News

The Exterior of the new Community Hub and Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre in Barrie, Ontario

The Community Hub and Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre in Barrie is now open!

CNIB recently unveiled the brand-new Barrie Community Hub and Nanji Family Foundation CNIB SmartLife Centre, thanks to a generous donations made by the Nanji Family Foundation and the Ontario Trillium Foundation. The new Hub, which is now open to members of the public, is an inclusive community space designed to empower people impacted by blindness to live the lives they choose.

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Events

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Life Skills Summer Series: Level Up Your Independence!

August 13, 2026

Ready to build confidence, make new friends, and learn practical skills for everyday life? Join CNIB this summer for our Life Skills Summer Series, a fun and interactive program designed for youth and young adults ages 13+. Taking place on five Thursdays throughout the summer, each session features a unique theme focused on developing the skills needed to navigate life with greater independence. Through hands-on activities, discussions, games, and real-world experiences, participants will explore topics such as cooking and meal planning, shopping and budgeting, relationships and mental wellness, healthy living and personal care, and using technology, travel, and hobbies to expand their independence. July 2, 9, 30 and August 6 & 20 at the CNIB Ottawa Community Hub.

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Blogs

Nine community members sit around a table having a conversation.

CNIB’s Legal Referral Service Brings In-Person Support to Atlantic Canada

By: Shannon Kinch
In April 2026, with generous funding from the New Brunswick Law Foundation and the Law Foundation of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Legal Referral Service expanded its in-person outreach across Atlantic Canada. Through the CNIB Mobile Hub and other community events, staff visited communities across New Brunswick and Newfoundland, raising awareness of the service and providing guidance and referrals to participants.

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 CNIB Mobile Hub logo. A graphic art illustration of a white cargo van outlined with yellow and black accents. Text: CNIB Mobile Hub.

CNIB Mobile Hub

CNIB is hitting the road to bring our innovative programs to life in your community!

Meet the CNIB Mobile Hub – a new program delivery model where we visit your community to deliver in-person programming at no cost to you. Drop in to meet CNIB staff and learn more about free programs and resources for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. Enjoy a day of recreational and social activities, technology workshops, and much more. Experience the latest breakthroughs in assistive tech from CNIB SmartLife and connect with other members of the sight loss community.

To see where we’re headed next, check out our tour schedule.

Our Programs

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Become a volunteer!

Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Gardener, Memorial Garden – CNIB Guide Dogs

The CNIB Guide Dog Memorial Garden honours the memories of beloved CNIB program dogs and the deep bonds they shared with their handlers. We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist with the care, upkeep, and enhancement of the CNIB Guide Dogs Memorial Garden to ensure it remains a respectful, welcoming, and accessible space for graduates, families, staff, and visitors.

Volunteer for Volunteer Gardener, Memorial Garden – CNIB Guide Dogs

Breeder Carer – CNIB Guide Dogs

Volunteers are a critical part of our guide dog program, and we’re always in need of volunteer puppy raisers and boarders. With support from CNIB Guide Dogs staff, you would play a vital role in bringing future CNIB guide dogs into the world by caring for one of our adult dogs from 12 months of age through the end of their breeding career, as well as supporting whelping and the early socialization of puppies up to 12 weeks old.

Volunteer for Breeder Carer – CNIB Guide Dogs