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.

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.

Join peers for a fun and inclusive summer day camp experience designed for children ages 6–12 with sight loss. Campers will enjoy a variety of activities including arts and crafts, recreation, music, games, and more while building friendships, confidence, and independence in a supportive environment. August 4, 5 and 6 at the  Stanley A. Milner Library. 

Join peers in a traditional summer day camp experience for ages 6-12! Offering a variety of activities such as sports, art, recreation, music, and and off-site field trip to foster important skills like; Confidence, Self Advocacy, and Empowerment. Please Note: There will be an off-site field trip on the last day of camp, location TBD.  August 4, 5 & 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m at CNIB Calgary.

Join us for Tech Primer Café, a welcoming monthly gathering designed to support individuals with vision loss in learning and exploring assistive technology. These sessions focus on building confidence, independence, and practical tech skills. First Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Vernon Library ORL Branch (2800 30th Ave., Vernon) Community Room, Second Floor. 

A community-based support group for Prince George residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. This peer support group meets every two weeks. The location alternates between in-person meetings at the Prince George & District Senior Citizens Activity Centre Society and online meetings on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time. 

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.

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.

Saskatoon Archery is a fun outdoor program providing youth with sight loss the opportunity to learn and develop archery skills in a supportive and accessible environment. This program is free to attend for youth with sight loss. Tuesday's and Thursday's (July 7-August 27)

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). 

Join CNIB for a monthly tech drop-in to learn new skills and get support using your mobile devices and tips and tricks for using AI. This in-person program is open to anyone in the Ottawa area looking for guidance with mobile technology and how AI such as ChatGPT and Meta glasses can be of assistance. Coffee and tea will be available. First Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern at the CNIB Ottawa Hub. 

Join peers for a fun and inclusive summer day camp experience designed for children ages 6–12 with sight loss. Campers will enjoy a variety of activities including arts and crafts, recreation, music, games, and more while building friendships, confidence, and independence in a supportive environment. August 4, 5 and 6 at the  Stanley A. Milner Library. 

Join peers in a traditional summer day camp experience for ages 6-12! Offering a variety of activities such as sports, art, recreation, music, and and off-site field trip to foster important skills like; Confidence, Self Advocacy, and Empowerment. Please Note: There will be an off-site field trip on the last day of camp, location TBD.  August 4, 5 & 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m at CNIB Calgary.

Join us on for a walking program that aims to get you out, moving and making friends. The walk will start and finish at the Ottawa Hub in Lansdowne Park. Walks may vary but will take in the Rideau Canal and surrounding area. Please bring a sighted guide if one is needed. The group is lead by one of our dedicated Participant Volunteers who is very familiar with the area and terrain. first Wednesday of every month from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.

Connecting people with vision loss from Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario for social interaction, information sharing, supporting one another and camaraderie. First Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay.

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. 

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.

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.

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 Ponoka area to get together and chat about successes, struggles, and resources when living with sight loss. First Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m.  at St. Mary's Anglican Church. 

This is a safe and supportive place for guide dog handlers from across the country to get together and chat. Share the joys and challenges of being a guide dog handler as well as tips to keep our guide dogs happy and engaged. Biweekly on Wednesday from 5 to 6 p.m. Eastern 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.

Researchers at Lakehead University are looking for participants to take part in a study exploring how to make roundabouts safer and more accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. As part of the study, sensors will be installed at the Edward Street roundabout. The sensors are designed to detect safe gaps in traffic flow, providing information that can help people who are blind or have low vision cross the intersection more safely. Participants are invited to field test the sensors and share their feedback to help improve the technology. If you'd like to learn more, join an information session on Wednesday, August 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. Researchers will explain the study, demonstrate the technology, and answer any questions you may have.  Field testing will take place on Thursday, August 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Who's got talent? You do! Join us on alternating Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m. Eastern Time to perform (if you wish) and/or enjoy the talents of fellow attendees.

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 community-based support group offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. The group is open to participants in Kelowna ages 30-55. This group occasionally invites guest speakers to talk about subjects relating to vision loss. This peer support group meets on the first Wednesday of every month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna.

Ready to build confidence, make new friends, and learn practical skills for everyday life? Join CNIB this summer for our Life Skills Summer Series, a fun and interactive program designed for youth and young adults ages 13+. Taking place on five Thursdays throughout the summer, each session features a unique theme focused on developing the skills needed to navigate life with greater independence. Through hands-on activities, discussions, games, and real-world experiences, participants will explore topics such as cooking and meal planning, shopping and budgeting, relationships and mental wellness, healthy living and personal care, and using technology, travel, and hobbies to expand their independence. July 2, 9, 30 and August 6 & 20 at the CNIB Ottawa Community Hub.

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.

Dig into the world of gardening in this hands-on, sensory-focused program designed for people living with sight loss. Over eight weeks, participants will explore topics such as planting, soil, pollinators, trees, harvesting, and more through a combination of interactive classroom discussions and outdoor gardening activities in CNIB Calgary's Fragrant Garden. Along the way, you'll build practical gardening skills, connect with nature, and enjoy learning alongside others in a welcoming and supportive environment. Every Thursday, over eight weeks, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. 

Join peers for a fun and inclusive summer day camp experience designed for children ages 6–12 with sight loss. Campers will enjoy a variety of activities including arts and crafts, recreation, music, games, and more while building friendships, confidence, and independence in a supportive environment. August 4, 5 and 6 at the  Stanley A. Milner Library. 

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.

The CNIB KnitWits are a group of people who meet biweekly to discuss and share knitting related topics. We share patterns, chat about life in general, and support each other with tips and tricks to enhance our knitting and life skills with vision loss. Biweekly on Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

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).

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. 

Blind Connections is a welcoming peer support group for individuals who are blind, partially sighted, or living with sight loss in Timmins and the surrounding area. The group offers a supportive and relaxed environment where participants can connect with others, build friendships, share lived experiences, and exchange tips and strategies for everyday living. First Thursday of every month from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern in Timmins, Ontario. Location to be confirmed. Full details will be shared once available.

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

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.

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).

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.