Upcoming Events
Time and Location TBC
TBC AB T5K 1M1
Canada
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.
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, 2027.
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.
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 11:30 a.m. Mountain Time on Zoom.
CNIB National Office
1929 Bayview Ave.
Toronto ON M4G 3E8
Canada
Calling all knitters – whether you’re a beginner or experienced knitter! Come out and enjoy some time with your peers and knit! If you don’t know how to knit, no problem we can teach you! Every Thursday from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB National Office (1929 Bayview Ave., Toronto).
CNIB Ottawa Hub
425 Marché Way, Suite 104
Ottawa ON K1S 5H6
Canada
Join us at the CNIB Ottawa Hub, for a short course in Elevator Braille. No understanding of braille necessary. Let VLRC teach you the basics so that you can use any elevator independently. Thursday, October 1, 8, 15 and 22 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub (425 Marché Way, Suite 104, Ottawa).
CNIB Sudbury Community Hub
1545 Regent Street, Suite 104
Sudbury ON P3E 2Z7
Canada
Our meet-up is a supportive space where participants can share experiences, exchange practical tips, and learn from one another. Whether it’s navigating daily life, exploring helpful tools and resources, or simply talking with others who understand, peer support is at the heart of our gatherings. Expect casual chats, light activities, and meaningful conversations in a friendly environment where everyone feels included—whether you are joining for the first time or are a regular. Second Thursday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Sudbury (1545 Regent Street, Suite 104, Sudbury).
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.
CNIB Saskatoon
1149 8 Street East
Saskatoon SK S7H 0S3
Canada
If you’re adjusting to sight loss, you’re not alone. This program is here to help you understand your eye condition, learn new ways to tackle everyday challenges, and connect with CNIB’s programs and services. It’s all about building your confidence, gaining independence, and discovering what more is possible. Every Thursday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Saskatoon.
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. Starting in September, every other month on Thursdays (September, November, January, March, and May) from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. 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. on Zoom.
Stela’s low-impact workouts offers something for every body—no gym required! Join us the second Thursday of each month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
CNIB Ottawa Community Hub
425 Marché Way Suite 104
Ottawa ON K1S 5H6
Canada
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.
The Divine Energy Massage Therapy
1011 Rosser Ave. Suite 402
Brandon MB R7A 0L5
Canada
Brandon Yoga is an opportunity for participants in the Brandon area to enjoy yoga in a therapeutic setting for 8 weekly sessions twice per year with session in spring and fall, with the next spring session beginning Thursday, March 19 and running until Thursday May , at The Divine Energy Massage Therapy (1011 Rosser Ave. Suite 402, Brandon).
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.
The program will be delivered by BC Blind Sports facilitators abd offers a variety of inclusive and adaptive fitness programs designed specifically for individuals who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind. The program is designed to support physical activity, confidence, and social connection in a safe, welcoming environment. Sessions use clear verbal instruction and adapted movement options, making them accessible to participants of all fitness levels, including older adults and those seeking low impact exercise. Second and fourth Thursday of every month from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific 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 Winnipeg
1080 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R2H 0E3
Canada
This drop-in program is catered to youth ages 12 to 29 with any degree of sight loss. We aim to work on many of the core components of fitness, specifically cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, muscular endurance, and muscle control. Come get active together as we walk this fitness journey as a community! Youth Fit meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg (1080 Portage Ave., Winnipeg) and other venues.
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.
Looking for a fun and relaxed way to connect with others? Join Rick and his co-hosts every Friday morning for our virtual Coffee & Chat on Zoom! This is a great opportunity to have a chat about anything you like, meet people from around the island, and enjoy a lighthearted hour of conversation. Every Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.
CNIB Winnipeg
1080 Portage Avenue
Winnipeg MB R3G 3M3
Canada
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 .
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.
Humboldt Royal Canadian Legion Branch 28
324 Main Street
Humboldt SK S0K 2A0
Canada
The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Humboldt, Saskatchewan on Friday, October 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Humboldt Royal Canadian Legion – Clubroom (324 Main Street, Humboldt).
Sault Ste. Marie Public Library
232 Northern Avenue East
Sault Ste. Marie ON P6B 4H6
Canada
Algoma After Sight is a welcoming and fully accessible space for conversation, shared experiences, and mutual support. Whether you prefer to listen, chat, or simply connect with others living with sight loss, you are warmly invited to join. Second Friday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library (232 Northern Avenue East, Sault Ste. Marie).
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.
CNIB Victoria
1675 Douglas Street – Suite 102
Victoria BC V8W 2G5
Canada
Music has a unique way of touching the heart and bringing people together. Its rhythms and melodies can be soothing, uplifting, and deeply nourishing for the soul! The CNIB Harmony Choir Program invites youth and adults who are blind or partially sighted from across Vancouver Island to experience the joy, connection, and personal expression that singing in community can offer. Every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria.
Unwind at the end of the week as Stela shares an engaging story and time to connect with friends.
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.
Riverside Public Library
6305 Wyandotte Street East
Windsor ON N8S 4S5
Canada
Sight Loss Connect is a monthly group for people living with sight loss to come together, connect, and share their experiences. It’s a relaxed, welcoming space where you can talk openly, listen to others, and learn from shared experiences. The group is shaped by the people who attend, so topics will focus on what matters most to you. You can expect conversation-based sessions where we talk about real-life experiences, challenges, and practical tips for navigating sight loss, while building connections and supporting one another. The group meets on the second Saturday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Riverside Public Library (6305 Wyandotte Street East, Windsor).
Come chat with Lawrence and his co-hosts as they guide discussions on “All Things Music” CNIB’s virtual music group for blind and low vision musicians and music lovers! This group is a space to connect, share, and discuss everything music-related, from instruments and songs to tips, resources, and performances. Second Saturday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.
CNIB London Community Hub
171 Queens Ave Suite 101
London ON N6A 5J7
Canada
CNIB is inviting London area families to come and enjoy a fun monthly Saturday afternoon of connection, play, networking and community building. Meet other parents of children with blindness and partial vision in a relaxed setting, enjoy some snacks and have your children participate in a variety of engaging activities together. Kids can enjoy crafts, baking, and movies with described audio, while parents connect and share experiences. Second Saturday of each month from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time at the CNIB London Community Hub.
CNIB Edmonton
10111 112 Street NW
Edmonton AB T5K 1M1
Canada
Bring the whole family to meet the first responders in a way that’s accessible to children & youth with sight loss! Learn about their badges and uniforms, their vehicles and sirens, how they can help you, and what to expect if you ever need to give them a call. This event is planned by youth for youth by the AATEC Provincial Youth Planning Committee. Sunday, October 11 at CNIB Edmonton. Time TBC.
CNIB Winnipeg
1080 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg MB R3G 3M3
Canada
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.
The Leaf at Assiniboine Park
45 The Leaf Wy.
Winnipeg MB R3P 2N6
Canada
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).
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.
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.
Church of God
4722 55 Street
Camrose AB T4V 2B6
Canada
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.
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.
CNIB Winnipeg
1080 Portage Ave.
Winnipeg MB R3G 3M3
Canada
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.