Technology Programs

Smartphones, apps, wearables and other innovative digital tools are game changers in every part of life for people who are blind, Deafblind or have low vision. Are you having challenges with using your technology or do you simply have questions about something new? Would you like to enjoy a coffee and connect with others while learning assistive technology to make life with vision loss easier? Learn how technology can enhance your life! Third Tuesday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the CNIB Victoria Hub (102-1675 Douglas Street, Victoria).

Join us for Tech Primer Café, a welcoming monthly gathering designed to support individuals with vision loss in learning and exploring assistive technology. These sessions focus on building confidence, independence, and practical tech skills. First Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Vernon Library ORL Branch (2800 30th Ave., Vernon) Community Room, Second Floor. 

Join us for these ongoing events designed to enhance your assistive tech skills and independence! The Lower Mainland SmartLife Tech Cafe meets on the third Thursday of every month from 1 to 4 p.m. (except April, July, October & January​​​​​​​) at CNIB New Westminster (610 6th St Unit 201B, New Westminster). 

Would you like to sit down with a coffee and a pal to learn the tech that will make vision loss easier? Come join us for a Tech Cafe Primer. We’ll spend some time “in class" followed by some 1:1 work and group learning. We'll share some learning - and some laughs - together! Third  Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Q3 Creative Business Hub. 

Join CNIB for a monthly tech drop-in to learn new skills and get support using your mobile devices and tips and tricks for using AI. This in-person program is open to anyone in the Ottawa area looking for guidance with mobile technology and how AI such as ChatGPT and Meta glasses can be of assistance. Coffee and tea will be available. First Wednesday of every month from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern at the CNIB Ottawa Hub. 

Having trouble with your technology or curious about exploring something new? Join our discussion group for individuals with sight loss, where we come together to ask for help, swap tips and tricks, share favorite apps, and support one another. Whether you're contributing or simply listening in, you'll strengthen your skills in the process. First and third Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.

In Let's Tech About It, participants are invited to bring their questions, challenges, and curiosity about everyday devices—smartphones, tablets, computers, and more. It’s a space where we learn together, share tips, and help each other navigate the ever-evolving world of technology. From troubleshooting common issues to discovering new tools and gadgets, this group offers a supportive environment for everyone. Let's Tech About It meets on the fourth Thursday of every month from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary.

Join hosts Kevin and Brian for the widely popular – Tech Talk Tuesday. In these hour-long, weekly Zoom sessions we will discuss accessible technology as well as its practical application in everyday life. You don’t need to know a lot about technology: you can just listen if you like. The group consists of beginners as well as advanced users of accessible technology. All questions and ideas are welcomed. Every Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.

Are you new to assistive technology? Want to get more out of your smart device or computer? This Zoom workshop is a 2 for 1! The first hour is devoted to structured learning – focusing on basics and beginner topics. Later on, we'll have a volunteer-led, tech-focused Q&A discussion group dealing with a wide range of questions. Come prepared to swap tips and tricks, share about your favorite apps, help one another and strengthen your own skills in the process. Join us while we figure it out – together! Second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Are you new to assistive technology? Want to get more out of your smart device or computer? This Zoom workshop is a 2 for 1! The first hour is devoted to structured learning – focusing on basics and beginner topics. Later on, we'll have a volunteer-led, tech-focused Q&A discussion group dealing with a wide range of questions. Come prepared to swap tips and tricks, share about your favorite apps, help one another and strengthen your own skills in the process. Join us while we figure it out – together! Second Tuesday of every month from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.

Join us at the Kelowna CNIB Hub for our monthly events designed to empower individuals with vision loss! Each welcoming session offers hands-on opportunities to explore assistive technology and build greater independence. Third Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna (460 Doyle Ave., Unit 106, Kelowna).

If you need help with your iOS device or just want to talk tech join our group to learn more or share your expertise!  Second Tuesday of the month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. via teleconference.

Are you an iPhones user and looking to learn VoiceOver? This four-week program will teach you the basics for navigating your iPhone and teach you simple tricks and tools for making and ending calls sending messages and having your questions answered by Siri. Monday, July 6, 13, 20 and 27 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at The Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre (CNIB Bayview). 

We’d like to invite you to a one-hour virtual session to introduce you to MyCNIB / MonINCA, CNIB’s new accessible and bilingual online client portal. MyCNIB is an easy-to-use online space where you can find CNIB programs and events, register for sessions, and explore helpful resources—all in one place. Friday, July 17 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom. 

The sun is shining, summer is in full swing, and the CNIB Repair Café Toronto has a new location! Please read below, as some of the event information has changed. Bring your summer gadgets back to life, freshen up your favourite jewelry, and don't forget those old white canes tucked away at the back of the closet. Whether it's a talking watch that needs a new battery, a handheld magnifier that needs attention, or a small household item ready for another season of use, our skilled volunteer fixers are here to help. Saturday,  July 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the CNIB National Office (1929 Bayview, Toronto) Room 103.

Discover how BlindSquare can help you navigate and learn about your surroundings with greater confidence and independence. In this session, we'll explore the app's key features, including location awareness, points of interest, route guidance, and integration with GPS and other accessibility tools. Participants will have the opportunity to share tips, ask questions, and learn practical ways to use BlindSquare in everyday travel and orientation. Wednesday, August 12 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary (10 11A Street NE, Calgary).

A monthly technology group for Ottawa-area participants. Third Thursday every month from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub (425 Marché Way, Suite 104, Ottawa).

In this session, we'll explore how to use Google Maps to travel more confidently and independently. We'll cover essential features such as searching for destinations, accessing turn-by-turn navigation, exploring nearby points of interest, and using accessibility features to support both pedestrian and transit travel. Whether you're new to Google Maps or looking to strengthen your navigation skills, this session will help you get more from one of the world's most popular navigation tools. Thursday, September 10 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at CNIB Calgary (10 11A Street NE, Calgary).