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
- Next Generation Programs
- Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs
- Peer Support Programs
- CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs
- Vision Mate
- CNIB Mobile Hub
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Support CNIB
- Community Corner
Advocacy Programs
To register for Advocacy programs, or for more information, please contact Vivi Dabee at Vivi.Dabee@cnib.ca or 204-396-9487.
Community Engagement Volunteers: Last Thursday of every month, 7 to 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 to empower 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.
Empowered Allyship: Tuesday, October 20, 7 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Allyship is defined as, the state or condition of being an ally – supportive association with another person or members of a marginalized or mistreated group to which one does not belong. In this workshop friends and family of those with sight loss will learn how to be effective allies and lend support to those in their lives living with sight loss. This workshop will also discuss breaking down negative stereotypes and navigating barriers. Finally, it will provide tangible solutions to common scenarios faced by people with sight loss.
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.
Educators Lunch and Learn: Wednesday, October 21, 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Join us for a chance to learn how we can work together! CNIB offers many different programs to youth with sight loss, and we would love to bring our educators out to learn more about who we are and what we have to offer! We invite all to attend so we can build a community of educators and program facilitators ready to support our children with sight loss in their journey through education and beyond. We will talk about the challenges our kids face in school and how CNIB is working towards solutions.
Family Fun Days: Dates, times and locations TBC. Families coming together to have fun and socialize with other families that have children who are blind or partially sighted. The Family Fun Days are focused on just that: FUN! They can include things like bowling, rock climbing, crafts, games and more.
Parent Peer Support Group: Dates, times and locations TBC. A support group for parents with school aged children who have sight loss. This program will progress into our Parent Advocacy Program, where we will look at and come up with action plans to tackle the issues children with sight loss face in education. There will be a combination of community engagement and events to promote and gain support for these issues.
P.D. Days: Date TBC, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This program will be for kids from grades 1 to 8. This is an all-day program offering families the opportunity to bring their kids experiencing sight loss into the office while we run activities ranging in education, recreation, arts, technology and more. For kids in high school grades 9 to 12, we will offer the opportunity for them to work alongside staff in a leadership and mentee role to develop their leadership and independence.
Youth Adventure Club: Date TBC, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted youth ages 12 to 18 (Grades 6 to 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.
Young Adult Social Club: Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. 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.
Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs
To register for the Brandon and Dauphin Groups or for more information, contact La-Toya Gibbons at La-Toya.Gibbons@cnib.ca or (431) 866-9376. For all other Culture, Sport & Recreation programs, unless otherwise noted, contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or (204) 230-1496.
Adult Recreation Club: Fourth Monday of every second month, 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. A relaxed, welcoming social drop-in for adults aged 30 to 60 who are blind or partially sighted, including those newly adjusting to vision loss. Meetings will take place at CNIB and various locations across the city for friendly conversation and activities.
Brandon Dinner Club: Second Tuesday of every month, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at a different restaurant in Brandon every month. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants throughout Brandon for dinner.
Brandon Walking Group: Every Wednesday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Brandon University Track in the Healthy Living Centre. The Walking Group Program provides a chance for individuals who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills.
Brunch Club Winnipeg: First Monday of every month, 12 to 3 p.m. at a different restaurant in Winnipeg every month. Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for brunch.
Financial Literacy Presentation with Amy Pilloud and Austin From: Friday, September 25 at 10 to 11 a.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Financial confidence is an important part of well-being, join us for this upcoming presentation with From Financial that will cover a wide range of topics including budgeting, taxes, education, savings, insurance, and RDSP.
L.!.T.E.: Dates, times, and locations TBC. Do not miss the opportunity to be part of the L!TE group – Live! Theatre Entertainment. If you like Rainbow Stage, Prairie Theatre Exchange, and other live theatre venues, then this group will be for you! Enjoy live theater performances that are inclusive to people with sight loss by view services (live described theater). Register as soon as possible as seating is limited. Call the info line for monthly updates on performances at (204) 789-0961.
Outings: Outings provide blind or partially sighted individuals with the chance to visit new attractions in Manitoba and meet new people. These outings are year-round and inclusive to all. Important: All outings fill up fast!
Walk Together Winnipeg: Every Monday, 10 to 11 a.m. at the Leaf at Assiniboine Park. Join us for a group specifically designed for members of the blind and low vision community. This social gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers, practice mobility skills, and enjoy the beauty of nature. The group will either be walking on the trails at The Leaf, or the Assiniboine Zoo.
Peer Support Programs
To register for the Brandon and Dauphin Groups or for more information, contact La-Toya Gibbons at La-Toya.Gibbons@cnib.ca (431) 866-9376. For all other Peer Support programs, unless otherwise noted, contact Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204) 290-3294.
Bible Study: 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.
Brandon Connects: Last Tuesday of every month, 1:30 to 3 p.m. at United Way of Brandon. 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.
Dauphin Peer Support Group: Last Wednesday of every month, 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Dauphin Public Library. This group offers a safe, positive social network for those that are blind or partially sighted to rekindle old friendships, make new ones, meet new people, and have enjoyable conversations.
Friday Morning Coffee Group: Every Friday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. Rekindle old friendships while making new ones, meeting new people, and having enjoyable conversations. This group offers a safe, positive social network for those that are blind or partially sighted.
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. In this group, we will explore topics such as love, dating, relationships, confidence, and much more. For more information or to register, contact Joanne Fabian at Joanne.Fabian@cnib.ca or (204) 230-1496.
Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support: First and third Wednesday of every month, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. This program is designed for blind or partially blind indigenous individuals who want to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances in a safe and comfortable setting. This program will also provide an opportunity for participants to learn from various guest speakers.
Virtual Coffee Group: Every Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. via Zoom. Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversations. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network for people who have experienced sight loss. Everyone is welcome.
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. 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.
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.
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 La-Toya Gibbons at La-Toya.Gibbons@cnib.ca or (431) 866-9376. 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.
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 Brett Cleghorn at Brett.Cleghorn@cnib.ca or (204)-290-3294.
CNIB Mobile Hub
A new program delivery model where we visit your community to deliver in-person programming at no cost to you. At the CNIB Mobile Hub, you can participate in recreational and social activities, technology workshops, and more. Programs are designed to educate, entertain, and engage community members who are blind or partially sighted, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers. Plus, meet CNIB staff and learn more about CNIB programs and services. A light lunch is provided for all registrants. For more information or to register, contact La-Toya Gibbons at La-Toya.Gibbons@cnib.ca or (431) 866-9376.
Niverville – Tuesday, September 15, 2026 - Niverville Centennial Arena Take One Leave One Library, 1 Arena Road
Steinbach – Wednesday, September 16, 2026 - Jake Epp Public Library, 255 Elmdale Street
Winkler - Thursday, October 1, 2026 - South Central Regional Library, Winkler Branch, 160 Main St
Dauphin – Wednesday, October 28, 2026 - Dauphin Recreation Centre, Curler’s Lounge, 200 1 St SE
Portage La Prairie -Tuesday, November 10, 2026 - Portage La Prairie Regional Library, 40-B Royal Rd N
For additional confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub.
Volunteer Opportunities
If you are interested in volunteering with CNIB, please apply online or email manitoba@cnib.ca.
- Driver Guide – Casual/On-Call (Winnipeg and Brandon)
- Mobile Hub Driver Guide/Volunteer
- Next Generation – Children and Youth Programs
- Walk Together Group Sighted Guide
- Vision Mate
- Walking Group Sighted Guide (Brandon)
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!
Community Corner
Resource Centre for Manitobans who are Deaf-Blind (RCMDB)
Vision Impaired Resource Network (VIRN)