An illustration of a calendar on a yellow background outlined in a black paintbrush-style design with white accents. Text: CNIB Newfoundland and Labrador Programs – Spring 2023

CNIB Newfoundland and Labrador – Spring Programs

Join us! Our free programs are available to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Below, you'll find a snapshot of programs offered across the province throughout the spring. 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

  1. CNIB Community Presentations: From classrooms to city hall or speaking to corporations, CNIB volunteers regularly deliver educational and informative presentations to external groups about blindness and ways to create a more accessible society. These FREE presentations aim to promote ideas of acceptance, inclusion and diversity within our communities. Structured presentations cover topics like blindness etiquette, assistive technologies, white canes and guide dogs, CNIB programs and services, sighted guide, inclusive interviewing and hiring, and more.  Presentations can be tailored to fit the unique needs of your audience and customized to your group and can be delivered in person or virtually. To book a presentation, contact kimberlie.hart@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ext. 5803. Certificates of attendance can be provided. 
  2. Eye Safety Programs: In partnership with Workplace NL and Cenovus, CNIB runs a FREE Eye Safety Program for students at college/ university or those working in the industrial trades, health sciences, culinary arts, engineering technology, and natural resources fields. This hour-long presentation teaches students about the importance of being safe at work and following proper occupational health and safety procedures. Our goal is to make students aware of the personal and professional consequences associated with an eye injury and motivate them to be diligent about wearing appropriate eye protection and following safety protocols. To book a presentation, contact kimberlie.hart@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ext. 5803. Certificates of attendance can be provided.

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Children & Youth Programs

  1. Blind Ice Hockey: If you are between the ages of 7-25 years old and are interested in playing Blind Ice Hockey out of the CBS Stadium on Sunday mornings at 11:00 a.m. For more information, contact Kelly Picco at kelly.picco@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ex. 5813.
  2. Family Camp: August 9-13 at Lions Max Simms Camp in Bishop Falls. Camp applications will be sent out the first week in June. For more information, contact Kelly Picco at kelly.picco@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ex. 5813.
  3. PREP Series: May 23-26, 2023. Our PREP (Practical Readiness for Employment and Post Secondary) Series is open to all students throughout the province in Grades 10 – 12 or those who recently graduated. This series will give students who are blind or partially sighted an opportunity to acquire skills that are crucial for educational and career success including sessions on money management, job readiness/ interview skills, independent living skills and stress management. Though participation, teenagers and young adults can also connect and build relationships with other students in similar situations. This year’s dates will be May 23 – 26 (inclusive) and applications will be sent the first week in April. Register with Kelly Picco at kelly.picco@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ex. 5813.

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

  1. Accessible Squash: A volunteer is interested in setting up an accessible squash program based out of the squash courts in Conception Bay South. Funding maybe available for transportation. If you are interested in learning to play squash with a trained coach, email kimberlie.hart@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ext. 5803.
  2. Audio Book Club: Hosted virtually by the Ross King Library, this audiobook club allows participants to enjoy books available in large print, audio and Braille. To register, email kelly.picco@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ex. 5813.
  3. Coffee Time: Every Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Zoom. Hosted by CNIB staff member, Deon Slaney, this program allows you to sit down and engage in conversation with others who are also blind or partially sighted while in the comfort of your own home.
  4. Garden Party: Our annual Garden Party will be held on Saturday July 29th in the early afternoon. Stay tuned for more details. 
  5. Music and Friends: Second Wednesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. Listen to a variety of music genres and musicians while exploring how music helps your energy levels, motivation, and stress levels throughout the day. Most sessions have live performances. 
  6. Newfoundland Tales: Fourth Wednesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom. Interested in Newfoundland and Labrador history, culture and folklore, join for a NL tale or two. To register, email kelly.picco@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ex. 5813.
  7. Rug Hooking: Third Sunday of every month, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB St. John’s. Learn how to hook a traditional Newfoundland rug.To register, email kelly.picco@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ex. 5813.
  8. Story Corner: First Monday of every month, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Zoom. During this online program, a volunteer will read from one of the many popular Chicken Soup books.
  9. Trivia: Fourth Tuesday of every month, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Zoom.  Do you enjoy trivia? Want to test your knowledge on a variety of topics? Join our virtual Trivia Night! 
  10. Walking Group: Third Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Village Mall. Come out for a walk around the Village Mall. In the summer months, we sometimes change our location to walk outside. To register, email kelly.picco@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ex. 5813.

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Peer Support Programs

  1. Beyond Sight Series: Fourth Monday of every month, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Zoom. Guest speakers such as dietitians, recreation specialists, guide dog school representatives, and many more will present information to participants followed by a Q&A.
  2. Parent Support Group: Hosted on Zoom – dates and times vary. Join our community of parents supporting parents! This peer support group is for parents of children with sight loss. Monthly topics vary. To register, email kimberlie.hart@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ext. 5803.
  3. Social: Third Wednesday of every month, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB St. John’s. Join us for an in-person activity such as a coffee chat, restaurant outing, in house movie, skiing, art session etc. The time of this group may change depending on the activity to be presented. To register, email kelly.picco@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ex. 5813.

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Technology Programs

  1. 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.
  2. The CNIB SmartLife Centre is located inside our St. John’s office. This in-person store is equipped with our most popular items. For best service, please contact Deon at 754-1180 (ext 5812) to make an appointment. To access our full inventory, please visit our online store at www.cnibsmartlife.ca
  3. Phone It Forward: CNIB NL is still taking names for the Phone It Forward program which puts free refurbished iPhones into the hands of those with sight loss. To register, email kimberlie.hart@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ext. 5803.
  4. Tech Connect: Second Tuesday of every month, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Zoom. An educational program for participants to learn about new apps and different pieces of technology available.

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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. To register, email kelly.picco@cnib.ca or call 709-754-1180 ex. 5813.

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Support CNIB

Get your sneakers ready! The fourth annual CNIB Guide Dogs Pup Crawl is coming back this year. This virtual five-kilometre fundraising event is an amazing way to stay active, all while supporting guide dogs and handlers across Canada. That’s a win/win! We hope you’ll and join us! visit www.cnib.ca/pupcrawl and register today! 

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Community Corner

Power UP: Live Audio Description + Arts. Brought to you by Power Productions in St. John’s Newfoundland, this service offers live theatre commentary using earpieces and a radio system! Description is intermixed with the actors' dialogue, describing the visual aspects of the show live and in the moment! For upcoming shows offering live audio description service visit: Power Up! shows listing.

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