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.

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. CNIB Harmony Choir meets every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria.

Come join us on alternating Fridays for our Song Bingo Game Night! All you need to participate is access to phone or Zoom and a bingo card at home or online! Feel free to play as a family or house! There will be prizes for the first 3 bingo winners of each game and those who correctly name the most tunes! This program is open to participants of all ages. Song Bingo Game Night meets on Zoom on alternating Friday's from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pacific Time.

This past August we held our Peel STEM Camp at Hazel McCallion Library and we had a lot of fun learning some new skills. In an effort to keep the ball rolling, we are starting a STEM Club to be offered out of Hazel McCallion and we’ll continue with our Code Jumper training, AI skills development and experiences with 3-D printed materials. Saturday, November 1, 15 & December 6 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time at the Hazel McCallion Central Library  (301 Burnhamthorpe Road West, Mississauga).

Canadian Blind Hockey is thrilled to announce the return of the Ottawa 67’s Youth Blind Hockey Team for another incredible season in the nation’s capital! Each year this program keeps getting bigger and better, with more enthusiastic players and amazing volunteers joining the fun. Every Saturday (October 25, 2025 to  March 14, 2026) at the McNabb Community Centre (180 Percy Street, Ottawa).

The Ottawa Adult Blind Hockey Team is hitting the ice again! Open to adults who are blind or partially sighted in Ottawa and the surrounding region, this program is the perfect chance to learn, play, and connect through Canada’s favourite sport. Every Saturday (October 25, 2025 to  March 14, 2026) at the McNabb Community Centre (180 Percy Street, Ottawa).

A community-based support group for Abbotsford area residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to vision loss support. First Saturday of every month from 11am to 2 p.m. Pacific Time at the Seven Oaks Mall (32900 South Fraser Way #201, Abbotsford).

Canadian Blind Hockey and CNIB are thrilled to partner with True North Sports and Entertainment, NHL First Shift and Jumpstart to offer the first ever Para First Shift program in Manitoba.

The FIRST Lego League is a fun an exciting way to learn about Science, Technology, engineering, and Math (STEM). This program will challenge young minds to develop a Lego Spike Prime robot to complete various tasks in a competitive game. This program fosters a love of learning and promotes teamwork and having fun. First Lego League Kids STEM Program meets at CNIB Edmonton. Register for confirmed dates. 

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.

The Walking Group provides a chance for individuals who are blind or partially sighted to exercise and practice their mobility and travel skills. Every Monday (Tuesday when there is a long weekend) from 10 to 11 a.m.

This is a space for parents and children that are blind or have low vision ages 0-6 to come and find support and resources from each other. The Parent and Tot Support Group meets on the second Monday of every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at CNIB Winnipeg (unless otherwise specified). 

Join us at the CNIB Community Hub in Thunder Bay for a lively discussion about the books you’re reading and those that have captured your interest! Share your recommendations, discover new reads, and explore accessible technology designed to enhance the reading experience. This is a great opportunity to connect with fellow book lovers, exchange ideas, and socialize in a welcoming and inclusive space. Come for the books, stay for the conversation! Everyone is welcome. This book club meets at CNIB Thunder Bay every Monday from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time.

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.

The CNIB Winnipeg office offers a drop in for participants every Monday from 12 to 3 p.m. This is a space in which you can connect with other peers.

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 Camrose area. Second Monday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at Church of God.

his class is all about making yoga accessible to everyone, no matter your experience or physical ability. You’ll move at your own pace, with support for breathwork and mindfulness throughout. Every Monday from  5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern 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! 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.

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. Every Tuesday (beginning February 4, 2025)  from 1 to 3 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Are you craving that social interaction you normally get from going for coffee with friends? We are here to keep the virtual conversation going post pandemic! Since we've gotten to know each other, lets stay connected and share some good news stories, discuss practical tips and successes with others living with vision loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Get together to celebrate the holidays in Sydney with the regular crew sharing a catered lunch from East Side Mario's! Tuesday, December 9 from 12 to 2 p.m. at 400 George Street, Sydney, NS.

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.

Unlock the key to success and peace of mind through organization—no matter where you are in life! Are you aware of the cutting-edge technology designed to support your personal organizational needs? Discover how accessible technology can transform your daily routines! Tuesday, December 9 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at  the Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre (1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto). 

Tech Connect is an interactive, engaging and educational program where participants discuss different technologies/apps that can help make life a bit easier! Participants will learn about technologies other participants use and you are then able to ask questions to get help with your own technology/apps. Second Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom. 

Tech It Out is our monthly afternoon session where CNIB Tech Lead Steve MacInnes and Tech Mate volunteer Dave spotlight a different type of technology each month. This November, they’ll look at a few of the newest apps for IOS and Android designed to help those living with vision loss. Everyone’s welcome, no experience needed! This December, they’ll take a festive approach to tech for the holidays. From last minute gift ideas to fun apps and websites to enhance your holiday experience. Everyone’s welcome, no experience needed! Everyone’s welcome, no experience needed! Tuesday, December 9 from 2 to 3 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom. 

Unlock the power of iPhone for accessibility! From web browsing and reading print to navigation, audiobooks, and more, iPhones offer powerful tools for people who are blind or have low vision. With built-in accessibility features and countless apps, these devices can be tailored to your needs. In this hands-on series, you’ll learn how to: navigate your device with confidence, use VoiceOver and Siri, customize low vision settings, and explore new features in iOS 26. Every Tuesday from November 18 to December 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time at CNIB Bayview – Room 218B (1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto). 

Unlock the power of iPhone for accessibility! From web browsing and reading print to navigation, audiobooks, and more, iPhones offer powerful tools for people who are blind or have low vision. With built-in accessibility features and countless apps, these devices can be tailored to your needs. In this hands-on series, you’ll learn how to: navigate your device with confidence, use VoiceOver and Siri, customize low vision settings, and explore new features in iOS 26. Every Tuesday from November 18 to December 9 from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Whether you enjoy classics, bestsellers, biographies, or fiction, share your passion with other blind and partially sighted readers. A new book is chosen each month and each participant will be registered for library services. This program is offered both virtually on Zoom and in person at CNIB Winnipeg on the second Tuesday of the month from 1 to 3 p.m.

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. 

For your shopping convenience, the Smart Life Centre in Halifax is trialing a monthly evening and weekend where our Smart Life Centre will be open for sales. Tuesday, December 9 from 3:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturday, December 13 from 10 to 2 p.m.

Unlock the key to success and peace of mind through organization—no matter where you are in life! Are you aware of the cutting-edge technology designed to support your personal organizational needs? Discover how accessible technology can transform your daily routines! Tuesday, December 9 from 1 to 2 p.m. at CNIB SmartLife, CNIB Edmonton (10111 112 St NW, Edmonton).

Unlock the key to success and peace of mind through organization—no matter where you are in life! Are you aware of the cutting-edge technology designed to support your personal organizational needs? Discover how accessible technology can transform your daily routines! Tuesday, December 9 from 1 to 2 p.m.  at CNIB SmartLife, CNIB Calgary (10 11A St. NE, Calgary).

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 Tuesday of every month from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Whether you're a novice embarking on your knitting journey or a seasoned knitter rediscovering the joy of the craft, this group welcomes you. Explore a spectrum of yarns and various needles at your disposal, with sighted volunteers ready to lend a helping hand if you need assistance! Second Tuesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Halifax.

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. 

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. What you need: Comfortable clothing and a sturdy chair. Every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

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.

Come out and enjoy the comradery of your peers while experiencing a variety of restaurants for dinner. A different restaurant will be chosen each month.

If you need help with your iOS device or just want to talk tech join our group to learn more or share your expertise!  Second Tuesday of the month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. via teleconference.