Children and Youth Programs

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.

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.

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. 

Join us at the CNIB Kingston Hub for a monthly social games youth group! Play games, chat, enjoy snacks and make new connections with other youth from the region who have sight loss. This program is offered to youth between the ages of 12-18 in the Kingston area. Some braille knowledge is an asset. The Kingston Youth Games and Social Club meets at the CNIB Kingston Hub on the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

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.

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. 

Calling all youth and young adults (ages 18+) in the Kingston area! Join us for monthly social activities and outings in the community. Kingston Peer Socials meet at the CNIB Kingston Hub on the second Tuesday of every month from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time. 

Calling all youth and young adults (ages 18+) in the Ottawa area! Join us for monthly social activities and outings in the community. Ottawa Peer Socials meet at the CNIB Ottawa Hub on the third Thursday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. 

Want to run/walk a 5K, 10K or even further? Join Ryan Van Praet and Ryan Hooey as they take on 3 different running races this spring in Ontario. We will work with you to find guide runners, running clubs or groups, provide advice, info. on training, race logistics, advocating your needs, encouragement, etc.

If making music is your passion and you enjoy technology, you could be a Garage Band Hero! Garage Band is a popular accessible app that lets you make music anywhere. It includes a full-featured recording studio that allows you to compose and play your own songs using a free sound library of instruments, loops, fills and sound packs. Garage Band Hero meets on Zoom on the second Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.