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Upcoming Events


Advocacy is a powerful tool to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge discrimination and create change by raising awareness, influencing policies, and mobilizing community members to get involved. But finding your voice and learning how to become an advocate can sometimes feel intimidating or overwhelming. CNIB’s new advocacy peer mentorship program, CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network, aims to change that. Discover the tools and techniques you need to channel your frustrations and concerns into constructive advocacy efforts by enrolling in the CNIB Advocacy Mentorship Network!


VocalEye is the first dedicated live description service for blind and partially sighted people in Canada. Since its inception, VocalEye has described over 300 live events including theatre performances, dance, opera, parades, fireworks and public art tours for people who are blind and partially sighted. VocalEye Almost Live Zoom events are hosted by members of the blind community with special guest artists most Wednesday evenings.
Two-week in-person program offered July 19 – August 2, 2025
Toronto ON M4G 3E8
Canada


Put down the textbooks and join CNIB this summer for this unique all-expenses-paid opportunity! This transformational experience will provide you with an edge in your academic and job-seeking goals. Discover and explore your potential through educational and empowering activities while connecting with like-minded peers. SCORE Scholars programming helps participants build essential leadership, independence, pre-employment, and social skills. We’ll explore the city of Toronto by visiting restaurants and local attractions.Accommodations and programming will take place at the University of Toronto Scarborough campus from July 19 – August 2, 2025. Application deadline is April 14, 2025.
Hybrid Program
Delivered virtually over Zoom or in-person at CNIB Calgary
Calgary AB T2E 4Z3
Canada


Join CNIB Alberta’s Children and Youth & Come to Work departments for the new Youth Employment Empowerment Series! Learn about all aspects of employment over this 5-part interactive workshop series, like: self-advocacy, accommodations, the application process, resume building, and much more!


Run, walk or hike! Take on the "I Can...." run challenge in 2025! Led by Ryan Van Praet, an Ironman Triathlete and endurance athlete, and Jenn Flemke, Triathlon Ontario Coach of the Year in 2024, this program will be a virtual "learn-to-run" style program. Grab a pair of running shoes, convince a friend to join you or even learn to guide you! The I Can...Run 10-week challenge begins February 10 and ends April 19, 2025.


Researchers at the Neil Squire Society, want to hear from Canadians with disabilities about their experiences with emergency alerts. Emergency alerts are created and sent by authorized emergency management organizations, such as police departments, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and provincial and territorial bodies. These potentially life-saving warnings are area-specific (geo-targeted). When an alert is issued, it is broadcast on television and radio and sent to cellphones. The emergency alert focus groups seek input from individuals who are blind or have low vision about their experiences with emergency alerts – like how accessible, clear, and usable they are. By participating, you can share your insights and help improve emergency alerts for everyone. Qualified participants will also receive a $100 honorarium for their time and contributions to the focus group.


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. Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.


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.


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


Join us every Wednesday evening for a cozy night of campfire-themed songs, stories and activities. There will also be an opportunity to showcase your musical talent so be ready to perform your favorite camp songs!


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.


The CNIB KnitWits are a group of people who meet biweekly to discuss and share knitting related topics. We share patterns, chat about life in general, and support each other with tips and tricks to enhance our knitting and life skills with vision loss. Biweekly on Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time 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.


Less Trivial focuses on team-based problem-solving rather than traditional trivia, with rounds including word puzzles, riddles, Family Feud, and number games. This year, each month will feature a children's book with every couple of pages inspiring the theme for the next round. This month’s book is Mel Fell by Corey R. Tabor. Thursday, March 27 from 6 to 8 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.


Do you enjoy music? Well, Name that Tune is the game for you! Name that tune is a fun game where people can join in to listen and try to name as many songs as they can. Last Thursday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern 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.


Adaptive Dance instructor, Tiffany Tjosvold, will be leading a Zoom-based, high energy, seated dance class for participants ages 19+. This class is suitable for all fitness levels. Every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:15 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.


A social group for those who want to keep connect after Seated Dance Fitness has ended. We invite participants to stay and socialize with each other. You can talk about the session, get to know one and other and socialize with the community across Canada.


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.


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.


We’re running a special hotline to offer expert help for all your tech issues! When we say all, we mean it: we’ll offer assistance for whatever you have, whether it’s that braille display you bought from SmartLife or the phone you got at the mall. If we can’t figure things out, we’ll put you in touch with someone who can. The hotline is first-come, first-serve, and we’ll keep each conversation private. The Tech Hotline is available every Friday in February from 1 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.


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.


Friday nights are fun...and easy! We're hosting a special monthly get-together for adults ages 20+ who simply want to hangout and chat. Zoom information will be provided after registering.


Adaptive Dance instructor, Tiffany Tjosvold, will be leading a Zoom-based, high energy, seated dance class for participants ages 19+. This class is suitable for all fitness levels. Every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:15 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.


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.


CNIB's Dollars Seen Differently podcast breaks down financial topics to make them more accessible for people who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision. Hosted by Ryan Hooey, each episode features a down-to-earth conversation with financial experts, offering practical tips and resources on topics like accessing government benefits, smart saving strategies, managing debt, taxes, financial aid for education, and more. Join us on March 31 where we'll discuss Episode 8: Debt and Taxes – The Basics. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to protect your finances and stay informed. Following the podcast we will have a Q & A with our guest Elena Jara, Financial Literacy Worker from North York Community House.


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.


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


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.


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. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.


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.


This Therapeutic Poetry Virtual Workshop is geared to help you experience the joys of poetry and its power to create change. Spring is known as the season of change and new beginnings. Come and experience the transformative power of poetic words to evoke emotions and the true spirit that lies within each of you. Discover yourselves in creating new beginnings! Poetry in Bloom meets every Tuesday (April 1 to April 29) from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Central Time on Zoom.


Who's got talent? You do! Join us on alternating Tuesdays, 7-8 p.m. Eastern Time to perform (if you wish) and/or enjoy the talents of fellow attendees.


Join this monthly professional development and awareness session and learn about other part-time, full-time, or freelance artists and performers who experience low vision and blindness. Sessions will rotate guest speakers in the areas of music, performing arts and theatre or visual/tactile arts. Attendees will meet on the first Tuesday of each month (excluding June/July/August) from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.


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. Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom
Belleville Public Library
254 Pinnacle Street
Belleville ON K8N 3B1
Canada


The CNIB Mobile Hub visits Belleville, Ontario on Wednesday, April 2 from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Belleville Public Library (254 Pinnacle Street, Belleville).


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.


Step into The Writing Room, a dynamic virtual space where creativity flourishes. Over eight weeks, you’ll collaborate in this peer writing group, in an inspiring environment designed to ignite your imagination and hone your writing skills. Through exciting exercises, spirited discussions, and interactive games, you’ll explore the craft of writing in fresh, unexpected ways. The Writing Room meets every Wednesday from 2 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.


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 meet on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. CST on Zoom.


Come together to discuss different types of music you have to listen to. Depending on if you are getting started for the day or if you are looking to boost your spirit, talk about what song helps you during these times and learn about songs that help your peers! First Wednesday of every month from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.


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


The Zoom Room for Kids is turning into a Fairy Tale Factory! Join Teaching Artist and Oboist, Joey Salvalaggio on an exploration of the world tradition of fairy tales and nursery rhymes and how they are represented in music. From the familiar to the obscure, from Jack in the Beanstalk to Baba Yaga, these sessions take you on a journey around the world, exploring different cultures and music. But a visit from Mr. Joey wouldn't be complete without creating our own brand new fairy tale classic that will endure for years to come. Every Wednesday from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.


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.


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.


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.


With the election approaching, MP candidates are eager to connect with voters. Your voice, along with others, could have a substantial impact on the priorities of the next government. Encourage your local candidates to focus on economic growth and job opportunities for people with disabilities, including people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. Join our virtual training session on April 3, 2025, to prepare for these important conversations.