Upcoming Events
VocalEye is the first dedicated live description service for blind and partially sighted people in Canada. Since its inception, VocalEye has described over 300 live events including theatre performances, dance, opera, parades, fireworks and public art tours for people who are blind and partially sighted. VocalEye Almost Live Zoom events are hosted by members of the blind community with special guest artists most Wednesday evenings.
Get active, for your health! Are you looking for motivation and support to become physically active? Choose to Move is a free program for seniors and older adults designed to help you become and stay more physically active in a way that works for you.
As part of our "Get on Board!" campaign, we hope you can join us at a local town hall to share your experiences and ideas of how we can improve the accessibility of regional transit systems! Your involvement will help us grow the conversation around the lack of accessible public transit in many parts of Canada.
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 for our weekly social meet up group. We’ll get to know each other, share some good news stories, and socialize. Every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. Mountain Time on Zoom.
Make new friends, or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding. The Bible Study group meets every Thursday (September to June) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom.
Everyone loves games. This games group meets to socialize playing 2 to 3 different lively word games for the hour. Sessions are led by our own professional game hosts (aka CNIB staff and volunteers). We embrace a safe fun time to exercise your mind. Every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Adaptive Dance instructor, Tiffany Tjosvold, will be leading a Zoom-based, high energy, seated dance class for participants ages 19+. This class is suitable for all fitness levels. Every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Pacific Time 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.
A social group for those who want to keep connect after Seated Dance Fitness has ended. We invite participants to stay and socialize with each other. You can talk about the session, get to know one and other and socialize with the community across Canada.
CNIB Learning Academy invites youth who are blind or have low vision, parents, and educators to join us for Community Voices, an opportunity to learn from adults living with blindness. Each month we will hear from a different guest speaker living with blindness who will share their lived experience in high school, post-secondary education, building a career, and social aspects of sight loss. Following the presentations, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions. Last Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. Eastern on Zoom.
Sit back and relax in our virtual reading room and let the CNIB Lake Joe team share articles and stories of interest. Reading Room meets on the first Friday of every month from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
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.
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 Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
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.
A call-in social group. Each session will have a topic of discussion. This program is designed for participants 19+. Biweekly on Friday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.
CNIB Victoria
1675 Douglas Street – Suite 102
Victoria BC V8W 2G5
Canada
Music alone shall live. It is hard for us not to fall in love with music. It is soothing and it greatly touches our soul. This program intends to bring youth and adults with blindness and vision loss from across Vancouver Island to experience many benefits for the mind, body, and soul that community and singing can bring. We are thrilled to welcome Marcelina Stanton as the musical director. She is a Latin American musician who loves to perform popular and traditional songs and play guitar. No prior singing experience is necessary. Everyone is welcome and if you play an instrument, you are invited to bring it along. The Victoria Community Choir meets at CNIB Victoria every Friday from 2 to 4 p.m.
CNIB Victoria
1675 Douglas Street, Suite 100
Victoria BC V8N 2G5
Canada
This is a workshop that your trusted family member or friend could attend to learn about sight loss and to connect with others. We'll discuss strategies on how to support you in your daily life, myths and misconceptions about blindness, CNIB and Vision Loss Rehabilitation programs and services, grief and loss (stages of grief, anticipatory grief, secondary losses, changes of family structure and roles, tools and coping mechanisms). Saturday, November 2 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at CNIB Victoria.
Virtually or in-person
at CNIB Victoria and New Westminster offices
Victoria and New Westminster BC V3L 3C2
Canada
Join us for a series of sessions beginning in April 2024 that emphasize educational and career-based skill-building for anyone between the ages of 15 and 30 years old. Our advanced series will focus on topics such as crafting the perfect resume and cover letter, advocacy at all ages and stages, as well as sports and recreation with sight loss. Every other Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.
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.
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 favorite 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.
Stela Trudeau, CNIBLakeJoe@Home's new Facilitator of Music & Recreation, has had a wide and varied career. In addition to her work with us, she is an elementary school teacher AND an actor/musician. Stela will talk about her career path, including an exciting role she played on the Apple+ TV series "See"! Join us Monday, November 4 from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time.
In a caring and supportive virtual environment with peers, participants will explore meditation, and mindfulness attitudes. Through group interaction, participants will develop and share insights, and learn how practice can help with managing life's challenges. This is a 10-week introductory program hosted on Zoom, and is not a drop in format.
Accessible yoga for most skill levels from the comfort of your home. Check out accessible yoga if you are looking for a classic yoga class with descriptive prompts. Designed for people with vision loss, the instructor will verbally walk you through all the poses and movements. Please bring a yoga mat, a bottle of water, and your breath! Accessible Yoga meets every Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Sit back and enjoy several stories from the well-known Chicken Soup books! A volunteer will be reading a selection of interesting and enjoyable short stories. First Monday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.
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! Let's Talk Cooking meets on Zoom, every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children and youth participants 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.
The informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize and meet new people. It is a very warm and welcoming group of regulars and newcomers. 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.
The estate planning sessions will provide attendees with a high-level overview of estate planning options for beneficiaries with disabilities. Tarah Sawler, estate planning lawyer at McInnes Cooper, will discuss planning options available to family members of people with disabilities and the tax and personal advantages of adopting these planning options. Topics covered will include the importance and relevance of a Disability Tax Credit, Registered Disability Savings Plan, and trusts designed to support beneficiaries with disabilities. Tuesday, November 5 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.
Vancouver Public Library – City Centre Branch, Room 920
350 West Georgia Street
Vancouver BC V6B 6B3
Canada
Unlock the Power of Accessibility and discover the essential aspects of Windows navigation using JAWS (Job Access With Speech). Whether you're new to JAWS or looking to refine your skills, this series will empower you to navigate Windows confidently. Every Tuesday (October 15 – December 3) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Vancouver Public Library, City Centre Branch (350 West Georgia Street, Vancouver) in room 920.
Are you having challenges with using your technology or do you simply have questions about something new? Join this discussion group with others with sight loss where we share ideas and experiences that might be helpful. Many heads are better than one! First and third Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Prince George & District Senior Citizens Activity Centre Society
425 Brunswick Street
Prince George BC V2L 2B7
Canada
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.
In-person at the Innovation Centre or virtually on Zoom
106-460 Doyle Avenue
Kelowna BC V1Y 0C2
Canada
The Kelowna "Get on Board" Transit Town Hall will connect transit officials and local decision makers with community members to discuss the accessibility barriers of Kelowna Regional Transit. We hope you can join us to share your experiences and ideas of how we can improve transit accessibility in Kelowna! Tuesday, November 5 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in-person at the Innovation Centre (106-460 Doyle Avenue, Kelowna) or participate virtually via Zoom.
Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly sessions on Zoom for children and youth participants 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.
Chair yoga is a good option for anyone with injuries or with mobility issues. You will need comfortable clothing and a sturdy chair without arms or armrests for this class. Techniques include breath work, gentle movement with repetition, postures, sitting meditation and relaxation. No experience required. Chair Yoga meets every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Are you a parent of a child living with vision loss, in a more rural community? Do you find it impossible to attend in person programs at the nearest CNIB office? Do you find that all the peer groups held in person are just too far away for you to attend? Do you feel a bit overwhelmed on how to support your child while living on the outskirts of town where resources may seem limited? We've got you covered! Join the Outskirts Parent Support and Resource Group where you will share in a solutions focused approach to finding the help you need.
Come join us, your hosts Kevin, Brian and Pierre, as we resume 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.
Youth ages 10 to 16 who enjoy reading from the wealth of fantasy authors, past and present who have entertained us with tales of wizards, warriors, magic, and mystery are encouraged to join this monthly group. First Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Get in on the act with CNIB Lake Joe's virtual Drama Club! This program allows you to explore the arts and let your creative side shine through drama and improv activities. Join us on alternating Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.
If you love books, this group is for you! This group features guest authors as well as weeks where a different genre or theme are picked. People read their choice of book on the theme and come ready to discuss. It's a great way to build your reading list and learn about what others are reading and the technology they use to access their books. Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern 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 Digital Treasure Chest is a new virtual program that will explore, examine, and highlight some of the best accessible technologies for people living with sight loss across Canada. Join us on November 6 as we talk about some mainstream e-book apps that offer a great selection and lots of accessibility.Wednesday, November 6 from 1 to 2 p.m. and 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Step into The Writing Room, a dynamic virtual space where creativity flourishes. Over eight weeks, you’ll collaborate in this peer writing group, in an inspiring environment designed to ignite your imagination and hone your writing skills. Through exciting exercises, spirited discussions, and interactive games, you’ll explore the craft of writing in fresh, unexpected ways. The Writing Room meets every Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern on Zoom
This program is designed for blind or partially sighted indigenous individuals who are 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. This Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support Group meet on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. CDT on Zoom.
This class is designed for all level yogis. Relaxed pace to release anxiety and calm the body. Students will be guided into meditation, breathing techniques, yoga poses and relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket, a big towel and an open mind to learn something new! Gentle Yoga runs every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Come together to discuss different types of music you have to listen to. Depending on if you are getting started for the day or if you are looking to boost your spirit, talk about what song helps you during these times and learn about songs that help your peers! First Wednesday of every month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.
Children of all ages across the country are welcome to participate in our live reading series Read Aloud to Me. Join us every Wednesday as experienced volunteers give life to picture books, chapter books and short stories. While stories chosen are geared to participants between the ages of 7 to 12, anyone who would enjoy listening is welcome. Every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Join us every Wednesday evening for a cozy night of campfire-themed songs, stories and activities. There will also be an opportunity to showcase your musical talent so be ready to perform your favorite camp songs!
The Zoom Zoom Room is growing up, and is now called the Zoom Room for Kids! Children ages 6-10 and older, non-verbal participants are invited to join us as we use music to build our social skills. Each session will be all about the special things going on that month. Make sure to come regularly, because each session you will work as a team to create your own special song. Certified music therapist Melissa Murphy will also have lots of songs and stories to share that are perfect for singing and dancing along. Every Wednesday from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.