Upcoming Events

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sports without limits! Exciting news for all lawn bowling enthusiasts – Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club in Victoria has generously opened their greens for our participants, offering free access to this enjoyable sport. Put on your safe shoes and get ready to roll! Whether you're a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved, stay active, and enjoy some great company. The CNIB Lawn Bowling Club meets every month at the Canadian Pacific Lawn Bowling Club (720 Belleville Street, Victoria). Dates and times TBC.

Step into a story that celebrates resilience, curiosity, and the power of listening. Join us for a guided reading of If You Could See What I Hear, Tom Sullivan’s unforgettable memoir of growing up blind - and living boldly on his own terms. Through rich soundscapes, honest reflection, and moments that will make you laugh, reflect, and feel inspired, this shared listening experience brings the book’s heart to life. Come relax, connect with others, and let a powerful voice remind us that seeing the world isn’t only about sight - it’s about courage, independence, and joy. The Spoken Story Series meets monthly with dates and times confirmed upon registering. 

The CNIB Youth Tech Mate Program is an opportunity for youth to develop leadership, communication, and technology skills while making a meaningful impact in their communities.

The Healing Leash: Honouring Guide Dog Loss is a 4-week, volunteer-led peer support group for anyone who has experienced the loss of a guide dog—through passing, retirement, or rehoming. Participants will have the opportunity to share their stories, honour their bond, offer mutual support, and gain comfort through shared experiences and insights.

Join host Kelly MacDonald as he shares a blast from the past! Listen to all the old radio shows that made the genre so popular. Everything from mystery, comedy, westerns and holiday specific shows. Sit back and enjoy! First and third Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

The 30 Club is an advocacy-focused support group designed to empower people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision to feel more comfortable when applying to jobs. We'll cover topics around disclosure, accommodation, navigation, communication and disability. First Sunday of every month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Central Standard Time on Zoom.

This social gathering offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with peers, practice mobility skills, and enjoy the beauty of nature in a supportive environment. Every Monday at 10 a.m. at The Leaf at Assiniboine Park (145 The Leaf Way, Winnipeg).

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.

Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for brunch. A different restaurant will be chosen each month.

This seven-week program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals adjusting to sight loss. Led by trained CNIB volunteers, this virtual group meets via Zoom or by phone, making it accessible from the comfort of your home. Once you register you will receive an email that will confirm you are on our waitlist. We will connect with you as soon as we are able to offer you a space in one of our fall sessions.

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.

This seven-week program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals adjusting to sight loss. Led by trained CNIB volunteers, this virtual group meets via Zoom or by phone, making it accessible from the comfort of your home. Once you register you will receive an email that will confirm you are on our waitlist. We will connect with you as soon as we are able to offer you a space in one of our fall sessions.

The FIRST Lego League is a fun an exciting way to learn about Science, Technology, engineering, and Math (STEM). This program will challenge young minds to develop a Lego Spike Prime robot to complete various tasks in a competitive game. This program fosters a love of learning and promotes teamwork and having fun. First Lego League Kids STEM Program meets at CNIB Edmonton. Register for confirmed dates. 

If you are between the ages of 18-35 and would like to meet up with others this group is for you. The Edmonton 18-35 Peer Group meets every other month for a couple of hours to support each other and have fun!

Curl up with a cozy drink and let your heart be warmed! Join us for a relaxing evening of uplifting stories from the beloved Chicken Soup book series. Our wonderful volunteer, Vanessa, will read short, inspiring tales that are perfect for unwinding, smiling, and feeling connected - all from the comfort of home. Good stories! Good vibes! Great company! First Monday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

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.

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.

Keep curious and engaged with lifelong learning. In this monthly session we will be inviting special guests and experts to inform and inspire us on a variety of interesting topics! Join us the first Monday of the month from 7 to 8 p.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.

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. 

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.

Join us at Point Pleasant Park for a friendly group walk designed to be welcoming for all. Volunteers are available to provide sighted guide support, so everyone can take part with ease. It’s a simple way to get outside, meet others, and enjoy the park together. After the walk, relax at the picnic tables with some light refreshments. Every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at Point Pleasant Park (5530 Point Pleasant Drive, Halifax).

Hosted by volunteer Michelle, this monthly social is hosted in Sydney, Nova Scotia. Join us each month for a chance to relax, build friendships, and exchange practical wisdom with others navigating sight loss. Tuesday, September 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the T.W. Curry Community Centre (400 George Street, Sydney).

Join Amber for weekly Braille Practice Sessions! These supportive and interactive sessions are designed to help participants build confidence, strengthen their braille reading and writing skills, and connect with others on a similar learning journey. Whether you are new to braille or looking to improve your skills, all are welcome. Every Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Halifax.

The Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) is so much more than nurses and PSWs. They offer a wide range of community support programs for seniors and adults with disabilities—helping people stay connected, supported, and independent. Join us to learn more about these valuable services and how they can support you or someone you know. Tuesday, September 8 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the CNIB London Community Hub.

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. 

Whether you're a novice embarking on your knitting journey or a seasoned knitter rediscovering the joy of the craft, this group welcomes you. Explore a spectrum of yarns and various needles at your disposal, with sighted volunteers ready to lend a helping hand if you need assistance! Second Tuesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Halifax.

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 Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time. 

Join hosts Kevin and Brian for the widely popular – Tech Talk Tuesday. In these hour-long, weekly Zoom sessions we will discuss accessible technology as well as its practical application in everyday life. You don’t need to know a lot about technology: you can just listen if you like. The group consists of beginners as well as advanced users of accessible technology. All questions and ideas are welcomed. Every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for dinner. A different restaurant will be chosen each month.

If you need help with your iOS device or just want to talk tech join our group to learn more or share your expertise!  Second Tuesday of the month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. via teleconference.

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 who meet to talk about issues surrounding vision loss. Second Tuesday of every month from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Cochrane Public Library

Gather 'round for campfire, a cozy and inclusive event for families to come together and enjoy the magic of camp traditions...no tents required! This group meets Tuesdays, 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

This program gives the participants an opportunity to exercise by walking at their own pace in a safe environment. Participants will have a chance to socialize not only while they are walking, but there is a room set up for everyone to socialize. Bring your indoor walking shoes, a friend, and a smile. Every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Irving Oil Field House (129 McAllister Drive, Saint John). 

Parent Connect is a warm, welcoming online space where parents of children who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision can come together, share stories, swap tips, and remind one another that they’re not alone on this journey. Whether you’re celebrating big breakthroughs, navigating everyday challenges, or just looking for a listening ear after a long day, Parent Connect brings understanding, encouragement, and real-life experience right to your screen. Come for the practical advice, stay for the laughter, empathy, and meaningful connections with parents who truly get it. Second Wednesday of every month from 12 to 1:30 p.m. NT  on Zoom. 

Discover the power of lived experience! Join the Flip Side to listen, learn, and be inspired by CNIB staff and clients who share their personal stories of navigating life with sight loss. These honest, uplifting conversations offer insight, encouragement, and plenty of “you’re not alone” moments. Come for the stories, leave feeling inspired and connected. Second Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

Physical activity is very important and a great opportunity to connect with others experiencing vision loss. The walking group is open to all adults. The Saskatoon Walking Group meets every second Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Market Mall.

Book some time to play today! Join us on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Prince George, BC on Wednesday, September 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Q3 Creative Business Hub (1299 3rd Ave, Prince George).

Understanding, support, mentorship, fellowship, when you need it most. Struggling with the emotional challenges of sight loss? We’re here for you. Join our safe and inclusive space for First Nations participants with sight loss to engage in group projects and connect with with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. The Indigenous Peer Support Group  meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay.