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.

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 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.

A fast and fun way to kick off a year of Braille Literacy! We’re looking for tactile, fun, and creative artworks that feature braille. Show us your craftiest creations! Create your name or a few of your favourite words in braille! Instead of fingertip-sized dots, think big and creative, maybe Timbit or basketball braille. Open to elementary and secondary students across Canada, English and French entries welcome. For students curious about braille and those who already use it! Submissions due January 31, 2027.

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 March 2027.

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.

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).

Join us for some Spooktacular pre-Halloween snacks, coffee and treats. We always rock it out in Montague. Monday, October 26 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Beck's Home & Heating LTD (2316 PE-3, Cardigan).

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.

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.

A relaxed, welcoming social drop-in for adults aged 30 to 60 who are blind or partially sighted, including those newly adjusting to vision loss. Meetings will take place at CNIB and various locations across the city for friendly conversation and activities. Fourth Monday of every month, bimonthly. Time and location to be confirmed upon registering.

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.

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! Every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

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.

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 Grande Prairie area to get together and chat about vision loss and their experiences. Last Monday of every month from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Cairn on the Boulevard. 

The Calgary Music Group is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are interested in participating and learning in a musical group setting. The main focus of the group is to work together on various songs with the goals of increasing knowledge, participation and enjoyment of music. All instruments (including voice!) are welcome, but all participants must bring their own instruments to the group. Second and fourth Monday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Calgary. 

Come together with other parents and experts for impactful discussions on topics that affect children and youth with sight loss and their families. The group meets virtually on the fourth Monday of every month, 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., with in-person meetings held quarterly in Calgary and Edmonton. 

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. 

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! Registration deadline: January 9, 2027.

A monthly group for Fredericton residents that brings CNIB participants together for fun, support, and other  engaging activities. Last Tuesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m at the Fredericton Public Library.

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.

The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Grande Prairie, Alberta on Thursday, October 27 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Grande Prairie Public Library – in the Rotary Community Room (9839 103 Ave. Unit 101, Grande Prairie).

Join Jerry as you explore the world of accessible fun! Whether it’s online gaming, coding, tactile activities, or apps, you’ll enjoy socializing and keeping your brain exercised. Fourth Tuesday of every month from 1 to 2 p.m. at the CNIB London Community Hub (171 Queens Ave. Suite 101, London). 

A monthly webinar series where discuss meaningful topics with guidance from professional guest speakers. This new format will allow us to explore ideas in greater depth and bring fresh insights from experts in the field. Last Tuesday of every month from 10 to 12 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Book Club for participants in the Belleville and surrounding area for those who love to read and would like to connect with others to discuss books. The Belleville Book Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

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.

Come and join Linda monthly to prepare different dishes you can eat yourself or share with family and friends. For a truly interactive experience, Linda welcomes you to cook and bake along with her in the comfort of your own kitchen! With an ILS often in attendance, bring along your questions as you might just learn a new trick to help you out. Fourth Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

This Peer Group is for individuals in the Brandon area that would like to come together to learn from others who have sight loss. This program allows for individuals to support one another in a safe social environment. Brandon Connects meets on the last Tuesday of every month  from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Brandon & District United Way.

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 Medicine Hat area to get together and chat about successes, struggles, and resources when living with sight loss. Fourth Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at Chinook Village, East Building – 4th Floor Lounge.

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. 

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.

Join us to connect, chat, and listen to some fun stories. Please note that this program is for children between 4 and 10 years of age. Every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern 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.

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

person or members of a marginalized or mistreated group to which one does not belong.” In this one-day workshop, friends and family of those with sight loss will learn how to be effective supports. This workshop will also break down negative stereotypes and barriers. Finally, it will provide tangible solutions to common scenarios. Tuesday, October 27 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time on Zoom

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). 

Ottawa-area participants are invited to join our Crafty Knitters Social! Led by a talented volunteer who can offer guidance and teach the basics of knitting, this welcoming group is open to crafters of all interests and experience levels. Other crafts may also be explored based on the group’s interests, and participants are encouraged to bring along personal projects of any kind. All are welcome! Fourth Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.

Calling all music enthusiasts –  join us at for our monthly music circle! You'll be encouraged to sing, play instruments, participate in breathing exercises and move your body or tap your feet to the music. Percussion instruments will be made available and we encourage you to bring your instrument of choice, should you have one. Bring your song suggestions, make some new friends and learn something new, every month! Fourth Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Community Hub.

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.