Upcoming Events

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.

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.

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

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 TD Summer Reading Club is a free, accessible reading program designed to keep kids engaged in reading all summer long through activities, rewards, and celebrations of their achievements. Co-created and delivered by more than 2,200 public libraries across Canada and online, the club highlights Canadian authors and illustrators while encouraging children to discover the joy of reading. Kids and families can explore books from the recommended reads list, track their reading progress, and participate in fun activities offered both online and in-person.

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). 

Come out and join us at the CNIB Ottawa Hub for some coffee, tea, snacks and chat! Meet your peers, socialize, laugh and learn from each other as well as occasional speakers. Come and contribute to the discussion and make new friends. Third Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub. 

A monthly community-based senior support group for Vancouver area residents aged 55+ that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. Third Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Zoom.

Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) is a reaction to vision loss by the brain, which attempts to replace lost information by drawing from your own memory and various visual centers. CBS occurs in people with significant vision loss, leading to visual hallucinations. This program aims to offer comprehensive information and support for individuals experiencing CBS and their caregivers. It provides a safe space for participants to share their experiences comfortably, build confidence, and help one another cope with the effects of CBS. Third Wednesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

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 Brandon Walking Group provides a chance for individuals in the Brandon area who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practise their mobility and travel skills. Every Wednesday (until October 2026) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. until weather permits for safe sidewalk travel; November to April at Brandon University Track.

This program is designed for people who are living with blindness or sight loss in Manitoba or Saskatchewan and wanting to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances in a safe and comfortable setting. Participants will have the opportunity to help choose various topics this group would like to discuss each session as well as have the option to share ideas, suggestions, stories, worries, etc. with the group. The Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support Group meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. CDT on Zoom.

Love photography? Whether you're a pro with your camera or just learning to use the photo app on your smartphone, our club is the perfect place for you. We're all about discovering creative ways to capture moments as photographers who are blind or have low vision. Together, we'll teach and share tips, tricks, and techniques to make the most of our devices and inspire each other with the photos we take. Third Wednesday of every month from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

The Sherwood Park Peer Group is a welcoming space for people who are blind or partially sighted to connect, share experiences, and support one another. Through monthly gatherings, members can build friendships, exchange practical tips for living with vision loss, and enjoy meaningful conversations in a supportive environment. Third Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Mountain Time at the Strathcona County Community Centre (401 Festival Lane, Sherwood Park). 

Would you like to sit down with a coffee and a pal to learn the tech that will make vision loss easier? Come join us for a Tech Cafe Primer. We’ll spend some time “in class" followed by some 1:1 work and group learning. We'll share some learning - and some laughs - together! Third  Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Q3 Creative Business Hub. 

A peer support group for Kelowna CNIB clients aged 55+ to discuss issues relating to vision loss, and to socialize with others in the vision loss community. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. This peer support group meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.at the Rotary Centre for the Arts. This program is also available over 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.

Intended for adults who are blind or partially sighted and are members of the LGBTQ2S+ community. Participants from across the country meet monthly to share experiences, listen to guest speakers, and discuss topics chosen by the group. Third Wednesday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join Stela in exploring different art forms and let your creative side shine through on alternating Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for youth who are blind or have low vision, ages 13-18 (Grades 8-12), 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, quest speakers, and excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering self-esteem and enhancing socialization skills. The Manitoba Youth Adventure Club meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg (unless otherwise specified). 

This is a virtual group that gets together every Thursday morning for a general group conversation. There is no planned topic of conversation but it is kept positive and light! Every Thursday from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

Join us every Thursday morning for our weekly walking group—a great way to get your steps in while connecting with new friends! Every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at the Stratford indoor walking track (234 Shakespeare Dr, Stratford).

Join us for coffee and great conversation. We will have guest speakers, and an opportunity to talk with others who are going through similar challenges in a confidential and non-judgmental setting. Third Thursday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Artillery Park Aquatic Centre (382 Bagot Street, Kingston).

A monthly technology group for Ottawa-area participants. Third Thursday every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub (425 Marché Way, Suite 104, Ottawa).

Get ready for a warm, hands on afternoon of creativity and community! Creative Thursdays at CNIB brings together the best of tradition and togetherness. Learn the art of creating beautiful traditional Newfoundland rug hooking, try your hand at a rotating craft, play a game of cards and enjoy the comforting joy of baking. Third Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB St. John's.

Join us at the Kelowna CNIB Hub for our monthly events designed to empower individuals with vision loss! Each welcoming session offers hands-on opportunities to explore assistive technology and build greater independence. Third Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna (460 Doyle Ave., Unit 106, Kelowna).

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 National Office (1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto).

Are you interested in personal development? Don’t miss out on this opportunity to grow and connect with others with CNIB Winnipeg's monthly interactive life coaching series. In this group, we will explore topics such as love, dating, relationships, confidence, and much more. Third Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. 

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.

A monthly community-based peer support group to discuss issues relating to sight loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. tThird Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Calgary

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. 

Join us for these ongoing events designed to enhance your assistive tech skills and independence! The Lower Mainland SmartLife Tech Cafe meets on the third Thursday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. (except April, July, October & January​​​​​​​) at CNIB New Westminster (610 6th St Unit 201B, New Westminster). 

Join us to share tips on dog care, discuss guide dog access and awareness, enjoy occasional guest speakers, or just have a friendly chat. Whatever's on your mind, we're here for it! Third Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. Atlantic Time 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.

Join us for some kitchen fun at the CNIB Ottawa Hub! 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. Third Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.

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 Rick and his co-hosts 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.