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An illustration of a calendar on a yellow background outlined in a black paintbrush-style design with white accents. Text: CNIB Ontario Programs – Spring 2024.

CNIB Ontario – 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

Virtual Program Highlights
  1. Advocacy One-to-One support: If you are struggling with a self-advocacy issue, you don’t have to struggle alone. CNIB’s advocacy team is here to help. If you need assistance with writing a letter, figuring out what to say, or brainstorming next steps, contact your local CNIB advocacy lead. In Eastern and Northern Ontario, email kate.riccomini@cnib.ca.  In the GTA and Southwestern Ontario, email neisha.mitchell@cnib.ca
Northern Ontario
  1. Connecting and Improving the North: Third Thursday of every month, 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Zoom. Allows residents of northern Ontario to connect with one another and discuss their experiences within their own communities. We take this opportunity to share suggestions among peers to do our part in improving our communities. Discuss self-advocacy, barriers, successes, and shout outs to establishments in your community that do accessibility well. To register, email guy.carriere@cnib.ca
  2. Virtual Advocacy Drop-in – Ontario North: Third Tuesday of every month, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Zoom. Are you looking for support with a self-advocacy challenge?  Do you have questions about how to access services in your community? If so, you are invited to join us for our virtual advocacy drop-in, where you can get answers to your advocacy questions without even leaving your home. To register, email guy.carriere@cnib.ca

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Children & Youth Programs

Virtual Program Highlights
  1. Braille Creative Writing Contest: Calling all aspiring young writers! The 2024 Braille Creative Writing Contest is now accepting entries. Since 1997, CNIB has organized a Canada-wide Braille Creative Writing Contest for children and youth. This important competition celebrates braille literacy and encourages young people to flex their creative muscles while practicing their braille skills. Write a short story, essay, or poem on any topic or re-purpose something you've written for school this year! Show off your creative writing talents for a chance to win cash prizes. The contest is open to primary and secondary students (grades K-12) who are blind or partially sighted and live in Canada. 
  2. CNIB/OPVIC (Ontario Parents of Visually Impaired Children) Parent Group: Fourth Wednesday of every month, 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. on Zoom. Join our community of parents supporting parents in the monthly meetings of the CNIB/OPVIC Group. This Ontario-based group is open to parents across Canada who want to be active in the development of their child with vision loss. Attendees will share best practices and we will hear from TVI’s and other special guests. Be part of an exciting and supportive community and meet other parents working toward the same goals. To register, email rhonda.underhill-gray@cnib.ca 
Eastern Ontario
  1. Ottawa Heroes Circle Martial Arts (ages 6-18): Second Thursday of every month, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub. Practice Power, Peace, and Purpose. Senseis will guide us through the one-hour session and no prior experience is necessary. This program is open to children and youth ages 6-18 in Ontario East. 
  2. Ottawa Teen Baking Group: Third Thursday of every month, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub. Join us for some kitchen fun! We will create a new recipe each month and enjoy eating our baking and socializing with peers. Open to participants between the ages of 12-18 in the Ontario East region. 
  3. Ottawa Youth Games Club: Fourth Thursday of every month, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub. Calling all game lovers! Participants will meet to play games with peers. We will offer a variety of games including board games, indoor axe throwing and trivia style games. This program is open to Children and Youth in the Ottawa area ages 5 and up. 
Greater Toronto Area
  1. Brampton Beats: Third Saturday of every month, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the CNIB Brampton Hub. March to the beat of your own drum and join us one Saturday a month for in-person bucket drumming and drumline workshops. No prior music experience or knowledge is required! Workshops will be run by professional instructors from Bandology, a non-profit dedicated to providing more music for more kids.
  2. Toronto Saturday Art Jam: Third Saturday of every month, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the CNIB Toronto Hub. The Saturday Art Jam is a safe space for CNIB youth (ages 14-21) to explore their creativity. Artists and non-artists are welcome. Participants will take part in structured accessible art and craft sessions with a focus on fun. The Saturday Art Jam is also a social space, and we encourage attendees to build confidence and resilience in this supportive environment.

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

Southwestern Ontario
  1. Avian Feathered Friends in Hamilton: Wednesday, June 12, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at Dundurn Castle. It’s Spring and there’s a Bird Party happening outdoors.  Our Avian Feathered Friends are chatting with each other in the Forest Canopy and we want you to join in on the Party! Join our expert birder, Stewart MacDonald, as he takes you on an accessible walk and helps you to identify these Wild and Wonderful Bird Calls and Songs.
  2. Avian Feathered Friends in Waterloo: Wednesday, June 6, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. at the Waterloo Recreational Center. It’s Spring and there’s a Bird Party happening outdoors.  Our Avian Feathered Friends are chatting with each other in the Forest Canopy and we want you to join in on the Party! Join our expert birder, Stewart MacDonald, as he takes you on an accessible walk and helps you to identify these Wild and Wonderful Bird Calls and Songs.
  3. Armchair Travel: Third Tuesday of the month, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the CNIB London Hub. Transport yourself to another country! The music, the history, the fun facts, and the food. Be prepared to help make a simple food item and taste it. Food may come into connect with peanuts/allergens. Please let us know if you have any allergies at registration. To register, email vera.orsini@cnib.ca 
  4. London Coffee Club: Fourth Wednesday of every month, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the CNIB London Hub. This Coffee Club is open to CNIB participants in the London area who would like to meet for laughter, information sharing, and friendly support. Join in for coffee, the chance to share and meet other people who are experiencing sight loss. Meet CNIB team members who may just pop by to say hi.
  5. Niagara Hysterical Historical Walking Tour: Thursday, July 11. Join us for a hysterical historical walking tour in Niagara-On-The-Lake. Limited Spots. Full details will be given at time of registration. A bus will pick up participants at the Grantham Lions Club in St. Catharine's. We will enjoy a walking tour through Historic Olde Town with our very funny local tour guide. Lunch will be at the Old Angel Inn. 
  6. Madcap Wednesdays With Friends: First and third Wednesday of the month, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the CNIB London Hub. Whether it’s trivia, games, cards or even axe throwing, the skies the limit!
  7. Royal Canadian Regiment Museum Cold War Tour: Thursday, April 18, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the RCR Musuem (750 Elizabeth Street, London). Visit the RCR Museum in London for an audio described tour featuring the period 1945 to 2014. We will explore the Regiment’s involvement in UN and NATO missions, as well domestic operations from 1970 to 1997. Tactile elements will be available for your visit. Limited capacity. To register, email vera.orsini@cnib.ca 
  8. Saturday Bingo at the London Hub: Third Saturday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the CNIB London Hub. Join us for some fun at the Hub with Saturday Bingo. Laughter, make new friends, and try to get that line first! Use a Bingo card from the Hub or bring your own. Limited tactile bingo cards available. Registration deadline is the Monday before the Saturday program to ensure participation. To register, email vera.orsini@cnib.ca 
  9. Touching Sound - Waterloo Workshop: Saturday, May 25, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Walter Bean Grand River Trail. Interdisciplinary artists, Olivia Brouwer and Dawn Matheson, collaborate with CNIB to host a free accessible sensory-led nature walk and creative workshop in Waterloo at the Walter Bean Grand River Trail and Waterloo Public Library Eastside Branch for participants who are blind and partially sighted. The workshop will involve the creation of sound-activated mixed media sculptures based on recordings and sensory activities within the natural environment. Artworks created from the workshop will also be temporarily exhibited. 
Northern Ontario
  1. Dream Weaver: Wednesday, April 10, May 8, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay. The Dream Weaver Project will celebrate the creativity, dignity, and resilience of people living with sight-loss through artmaking and storytelling. Dream Weaver refers to the universality of being able to weave dreams in our minds. Join us as Betty guides us through sessions of weaving that will incorporate historical and contemporary materials. To register, email tanis.boardman@cnib.ca
  2. Music with Kaelyn: Third Thursday of every month, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay. Join Kaelyn McCallum, accredited music therapist, for a unique group music experience. Kaelyn incorporates many different aspects of music to express emotion, with a focus on social connection and creative expression. Activities such as will be key experiences in this group. Adaptive instrument playing, songwriting, group music making/improvisation, and collaborative music experiences will provide everyone with a rich musical experience. People of all musical backgrounds welcome, from an avid toe tapper to a rocking guitarist! To register, email tanis.boardman@cnib.ca.
  3. Sudbury Arts and Crafts: Fourth Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the CNIB Sudbury Hub. Explore your creative prowess. We are taking arts and crafts and putting a tactile twist on how people with sight loss can get involved! Come join us to let your creative talent shine. To register, email guy.carriere@cnib.ca.
  4. Thunder Bay Book Club: Third Monday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay. Join us for a discussion on books you’ve read and share your recommended book list with the group.
  5. Thunder Bay Coffee Club: First Wednesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay. Join us for an afternoon, where you can join us for light refreshments and the chance to share and meet other people experiencing sight loss. To register, email tanis.boardman@cnib.ca.
Greater Toronto Area
  1. Brampton Coffee Chat: Second Wednesday of every month, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the CNIB Brampton Hub. Join us for coffee and great conversation. An opportunity to talk with others living with sight loss. Hear from guest speakers, get new information, and share resources and tips. Come on out, meet with your peers, let’s chat! 
  2. Brampton Guitar/Ukulele lessons: Every Wednesday, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the CNIB Brampton Hub. If you are interested in learning how to play the guitar or ukulele, or even just advance your skills, these lessons are here for you! Each lesson will be 30 minutes. You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed. 
  3. Toronto Guitar/Ukulele lessons: Every Thursday, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Hub. If you’re interested in learning how to play the guitar or ukulele, or even just advance your skills, these lessons are here for you! You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed. Sessions are 30 minutes. 
  4. Toronto Knitting Circle: Every Thursday, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Hub. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced knitter. Come out and enjoy some time with your peers and knit! If you don’t know how to knit, no problem we can teach you. 
  5. Toronto Music Jam: Third Tuesday of every month, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Hub. Come jam with us! Bring your instrument, your voice, and your music enthusiasm. 
  6. Toronto Woodturning: Last Thursday of every month, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Hub. Discover the art of woodturning and what it’s all about. No experience required! Volunteers will be on hand to show you the fundamentals and help to create a beautiful project. 

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Peer Support Programs

Virtual Program Highlight
  1. Meaningful Mondays, Adjustment to Vision Loss (AVL): Second and fourth Monday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Zoom or phone. This Adjustment to Vision Loss (AVL) Drop-in Discussion Series keeps the interactive conversation going. In a safe and confidential, peer led, (virtual) space, people with sight loss can drop in to explore, contribute, and understand the many emotions and losses associated with sight loss, and build self-confidence for leading a meaningful and independent life. 
Southwestern Ontario
  1. Kitchener-Waterloo Friendly Chat Group (Waitlist): If you are in the Kitchener/Waterloo area and are looking for conversation, support, and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist. This group will meet in person and virtually.
  2. The Round Table: Every Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Zoom. The Round Table is a Hamilton based group offering friendly conversation and encouragement.  It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances.  Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support.  
  3. St. Thomas Friendly Chat Group (Waitlist): If you are in the St. Thomas area and are looking for conversation, support and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist. This group will meet in person. To register, email vera.orsini@cnib.ca 
Eastern Ontario
  1. Kingston Coffee and Chat Group: Third Thursday of the month, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the CNIB Kingston Hub. Snacks and refreshments will be provided. Come on out, meet with your peers, let’s chat! 
  2. Ottawa Coffee and Tea Chat: Third Wednesday of every month, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub. 
Central Ontario
  1. Barrie Beyond Vision Loss: This open group for participants in Simcoe/Muskoka meets quarterly at CNIB Barrie SmartLife Centre. To register, email lucia.ricardo@cnib.ca or call 705-728-3352 ext. 5281.
  2. Barrie Coffee Kings: Second Tuesday of every month, 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at CNIB Barrie. This coffee group for the guys is currently virtual, and offers an opportunity for interesting and relevant discussions with others who are experiencing vision loss. Get comfortable in your favourite chair and set yourself up with snacks and coffee or your beverage of choice, then bring on the conversation.
  3. Barrie Gaining Grounds: Every Thursday, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. To register, email  lucia.ricardo@cnib.ca or call 705-728-3352 ext. 5281.
  4. Midland/Penetanguishene Beyond Vision Loss: First Wednesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. To register, email  lucia.ricardo@cnib.ca or call 705-728-3352 ext. 5281.
  5. Orillia Beyond Vision Loss Group: Fourth Tuesday of every month, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Zoom or telephone. This social conversational group is for participants in the Orillia area of Simcoe/Muskoka. To register, email  lucia.ricardo@cnib.ca or call 705-728-3352 ext. 5281.
Northern Ontario
  1. Algoma After Sight Group: Second and dourth Thursday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Zoom. A phone-based peer support group for people who are blind or partially sighted to learn from and connect to others who understand their experiences. Come and share tips and tricks with other participants relevant to your community and connect with local resources. This group is for people with sight loss living in the Sault Ste. Marie/Algoma district. 
  2. First Nations Vision Loss Peer Support Group: Second Tuesday of every month at CNIB Thunder Bay or virtually on the fourth Tuesday of every month on Zoom, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. For more information, email tanis.boardman@cnib.ca or call 807-633-6527. 
  3. Ontario North Connex: First and third Tuesday of every month, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Zoom. It is a chance for residents of northern Ontario to connect with other participants without the region. We discuss all things accessibility during this meeting. To register, email guy.carriere@cnib.ca
  4. Sudbury Peer Group – In Person: Third Wednesday of every month, 2:30-4:00 PM at Sudbury Hub. This peer group is open for participants in the Sudbury area looking for in-person connections. To register, email guy.carriere@cnib.ca
  5. Sudbury Peer Group – Virtual: First Wednesday of every month, 2:30 to 4:00 PM on Zoom for residents of Greater Sudbury. For more information or to register, email guy.carriere@cnib.ca
Greater Toronto Area
  1. Burlington Friendlies: Every Thursday, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Zoom. Connect with other people in the Burlington/Hamilton area for conversation, support and good practices. 
  2. Durham VIP Peer Social: Last Wednesday of every month, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Abilities Centre in Whitby. As individuals living with vision loss we experience life in ways that are unique to us. There will be much to talk about! Think of this as a social group to connect with others in a respectful, safe, and open environment. 
  3. Oakville EnVision Group: First and third Tuesday of the month, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Zoom. Connect with other people in the Oakville area for conversation, support and good practices.

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CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs

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.

Retail

CNIB SmartLife Centres: Home to a myriad of accessible technologies and devices, CNIB SmartLife is an interactive retail and lifestyle experience like no other. 

  1. The Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre  at the CNIB Barrie Hub. Drop-in or appointments available Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  2.  The Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre at the CNIB Brampton Hub. By appointment only.
  3. London SmartLife Centre at the CNIB London Hub. Drop-in or appointments available Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 
  4. The Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre at the CNIB Ottawa Hub. Drop-in or appointments available Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  5. Thunder Bay SmartLife Kiosk: Drop-in or appointments available Tuesday to Thursday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
  6. The Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre at CNIB Bayview (Toronto).  Drop-in or appointments available Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Online
  1. CNIB SmartLife items can be purchased online at cnibsmartlife.ca, or by calling 1-866-659-1843. Items purchased online or by phone will be directly shipped to you. Free shipping for orders under $50.
  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.
In-Centre Programs
  1. London CNIB SmartLife & Technical Café: Second Thursday of the month, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the CNIB London Hub. We will showcase CNIB SmartLife Products and explain the benefits. If you have any questions about assistive technology devices, we are here to provide you technical solutions. Questions are always welcome! To register, email mohja.ibrahim@cnib.ca
  2. Kingston SmartLife Group & Demo Session: Last Tuesday of every month, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the CNIB Kingston Hub. A monthly technology group on assistive devices for Kingston-area participants.
  3. Thunder Bay Tech it Out: Fourth Thursday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay. Do you need some support with your assistive technology? Want to get more out of your smart device, drop in at CNIB Thunder Bay office to work 1 to 1 with a Tech Coach volunteer. For more information or to book an appointment with a tech coach, emaiil sara.salo@cnib.ca

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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.For more information or to register, please contact your local program staff:

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Special Events

CNIB Scholarships

Unlock Your Future: Apply for a CNIB Scholarship Today! Ready to chase your dreams? CNIB scholarships are here to support your personal and professional aspirations. Whether you're just starting out in a cool apprenticeship, diving into skilled trades, or leveling up with continuing education, there are multiple scholarships, bursaries, and other educational awards available to people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. It doesn't matter where you are on your journey – from youth to adults – a scholarship or bursary is waiting just for you. If you are pursuing a diploma or degree, skilled trades certificate, apprenticeship, continuing education program, or post-graduate degree, we encourage you to apply for a CNIB scholarship. Let's make your aspirations a reality, together!

CNIB Scholarships Information Session: Thursday, May 9, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Zoom. Have questions about applying for a CNIB scholarship or need some help understanding how to complete the application? Join us on Thursday, May 9 for a virtual information session where we’ll outline available scholarships, eligibility criteria, review the application process and deadlines, and answer any burning questions that you may have.

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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!

  • North Bay:  Friday, April 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the North Bay Public Library (271 Worthington Street East, North Bay)
  • Sudbury: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the CNIB Sudbury Community Hub (1545 Regent Street, Suite 104, Sudbury)
  • Oakville: Monday, May 6, 2024 from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch (1415 Third Line, Oakville)
  • Brantford: Thursday, May 30, 2024 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Brantford Public Library (173 Colborne Street, Brantford). 

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

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Support CNIB

You can support CNIB in many ways. Here’s a few of our urgent needs:

  • Volunteer: Our Vision Mate program is always recruiting for volunteers to provide one-to-one assistance and companionship for a person who is blind or partially sighted. This program is also available virtually – with matches connecting by telephone or online. 
  • Donate: Because of our generous donors, we can offer free programs to people who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. You too can become a donor or plan your legacy gift that will change lives for years to come.
  • Discover the many ways you can support us at cnib.ca.

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