Children and Youth Programs

Canadian youth with sight loss are invited to join CNIB Learning Academy for engaging virtual and in-person programs offered throughout the year! Our programs challenge youth from grades six to first year of post-secondary studies to develop pre-employment, leadership, independence and social skills. 

The TD Summer Reading Club is Canada’s largest bilingual summer reading program for kids of all ages, interests, and abilities. Developed by Toronto Public Library in partnership with Library and Archives Canada, the TD Summer Reading Club is co-created and delivered by more than 2,200 public libraries across Canada, as well as online. This free club is designed to keep kids engaged in reading all summer through fun activities, rewards, and celebrations of their achievements.

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 program offers a fun, safe engaging place for youth ages 18-29 to connect and find a sense of community with each other. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie and game nights, karaoke battles, dining out at restaurants and monthly excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering self-esteem and enhancing socialization skills. Last Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg (unless otherwise specified).

We are looking for Youth Leaders (14-21) in Calgary, Edmonton, or surrounding areas interested in getting involved with planning activities for their peers! 

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.

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. 

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.

Parent Connect is a warm, welcoming online space where parents of children who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision can come together, share stories, swap tips, and remind one another that they’re not alone on this journey. Whether you’re celebrating big breakthroughs, navigating everyday challenges, or just looking for a listening ear after a long day, Parent Connect brings understanding, encouragement, and real-life experience right to your screen. Come for the practical advice, stay for the laughter, empathy, and meaningful connections with parents who truly get it. Second Wednesday of every month from 12 to 1:30 p.m. NT  on Zoom. 

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. 

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.

This program offers a fun, safe engaging place for youth who are blind or have low vision, ages 13-18 (Grades 8-12), to connect and find a sense of community with each other. Programming will be guided by the interest of the participants, and activities may consist of movie and game nights, quest speakers, and excursions to local attractions. At each event, focus will be placed on fostering self-esteem and enhancing socialization skills. The Manitoba Youth Adventure Club meets on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at CNIB Winnipeg (unless otherwise specified). 

The Saskatchewan Parent Advocacy Group is designed for parents and caregivers of children and youth who are blind, partially sighted or Deafblind to come together to establish a collective voice to advocate for the needs of children living with sight loss in Saskatchewan. Fourth Wednesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.

Introducing CNIB Discovery Saturdays! Each month we will explore different skill areas to expand our horizons and connect with peers. Skills we will explore include art, technology, sports and more! This program is for younger children in grades 1 to 5. We will have a combination of days in the office as well as outings. Discovery Saturdays will now be offered 2 times monthly, typically on the first and third Saturday of the month (dependent on holidays) at CNIB Winnipeg.

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. 

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. The OPVIC monthly meetup group will connect families share reliable resources and support one another, as we navigate challenges and joys of raising children and youth with sight loss. Fourth Wednesday of every month from 7:30 to 9 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.

Ottawa Youth are invited to participate in our monthly skateboard program. This program is open to participants ages 8 and up. Boards and helmets will be provided if needed, however you may wish to purchase additional padding. There is a maximum of 8 spaces available and you must register in advance. 

Saskatoon Archery is a fun outdoor program providing youth with sight loss the opportunity to learn and develop archery skills in a supportive and accessible environment. This program is free to attend for youth with sight loss. Tuesday's and Thursday's (July 7-August 27)

CNIB is now accepting applications for our annual Writing with Feeling Retreat! Whether you're a new braille user with a passion for creative writing or crafting a poem, story, or essay for the CNIB Braille Creative Writing Contest, join CNIB’s Writer’s Retreat for kids and teens with sight loss! Connect with young writers from across Canada, get tips from professional authors, and take part in fun, braille-themed and accessible activities. August 31-September 5, 2026 at CNIB Lake Joe in Muskoka, Ontario. 

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. 

Join us for some kitchen fun at the CNIB Ottawa Hub! We will create a new recipe each month and enjoy eating our baking and socializing with peers. Open to participants between the ages of 12-18 in the Ontario East region. Third Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.

Join us at the CNIB Ottawa Hub for a monthly games group! Play games with peers and chat. We will offer a variety of games including board games, indoor axe throwing and trivia style games. This program is offered to children and youth (ages 5+) in the  Ottawa area. Fourth Thursday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.

The Early Years Speaker Series is a virtual, monthly event where invited guests speak on a range of topics of particular interest for families with children who are blind or low vision and between the ages of 0-6. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions and connect with each other in a casual setting, facilitated by CNIB staff. On August 17, join CNIB Early Years Specialist, Christina Clarke, and Manager Special Projects Monika Borchert for a demonstration and drop in tech session about CNIB's new app, FirstTap.

We’re looking forward to connecting with you and your family at our fall carnival! This is an opportunity to connect with our community partners, along with a day of accessible mini golf, arts and crafts, face painting, and so much more! Lunch will be provided along with a selection of healthy (nut free) snacks and drinks. Saturday, September 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CNIB Victoria (102-1675 Douglas Street, Victoria).

Ready to create, design, and innovate? Join our 3D STEM Innovation Program, where youth with sight loss will explore 3D printing, accessible design, and hands-on technology. Participants will learn how to design and print their own creations while developing problem-solving, creativity, and STEM skills. We encourage you to join if you already have a knowledge of 3D Printing or if you are just interested to learn! Biweekly on Sunday from 5 to 7 p.m. at CNIB Edmonton.

For CNIB participants ages 0-21 years and their families. Meet Calgary's 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. DETAILS TBC. Registered families will receive an update once the date is officially set.

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.

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.

Ready to have some fun this Pro-D Day? CNIB is hosting an all-day camp at our office! The morning will feature fun activities in the community, while the afternoon will focus on “Tech in the Kitchen”—learning how to cook using accessible technology and tools. Friday, October 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at CNIB Prince George (1299 3rd Ave, Prince George).

Alt Route is proud to present the second year of our brand-new, fully structured Accessible Skateboarding Camp. Unlike any program Alt Route has offered before, this multi-session camp has been carefully designed based on participant feedback. It features skilled, certified coaches and aims to help participants develop new skills or build on existing ones in a supportive, fun, and inclusive environment. This program is crafted to challenge and empower you in a safe, supportive environment.

AI Unleashed: Innovate, Inspire, Impact! CNIB is excited to present a national online program for youth, showcasing how artificial intelligence (AI) can empower everyone! From enhancing education and entertainment to improving security, AI's potential is limitless. Tuesday, November 24 from 4 to 5 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.