Upcoming Events

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, Deafblind, or have low vision and live in Canada. 

Are you currently serving on an accessibility advisory committee in your community, workplace or with an organization? CNIB is creating a new national network to connect, support, and strengthen the work of accessibility advocates across the country, and we’d love for you to be a part of it!

We are looking for Youth Leaders (14-21) in Calgary, Edmonton, or surrounding areas interested in getting involved with planning activities for their peers! 

The Vision Mate program is CNIB's flagship initiative for one-on-one support. Vision Mate volunteers are matched up with a person who is blind or partially sighted to provide one-on-one sighted assistance and companionship.

This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region. Please register and you will be added to the distribution list for when this comes out at the end of the month.

Whether you believe you can, or you believe you can’t, you are right! Join the club that believes the word “Can’t" is not allowed! The I Can Club is focused on building the attitudes and skills that lead us to think about all that is possible. Are you a child or youth (age 29 and under) who is interested in exploring the world around you and finding ways to look at all the things that are possible, instead of only the obstacle in front of you?  In the I Can Club, you'll meet a group of individuals who challenge the word "Can't" with a “Yes, I can do that,“ or “How can I do that?" attitude. 

OPVIC (formally VIEWS) is a volunteer organization of parents of visually impaired children/youth focused on empowering families and advocating for our kids in Ontario. OPVIC is a friendly and supportive organization of parents, family members and guardians of children with any amount of vision loss. This group is created to connect families share reliable resources and support one another.

 Visit new attractions in Manitoba and meet new people. These outings are year-round and inclusive to all. Events and dates vary.

Ever want to take on the challenge of a 5k run or walk? If you're a youth in the Windsor and Essex region who wants to work towards this great accomplishment, CNIB has a limited number of FREE entries a community event hosted by the Running Factory in Windsor.

This program is designed to provide support for Indigenous people who are blind or partially sighted through traditional teachings and empowerment in a safe, welcoming environment. Participants will have the opportunity to participate in accessible land-based learning, engage with facilitators from a variety of backgrounds, and build meaningful relationships within their community. The program will meet in person once a month, creating ongoing opportunities to connect through Indigenous ways of knowing.

CNIB, in partnership with graduate students from Carleton University, is looking for participants to take part in an online research study about social perceptions. The Imagined Workplace Interactions Study aims to better understand social perceptions by exploring how people perceive others they interact with and how they feel about them after an interaction. Your input will help researchers better understand social experiences at work and in group settings. Compensation in the form of an Amazon gift card will be provided.

 Visit new attractions in Manitoba and meet new people. These outings are year-round and inclusive to all. Events and dates vary.

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Brantford, Ontario on Thursday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the T.B. Costain – SC Johnson Community Centre (16 Morrell Street, Brantford).

This program is designed for individuals at Riverside Terrace who are blind or partially sighted to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances and to participate in social gatherings. The Riverside Terrace Peer Support Group meets on the first Thursday of every month  from 10 to 11 a.m. at Riverside Terrace.

Calling all knitters – whether you’re a beginner or 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! Every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Community Hub. 

Make new friends, or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding. Every Thursday (September to June) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom or telephone.

If you're struggling to overcome the emotional challenges of sight loss and wish you had someone to help you work through these feelings, you’re not alone. We're here for you. Join this supportive group of women who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss. First and third Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton. 

Welcome to our monthly CNIB Calgary Social Tea – join us for coffee, snacks, and great conversation! First Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. 

A monthly community-based support group for Vancouver area residents (ages 30-55) that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. First Thursday of every month from 1 to 3:30 p.m. on Zoom

Brandon Yoga is an opportunity for participants in the Brandon area to enjoy yoga in a therapeutic setting for 8 weekly sessions twice per year with session in spring and fall, with the next spring session beginning Thursday, March 19 and running until Thursday May , at The Divine Energy Massage Therapy (1011 Rosser Ave. Suite 402, Brandon).

Join us to play games, chat, and make new friends. Please note that this program is for individuals between 10-14 years of age. Every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Lift your voice and connect with others through the joy of singing. Join our vibrant online choir community on Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

If you like being read to or listening to audiobooks, then this program is for you! Each week, we will be listening to multiple chapters of a community-selected, family-friendly audiobook and chat about it! Join us Fridays from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Looking for a fun and relaxed way to connect with others? Join Heidi and Rick every Friday morning  for our virtual Coffee & Chat on Zoom! This is a great opportunity to have a chat about anything you like, meet people from around the island, and enjoy a lighthearted hour of conversation. Every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

The in-person Friday Coffee Group is back! Rekindle old friendships while making new ones, meet new people and have enjoyable conversations. This group offers a safe, positive social network for those that are blind or partially sighted. This group meets in-person at CNIB Winnipeg every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time. Every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Central Time at CNIB Winnipeg .

Designed for knitters/advanced knitters to work on projects, learn from peers, and enjoy knitting fellowship. Every Friday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Algoma After Sight is a welcoming and fully accessible space for conversation, shared experiences, and mutual support. Whether you prefer to listen, chat, or simply connect with others living with sight loss, you are warmly invited to join. Second Friday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library (232 Northern Avenue East, Sault Ste. Marie).

Join us every Friday for a virtual meet up in the prairies with a friendly bunch of people looking to connect with others across the country! Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversation. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network of people who have experienced sight loss. Everyone is welcome. Virtual Coffee Group meets every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom. 

Music has a unique way of touching the heart and bringing people together. Its rhythms and melodies can be soothing, uplifting, and deeply nourishing for the soul! The CNIB Harmony Choir Program invites youth and adults who are blind or partially sighted from across Vancouver Island to experience the joy, connection, and personal expression that singing in community can offer. Every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria.

Come join us on alternating Fridays for our Song Bingo Game Night! 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 3 bingo winners of each game and those who correctly name the most tunes! This program is open to participants of all ages. Song Bingo Game Night meets on Zoom on alternating Friday's from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

If you are an aspiring young artist Toronto Hub Art Saturdays will be a fun way to learn some art skills and hang out with CNIB friends. CNIB staff and volunteers will be on site to supervise the shared space from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for the most part participants are invited to work independently. There will be two one-hour sessions during the day where you can receive instruction and feedback from an adult artist. The rest of your time can be devoted to working on the project of your choice and connecting with other young artists. Second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. at the CNIB GTA Community Hub (1525 Yonge Street, Toronto).

Come chat with Lawrence and his co-hosts as they guide discussions on “All Things Music” CNIB’s virtual music group for blind and low vision musicians and music lovers! This group is a space to connect, share, and discuss everything music-related, from instruments and songs to tips, resources, and performances. Second Saturday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

CNIB is inviting London area families to come and enjoy a fun monthly Saturday afternoon of connection, play, networking and community building. Meet other parents of children with blindness and partial vision in a relaxed setting, enjoy some snacks and have your children participate in a variety of engaging activities together. Kids can share the experience of watching movies with descriptive audio, engage in simple but tasty baking projects and foster their creativity with crafts. Second Saturday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB London Community Hub (171 Queens Ave Suite 101, London).

Join us for the Sixth Annual Guide Dogs with Purpose Gala, proudly presented by Brandt at CNIB’s premier fundraising and stewardship event in Saskatchewan. This elegant evening celebrates the remarkable partnership between guide dogs and their handlers, while raising vital funds to meet the growing national demand for CNIB Guide Dogs.

Inclusive Momentum and CNIB would like to invite community members of all ages to attend a series of training workshops for solving the accessible Rubik’s Cube. Attendees will meet in person for up to 21 weekly Sunday sessions (beginning January 18) from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB GTA Community Hub (1525 Yonge Street, Toronto).

CNIB's annual PREP (Practical Readiness for Employment and Post-Secondary) Series gives students (grads 10-12) who are blind or have low vision an opportunity to acquire skills that are crucial for education and career success. It will include sessions on topics such employment, independent living skills, stress management, orientation and mobility, as well as what is available at the university/ college campus' in terms of disability support. CNIB will coordinate and cover the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals, and activities. Monday, May 11 to Thursday, May 14 in St. John's. 

The walking group provides a chance for community members who are blind or have low vision to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. This group meets every Monday (Tuesday when there is a long weekend) from 10 to 11 a.m.

If you have a green thumb (or you'd like to have one), then this gardening discussion group is for you! We swap success stories, talk about our favourite plants, and generally 'dish the dirt' on all things horticultural. For all levels of garden enthusiasts. Whether you patio or container garden, or have lots of gardening space, the time in this group will just buzz by. Every Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

If you're struggling to overcome the emotional challenges of sight loss and wish you had someone to help you work through these feelings, you’re not alone. We're here for you. This peer support group is for community members in the Camrose area. Second Monday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at Church of God.

We’re excited to offer two amazing yoga classes, each designed to suit different needs and abilities. Whether you're new to yoga or seeking a gentle, mindful practice, we have something for you! All classes are held via Zoom, making it easy to join from the comfort of your home.

Love cooking or would love to know more about cooking? Join this group to share ideas, tips, tricks and the joy of cooking and baking! Every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more! Get ready to make some music! This group runs on Zoom, every Monday from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.

If you enjoy attending live theatre performances such as Prairie Theatre Exchange, Rainbow Stage, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and more, this group will be of interest for you. We will be attending various venues to enjoy live theatre productions that have audio-described services.

The Calgary Music Group is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are interested in participating and learning in a musical group setting. The main focus of the group is to work together on various songs with the goals of increasing knowledge, participation and enjoyment of music. All instruments (including voice!) are welcome, but all participants must bring their own instruments to the group. Second and fourth Monday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. 

Join us for conversation, laughter, and a chance to reminisce about your favourite CNIB Lake Joe memories. Pour yourself a coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, login and connect with your friends from Lake Joe. Coffee Break meets every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

This informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize virtually and meet new people. It’s a relaxed and inclusive group where everyone is welcome. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

We are excited to invite clients, family members, and professionals who support individuals with vision loss to join us on Tuesday, May 12 for a day of exploration and fun! This is a hybrid event - in-person session at the CNIB London Hub and available online via Zoom. Tuesday, May 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Eastern Time.

Missing those coffee meetups with friends and the social connection they bring? We’re here to keep the conversation going! Now that we’ve connected, let’s stay in touch, share inspiring stories, and exchange practical tips and successes with others navigating life with sight loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

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! The first hour is devoted to structured learning – focusing on basics and beginner topics. Later on, we'll have a volunteer-led, tech-focused Q&A discussion group dealing with a wide range of questions. Come prepared to swap tips and tricks, share about your favorite apps, help one another and strengthen your own skills in the process. Join us while we figure it out – together! Second Tuesday of every month from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

This peer support group is for seniors who are experiencing vision loss. The topics discussed are relevant and chosen by the group to make sure that participants are getting the information that they require to live a full life. The Regina Peer Support Group on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Regina.