Upcoming Events

This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region.

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the St. Catharines area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement. It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support. We hope that this group will start by being offered once a month in person. Once we are able to run this group, you will be contacted.

This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Windsor area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement. It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support. We hope that this group will start by being offered once a month in person. Once we are able to run this group, you will be contacted.

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. 

We’re excited to offer three 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.

Share your POV (Point of View)! We can all be part of the solution when it comes to showcasing what people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision are capable of doing. When you lead by example, you are not only helping educate the public about what accessible, inclusive and adaptive living looks like; you are helping those who are new to the community (and their families) in accessing valuable and life changing perspectives and information.

A variety of exercises are included in the exercise hours program; participants will perform simple motions in certain sessions, while some sessions will take place in the water. Every other Thursday (subject to change) from 6 to 7 p.m, at the at the YMCA Building (5939 Rochdale Blvd., Regina)

The Braille Institute's Braille Challenge is the only academic competition of its kind in North America for students who are blind or partially sighted. Contestants compete in regional preliminary Braille Challenge events from January through March, and the top 50 students (10 in each category) with the highest scores are then invited to compete in the finals. Test your braille skills in the Ontario Regional Braille Challenge 2026! Registration deadline: January 9, 2026.

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. 

Braille Quest: a fun braille literacy adventure (with prizes!) Put your braille skills to the test, at home or school! Complete fun challenges for a chance to win a prize. Do a few Braille Quest activities, or do them all! Do as many activities as you like from January to mid-March, 2026.

Put down the textbooks and join CNIB this summer for this unique all-expenses-paid opportunity! SCORE (Skills, Confidence & Opportunities through Recreation & Education) is a fun, skills-based summer experience for youth who are blind or have low vision. Participants build confidence, independence, and teamwork skills through hands-on activities, workshops, and outdoor fun while connecting with peers and mentors from across the country. Apply now to CNIB Learning Academy’s SCORE program to secure an admissions interview!

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

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!

The Flip Side is a virtual group where participants experiencing vision loss can meet other members of the community and hear directly from them about their accomplishments and the barriers they have overcome in order to make those accomplishments. The Flip Side meets on the second Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.

Come out for some Knitting fun at the Ottawa Hub. Join us if you are an avid knitter, working on a project, or new to the craft. Share your knowledge with others in the group if you have experience, or learn a new skill from others. There will be some donated supplies available, or feel free to bring in a project or materials you may have. Second Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB Ottawa Hub (425 Marché Way Suite 104, Ottawa).

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.

CNIB SmartLife Coach, Sara Salo, and technology volunteers are here to help participants get familiarized with SmartLife Assistive Technology, to assist with making smartphones and tablets more accessible and to recommend and offer demos on accessibility apps. Online training is also available upon request. Appointments are available Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay.

Join us for coffee and great conversation. An opportunity to talk with others living with sight loss. Hear from guest speakers, get new information, and share resources and tips. Come on out, meet with your peers, let’s chat! Second Wednesday of every month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Burnhamthorpe Community Centre.

Book some time to play today! Join us on Wednesdays from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

Registration now full.

Come and join us at the Ottawa Hub for some Yoga. We aim to teach poses, correct positioning and build on the skills each week. Every Wednesday (January 7 to February 25) from 2 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Community Hub.

This four-week program offers a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals adjusting to vision loss. Participants will have the chance to share practical strategies, fostering confidence, independence, happiness, and hope while redefining the experience of sight loss. Adjusting to Vision Loss meets every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. 

Join our biweekly Men's Peer Support group to discuss adapting to vision loss, learn about new technologies, and the services that CNIB has to assist, and also socialize with others going through the same thing. This is a hybrid program and participants can either join in-person at CNIB Edmonton or via teleconference. Second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m.

This class is designed for beginners or anyone seeking a calming, slower-paced practice, this class will help stretch, strengthen, and calm your body. With a focus on breathing, relaxation, and meditation, you’ll release tension and increase flexibility. Every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.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 and fourth Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Sing, dance, laugh, engage! You don’t need to be a good singer; you just need to have fun at our monthly Karaoke Night! Second Wednesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at CNIB St. Johns.

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 Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for blind or partially sighted youth 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. Second Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg (unless otherwise specified). 

The advocacy volunteers are people who are blind or partially sighted, their friends or family, or anyone who has a connection to the mission and wants to make a difference in their community. They are self-starters who can bring together community and drive local grassroots campaigns as well as support national advocacy issues in their region through collaborating with others. Second Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Central 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. Connect with others who are living with sight loss. Join us for coffee, conversation and support. The Red Deer Peer Support Group meets at Michener Hill Extendicare on the second Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

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. Second Wednesday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. via teleconference.

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.

In honour of Canadian Council of the Blind’s White Cane Week in February, we’ll be holding a white cane awareness indoor walk on Thursday, February 12 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Halifax Shopping Centre (7001 Mumford Rd, Halifax), Entrance 3 near Winners. 

Join to connect with other people in the Burlington area for conversation, support and good practices. First, second and third Thursday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Zoom

CNIB SmartLife Coach, Sara Salo, and technology volunteers are here to help participants get familiarized with SmartLife Assistive Technology, to assist with making smartphones and tablets more accessible and to recommend and offer demos on accessibility apps. Online training is also available upon request. Appointments are available Tuesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CNIB Thunder Bay.

If you're interested in learning how to play the guitar or ukulele—or if you want to advance your skills—the Toronto Guitar and Ukulele Lessons are here for you! This in-person program takes place every Thursday at the Toronto Hub location. Feel free to bring your own guitar or ukulele, but one will also be available at the Hub if needed. We look forward to seeing you there! Lessons take place every Thursday at the CNIB GTA Community Hub. 

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.

Perfect for individuals with mobility issues or injuries, this class uses a sturdy chair to guide you through gentle movements, breath work, sitting meditation, and relaxation techniques. Every Thursday from 2 to 3 p.m. at CNIB St. John's (70 The Blvd., St. John's, Nfld).

Algoma After Sight is a welcoming virtual and in-person peer support group designed for individuals living with sight loss in the Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma district. Second Thursday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. on Zoom.

Our group is dedicated to supporting residents of Greater Sudbury while fostering meaningful connections and conversations. Each session features a variety of engaging topics, including technology, library services, trips, accessible games, and much more in a welcoming social setting. We encourage participants to share their ideas, stay engaged, and enjoy learning and growing together. The Greater Sudbury Meet Up is a hybrid program that meets on the second Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in-person at CNIB Sudbury or virtually on Zoom.

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.

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. 

A community-based support group for Victoria and Abbotsford area residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. Second Thursday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Practice Power, Peace and Purpose. Sensei's will guide us through the one hour session and no prior experience is necessary. This program is open to children and youth ages 6-18. Please dress comfortably and bring a water bottle. Second Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Community Hub. 

BC Blind Sports offers a variety of inclusive and adaptive fitness programs designed specifically for individuals who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind. Their classes are thoughtfully structured to promote physical activity, confidence, and community connection. These classes offer a safe and inclusive space for older adults, individuals recovering from injury, or anyone seeking a low-impact fitness routine. Second and fourth Thursday of every month from 3:30 to 4:30 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.

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.

CNIB BC-Yukon is supporting the creation of a new parent/guardian advocacy group which aims to empower and connect families across the province and territory, working to accomplish advocacy-based goals, such as equitable education for students who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision. This program is inspired by feedback from parents, guardians, and students regarding their exhaustion from continually self-advocating within the school system. The BC-Yukon Family Advocacy Group meets on the second Thursday of every month from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. PT on Zoom.

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 noon to 1 p.m. Eastern Time.

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 .

This informal coffee chat provides a welcoming platform for individuals with sight loss to share their experiences, discuss concerns, and build friendships with others in the community who share similar journeys. Whether you are newly adjusting to vision loss or have lived with it your entire life, we warmly invite you to join us in a space where everyone is valued and supported. Every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Saskatoon.