Upcoming Events

The EmpowerPlay newsletter is an Ontario-wide sports and physical activity resource; designed to provide you with information and opportunities. This may include CNIB programs, a community program or activity, a video or audio piece of information to educate and empower; and more!

Discover the power of human potential this year by combining your hard work and dedication along with the support of CNIB; then let the magic happen! Join Ontario Sports Lead, Ryan Van Praet as he sets off to conquer some personal sports goals and change what it means to be blind through adaptive sports as we discover the power of play.

Make this an amazing summer, full of exploration, movement and fun! Our summer sports passport program is super simple, and a great way to have a chance to win some prizes.

Come on out and join us for in person yoga at the Hub! Bring a yoga mat (or borrow one of ours), a towel, a water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing. Toronto Yoga meets at the CNIB GTA Community Hub every Friday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time. 

Designed for knitters/advanced knitters to work on projects, learn from peers, and enjoy knitting fellowship. Yarnivores meets on Zoom every Friday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

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. The Guide Dog Handlers Chat Group meets on Zoom, biweekly on Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

Connect with other people in the Sudbury area for conversation, support and good practices. This peer support group meets every Friday on Zoom, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

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. This group meets on Zoom every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time.

A support group for blind/partially sighted parents. From infancy to adulthood - blind mothers and fathers can learn, explore, and share their triumphs, challenges, tips and stories among peers in a supportive environment. The group meets twice monthly in order to accommodate busy schedules.

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! Old Time Radio meets on Zoom, the first and third Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Join weekly on Mondays through zoom or by phone to connect with other people in the Oakville area for conversation, support and good practices. This peer support group meets on Zoom, every Monday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be shared after registering. 

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. Let's Get Gardening meets on Zoom, every Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

What does Sam, our Virtual Music Specialist do when she isn't running campfire with CNIB Lake Joe at Home? Sam is a recreation therapist, but what on earth does that mean? Join us Monday, October 2 from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

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 runs on Zoom every Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time. 

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. Story Corner runs on Zoom on the first Monday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Newfoundland Time.

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. The Tuesday Zoom Coffee and Chat group meets on Zoom every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time. 

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. 

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. The Eastern Canada Social group meets on Zoom, every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

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. Tuesday Games meets on Zoom, every Tuesday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.

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! The technology drop-in session meets on Zoom, the first and third Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time

Are you looking for a new audiobook reader that's both user-friendly and inclusive? Meet the Envoy Connect, an affordable, durable, and easy-to-use player! Proudly brought to you by CNIB SmartLife and CELA, this remarkable device opens up a new chapter in accessible reading. Join CNIB SmartLife on October 3rd for a special interactive session to demonstrate how you can get the most out of the Envoy Connect. During this session, we will guide you through the seamless process of accessing audiobooks from CELA and other sources using the Envoy Connect, and how you can play books through the built-in speaker or your favourite headphones. We’ll even show you how you can charge the Envoy Connect without wires or a power source! Don’t miss the chance to discover your new favourite way to read!

Come on out and join us for in person yoga at the Hub! Bring a yoga mat (or borrow one of ours), a towel, a water bottle, and wear comfortable clothing. Toronto Yoga meets at the CNIB GTA Community Hub every Tuesday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. starting September 26, 2023 for eight weeks.

This is a virtual peer support group aimed at connecting participants all across the North region. Topics will vary from confidence building, technology, adjusting to vision loss.  Ontario North Connex meets on Zoom biweekly on Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be shared after registering.  

Join CNIB for a four-week Poetry Series with Ms. Dianne Grant. Ms. Grant will use poetry to unearth the realities in ourselves – to renew, to help express and create or experience a sense of awe using different poems and concepts in written words, songs, and symbols. These sessions are designed to be exuberant, informative and uncover reflective moments. Each session is filled with a new experience. You don’t need to have knowledge or experience with writing poetry to take part in these weekly sessions.

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 runs on Zoom every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 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 Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time. 

Join fellow music-lovers to listen together, and share stories. Every month, we'll consider music on a specific theme. Participants are invited to submit up to three songs, either a YouTube link or just title and artist. We'll listen to as many selections as we can, leaving time for conversation between.  The Listening Party meets on Zoom, the First Tuesday of every month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be shared after registering.

Join us at the CNIB Kingston Hub for a monthly social games youth group! Play games, chat, enjoy snacks and make new connections with other youth from the region who have sight loss. This program is offered to youth between the ages of 12-18 in the Kingston area. Some braille knowledge is an asset. The Kingston Youth Games and Social Club meets at the CNIB Kingston Hub on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 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. The Bookends Book Club meets on Zoom, every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time.

The informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize and meet new people. It is a very warm and welcoming group of people from all across Canada. Wednesday Zoom Social Hour runs on Zoom every Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. Atlantic Time. 

Connecting people with vision loss from Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario for social interaction, information sharing, supporting one another and camaraderie. The Thunder Bay Coffee Club meets at CNIB Thunder Bay on the first Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time.

The hosts of the call gather interesting topics from a wide range of applications and devices to bring them to the forefront of CNIB clients. From time to time, guests come live and chat with the group about new emerging technologies that promise to enhance the lives of people with sight loss. Techstravaganza meets on Zoom, every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time.

If your interested in learning how to play the guitar or or ukulele, or even just advance your skills, these lessons are here for you! Each lesson will be 30 minutes. You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed.

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 on Zoom every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. 

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 meets on Zoom, the first and third Wednesday of every month from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Central Time.

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! This technology group is hosted on Zoom, every Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time.

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. Read Aloud to Me: Stories for Children meets every Wednesday on Zoom from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.

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. We can’t wait to meet you! Zoom Room for Kids​​​​​​​ meets every Wednesday from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

Join us for a virtual Lake Joe campfire with traditional campfire songs and stories. Fun for all ages!

Karaoke is like an instant party...let's belt out some tunes together. Join us on Wednesdays, 8-9 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering. 

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! Coffee Group runs on Zoom every Thursday from 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time

An 8-week series dedicated to helping individuals learn about ways to remain active. Low Impact activities combined with education sessions on improving circulation, flexibility, balance and strength. Geared to older adults, but open to anyone. The Active Living Series For Beginners meets every Thursday at the CNIB Sudbury Hub from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time. 

If you are in the Kitchener/Waterloo area and are looking for conversation, support and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist. This group will meet in-person and virtually.

Our Peer Social group is so popular we had to start a second group! If you are in the Hamilton/Burlington area and are looking for conversation, support and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist.

Understanding, support, mentorship and advice when you need it most. Struggling with the emotional challenges of sight loss? We're here for you. This is a peer support group in Richmond Hill led by volunteer, Miriam Salah. This peer support group meets on the first Thursday of every month from  11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern Time.

Mastery of the computer keyboard is essential for anyone using a computer, especially for someone using a screen reader. With this in mind, we are now offering weekly keyboarding coaching sessions at the CNIB Community Hub on Thursday's.

Join us for our weekly social meet up group. We’ll get to know each other, share some good news stories, and socialize. The Western Social Meet Up meets every Thursday on Zoom from 10 to 11 a.m. Mountain Time. Zoom information will be shared after registering.

Want to get the most out of your new iPhone or iPad? Apple’s smart devices are full of handy accessibility features, from magnification to screen reading! CNIB SmartLife is hosting a series where we show you what you can do with your device and customize it for your unique needs. Every Thursday (October 5-26) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern at CNIB.