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Children and Youth Programs

Growing up with sight loss can bring practical, emotional, and social challenges. Learn how our children and youth programs can help with navigating these developmental stages.

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Read Aloud to Me: Stories for Children

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.
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Zoom Room for Kids

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. Every Wednesday from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom. 
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Music for Kids – Tuesday Session

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. 
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Tween Zoom Hangout

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.
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Youth Transition Advanced Series

Join us for a series of sessions beginning in April 2024 that emphasize educational and career-based skill-building for anyone between the ages of 15 and 30 years old.  Our advanced series will focus on topics such as crafting the perfect resume and cover letter, advocacy at all ages and stages, as well as sports and recreation with sight loss. Every other Saturday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom. 
An illustration of two music notes.

Music for Kids – Monday Session

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.
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Outskirts – A Parent Support Group for Rural & Suburban Areas

Are you a parent of a child living with vision loss, in a more rural community? Do you find it impossible to attend in person programs at the nearest CNIB office? Do you find that all the peer groups held in person are just too far away for you to attend? Do you feel a bit overwhelmed on how to support your child while living on the outskirts of town where resources may seem limited? We've got you covered! Join the Outskirts Parent Support and Resource Group where you will share in a solutions focused approach to finding the help you need.
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I Can… Be Tech Savvy

Technology is everywhere! It touches almost every part of our world and our daily lives. Let's gather up our favourite tech and share it with others. Join this monthly group where we will share, learn and explore technology and how it can empower people who are blind or have low vision. Third Wednesday of every month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Zoom.
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Early Years Speaker Series – August

Join the Early Years Digital Literacy Project team and other industry partners for an exciting series of presentations. Topics will focus on supporting the learning and development of children who are blind or low vision, between the ages of 2-6 who are living in Canada. Thursday, August 1 at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
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Young Achievers (grades 9-10)

Get serious about your academic and career goals with Young Achievers. This bridging program to the flagship SCORE Scholars program helps participants build fundamental analytical and goal setting skills. Early volunteer, summer and part time jobs are discussed in relationship to long term school and career aspirations. Special guest speakers who experience vision loss and are leaders in their field will provide personal stories for inspiration.Young Achievers (grades 9-10) meets weekdays (August 12-23) from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Eastern Time via Zoom.