a father and son smiling and building lego.

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.

A young child sits at a desktop computer. The computer screen displays a Zoom call.

Zoom Zoom Room

Parents of Children between the ages of three and six are invited to sign their little ones up for this exciting program that combines socialization, creative play and entertainment!  Fall 2022 sessions will take an educational approach while remaining fun and interactive. Our professional facilitator will assist participating children to explore the landscape of our community through song, story and sound. This group runs via Zoom web conference every Monday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Call in information will be given upon registration.
An illustration of a smiling sunshine icon outlined in a black paintbrush style design with yellow accents.

Crossroads – The WRMS Monthly Meetup

This meetup is for current students in their final years of study at W. Ross Macdonald School or recent alumni. Youth ages 17 to 25 looking for an opportunity to stay connected with their WRMS peers can register to take part in our inclusive and safe monthly hangout space. This group meets on the third Thursday of every month from 7:30 to 8 :30 p.m. Eastern Time. Call in information will be given upon registration. 
A piano keyboard. Each key is in a different bright rainbow colour.

Virtual 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 via Zoom web conference every Monday from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Call in information will be given upon registration.
A piano keyboard. Each key is in a different bright rainbow colour.

Virtual 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 via Zoom web conference every Tuesday from 2:15 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time. Call in information will be given upon registration.
A colourful Pride flag waves in the wind on a flag post.

LGBTQ+ Youth Group (for youth ages 14-19)

CNIB’s National LGBTQ+ youth group is an opportunity for LGBTQ+ identifying youth (ages 14-19) with sight loss to connect in a safe and supportive environment led by staff with lived experience. Join us as we explore intersectionality, learn from mentors, support each other and discuss common experiences and challenges of LGBTQ+ identifying youth with sight loss.
An illustration of a smiling sunshine icon outlined in a black paintbrush style design with yellow accents.

CNIB/OPVIC (Ontario Parents of Visually Impaired Children) Parent Support

Join our community of parents supporting parents in the monthly meetings of the CNIB/OPVIC Group. This Ontario-based group is open to parents across Canada who want to be active in the development of their child with vision loss. Attendees will share best practices and we will hear from TVI’s (Teachers for the Visually Impaired or Itinerant Teachers) and other special guests. Be part of an exciting and supportive community and meet other parents working toward the same goals.
An illustration of a smiling sunshine icon outlined in a black paintbrush style design with yellow accents.

Career Voices Speaker Series

Sometimes our futures can be hard to imagine. High-School. College. University. Trade School. Master’s Degree. PHD. Internships. Placements. Summer Jobs. Professional Associations. First Jobs. Careers. Moving up the ladder. Transitioning Careers. It's enough to make your head spin! Listening to a successful person with a shared experience can be a source of motivation and inspiration. The Learning Academy is pleased to present our new monthly youth-oriented talk, the Career Voices Speaker Series.
An illustration of a smiling sunshine icon outlined in a black paintbrush style design with yellow accents.

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 as experienced volunteers give life to picture books, chapter books and short stories.
The back of a young woman's head. She sits at kitchen table and types on her laptop computer.

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. The group meets on Zoom every Thursday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be shared after registering. 
A young child sits at a desktop computer. The computer screen displays a Zoom call.

Family Zoom Room

Children (ages 7-11) take the lead as we read stories, share talents and play family-friendly games. Parents and siblings are also welcome. This group runs on Zoom every Tuesday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time.