from safety, independence, and enablement that a smartphone, along with the proper training, can provide. If you have sight loss, live in Canada, and are registered with CNIB, you are eligible for a free smartphone through Phone It Forward. When you register for Phone It Forward, a CNIB team lead in your province will receive your name and contact information. They will contact you in the months ahead to keep you posted on the program’s development and to let you know when a phone is available for you. If you are interested in learning more about the Phone It Forward Program, or to register, contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or 204-789-0962. Donated smartphones are wiped to the highest data security standards, loaded with accessible apps, and provided to people with sight loss who need them, along with technical training, discounted maintenance, and data plan support.To donate your phone, or learn more about Phone it Forward, visit www.phoneitforward.ca or call 1-833-554-5020.

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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. To register or for more information, contact Ben Neufeld at Ben.Neufeld@cnib.ca or 204-509-9658.

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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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Volunteer Opportunities

If you are interested in volunteering with CNIB, please apply online or email manitoba@cnib.ca. 

  1. Vision Mate: Vision Mates provides community-based support through one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship to a person who is blind or partially sighted. As a Vision Mate, you will be matched with someone with vision loss in your community to help them with everyday activities, like running errands, going for a walk and friendly visiting. This program is also available virtually, where you would meet with your match via telephone or online web conferencing. 
  2. Walking Group Sighted Guide: Position Description: Meeting at Polo Park Mall in the winter months, or CNIB in the summer months, the sighted guide attends our weekly Walking Group on Mondays to provide sighted assistance for participants with sight loss. Sighted Guide training is provided. Can’t commit to every week? We still want to hear from you! There is flexibility and we would be happy to have you volunteer on the Mondays that suit your availability. 
  3. Driver Guide: Position Description: Provide community-based support; drive clients, service staff and/or volunteers who are blind or partially sighted and are travelling on CNIB business. 

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Support CNIB

If you would like to donate to support CNIB’s innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empowers people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Please visit cnib.ca/donate and give today!

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Community Corner

Community Organizations – Partners & Resources
  1. Manitoba Blind Sports Association
  2. Resource Centre for Manitobans who are Deaf-Blind (RCMDB)
  3. Vision Impaired Resource Network (VIRN)

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