CNIB British Columbia – Spring Programs

Join us! Our free programs are available to Canadians who are blind or partially sighted as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Below, you'll find a snapshot of programs offered across the province throughout the spring. Schedule may be subject to change. We kindly ask participants to register for programs at least one business day before the start date. 

For program offerings available nationwide, explore our online calendar.

Advocacy Programs

  1. Accessible Community Engagement Presentation: By request, CNIB staff or volunteers provide virtual or in-person presentation about sight loss and CNIB services to businesses, community centres, schools, care homes and more. Please book a presentation by contacting Terry Kalkanis, Manager, Stakeholder Relations & Executive Operations at terry.kalkanis@cnib.ca or 604-431-2121 extension. 6030.  
  2. Addressing Discrimination in the Workplace: Thursday, May 9, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Join us for a virtual legal education workshop, which will feature a panel discussion on the topics of legal rights in the context of employment (from recruitment to leaving work), subtle forms of discrimination, and the tools that you can use to identify and challenge discrimination when it occurs.
  3. One-On-One Advocacy Support: CNIB Advocacy staff provides guidance and resources about any sight-loss related advocacy issues. Appointments are required. For more information, email jamie.auman@cnib.ca or call 604-431-2121 ext. 6022.

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Children & Youth Programs

  1. Braille Creative Writing Contest: Calling all aspiring young writers! The 2024 Braille Creative Writing Contest is now accepting entries. Since 1997, CNIB has organized a Canada-wide Braille Creative Writing Contest for children and youth. This important competition celebrates braille literacy and encourages young people to flex their creative muscles while practicing their braille skills. Write a short story, essay, or poem on any topic or re-purpose something you've written for school this year! Show off your creative writing talents for a chance to win cash prizes. The contest is open to primary and secondary students (grades K-12) who are blind or partially sighted and live in Canada. 
  2. CNIB Summer Camp Virtual Open House: Thursday, April 4, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. on Zoom. Join us and discover the magic of camp all summer long! For more information or to register, email alix.straith@cnib.ca or call 778-990-2356. 
  3. Music for Kids Monday Session: Every Monday, 3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. on Zoom. 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! 
  4. Music for Kids Tuesday Session: Every Tuesday, 2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on Zoom. 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! 

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Come To Work Programs

  1. Youth Transition Advanced Series: Every other Saturday, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Virtually on Zoom or in-person at CNIB Victoria and New Westminster offices. Join us for a series of sessions 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. 

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

  1. Coffee-Talks: Biweekly on Friday, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Zoom. A biweekly call-in social group. Each session will have a topic of discussion. This program is designed for those 19+. 
  2. Seated Dance Fitness Zoom: Every Thursday, 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. on Zoom. Adaptive Dance instructor Tiffany Tjosvold will lead a high energy, seated dance class over Zoom for participants ages 19+. This class is suitable for all fitness levels.
  3. Song Bingo Game Night: Biweekly on Friday, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Zoom or telephone. All you need to participate is access to a phone or Zoom and a bingo card at home or online! Feel free to play as a family or household. There will be prizes for the first 3 bingo winners of each game and those who correctly name the most tunes! This program is open to participants of all ages.

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Peer Support Programs

  1. Kelowna Peer Support Group: Third Wednesday of every month, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Rotary Centre for the Arts (421 Cawston Ave., Kelowna). A monthly community-based senior support group for Kelowna area residents aged 55+ to discuss issues relating to sight loss and to socialize with others. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics. 
  2. Kelowna Working-Age Connections Group: First Wednesday of every month, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at CNIB Kelowna. A monthly community-based support group for Kelowna area residents (ages 30-55) that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics.
  3. Prince George Connections Group: Biweekly on Tuesday, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. at the Prince George & District Senior Citizens Activity Centre. A biweekly community-based support group for Prince George residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support.
  4. Vancouver Seniors Connections Group: Third Wednesday of every month, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Zoom. A monthly community-based senior support group for Vancouver area residents aged 55+ that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support.
  5. Vancouver Working-Age Connections Group: First Thursday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Zoom. A monthly community-based support group for Vancouver area residents (ages 30-55) that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support. Guest speakers are occasionally invited to present on different topics.
  6. Victoria & Abbotsford Connections Group: Second Thursday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Zoom. A monthly community-based support group for Victoria and Abbotsford area residents that offers ongoing emotional adjustment to sight loss support.

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CNIB SmartLife & Technology Programs

  1. CNIB SmartLife: Home to a myriad of accessible technologies and devices, CNIB SmartLife is an interactive retail and lifestyle experience like no other. CNIB SmartLife is committed to emboldening people with sight loss to lead independent, active lives and helping them gain access to life-changing technology. CNIB SmartLife is Canada’s largest retailer of assistive products for people with sight loss, serving over 20,000+ people a year. CNIB SmartLife offers services both online and in physical spaces, as well as a variety of accessible technology programs. All proceeds from CNIB SmartLife go to supporting CNIB’s life-changing programs for people with sight loss across Canada.
  2. CNIB SmartLife Tech @ Home program: Explore cutting-edge assistive devices right in your own home! If you live in BC and want to try a wide range of accessible technology, look no further than our innovative program Tech @ Home. Explore CNIB SmartLife Tech @ HomeCheck out the accessible brochure, and discover the financial assistance programs in your province. Every Canadian with sight loss has the right to access accessible technology. 
  3. Assistive Technology Primers: Offers 1 on 1 training at CNIB locations or public libraries. These 90 minutes sessions are intended to give additional assistance to participants who have trouble learning in a group or virtual setting.  Various dates in Prince George, Kelowna, Victoria and the Lower Mainland. To book, email julia.bonnett@cnib.ca or call 778-897-3115.
  4. Gift of Technology: Through the generosity of our donors, this program is able to provide participants in BC with various Assistive Technology devices at no cost. If you could benefit from an updated piece of technology or software, email amit.ram@cnib.ca or call 778-312-3155.
  5. Phone It Forward: Driven by the guiding principle to put as many smart devices as possible into the hands of British Columbians living with sight loss, the Phone It Forward program provides free smartphones to CNIB participants who are in need. To learn more, email amit.ram@cnib.ca or call 778-312-3155.
  6. Tech Mate: By being matched with a tech savvy volunteer, you learn how to use technology devices to your advantage. Tech Mate program provides one on one instruction on how to use technology to gain or regain independence. 
  7. Wireless Wednesday: Second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 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! This drop-in workshop offers a short learning module on an Assistive Technology topic, followed by a tech-focused Q&A session. Come prepared to swap tips and tricks and strengthen your own tech skills in the process. 

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Special Events

1. CNIB Eye Appeal Art Gala: Friday, May 24, 2024

We are excited to present CNIB Eye Appeal Art Gala and Artists’ Reception taking place at the beautiful Delta Hotel Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort in Victoria, BC. The Artists’ Reception, which is open to the public, will be held on the same day from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. This memorable evening will raise much-needed funds that will support CNIB programs and services across Vancouver Island and features an art draw, live and silent auction, ice martini bar, and inspiring speakers! Tickets sell out fast, visit cnib.ca/eyeappeal to get yours today! We are also have sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available, for more information.

2. CNIB Scholarships

Unlock Your Future: Apply for a CNIB Scholarship Today! Ready to chase your dreams? CNIB scholarships are here to support your personal and professional aspirations. Whether you're just starting out in a cool apprenticeship, diving into skilled trades, or leveling up with continuing education, there are multiple scholarships, bursaries, and other educational awards available to people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. It doesn't matter where you are on your journey – from youth to adults – a scholarship or bursary is waiting just for you. If you are pursuing a diploma or degree, skilled trades certificate, apprenticeship, continuing education program, or post-graduate degree, we encourage you to apply for a CNIB scholarship. Let's make your aspirations a reality, together!

CNIB Scholarships Information Session: Thursday, May 9, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Zoom. Have questions about applying for a CNIB scholarship or need some help understanding how to complete the application? Join us on Thursday, May 9 for a virtual information session where we’ll outline available scholarships, eligibility criteria, review the application process and deadlines, and answer any burning questions that you may have.

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CNIB Mobile Hub

CNIB on the Road – the CNIB Mobile Hub is coming to a community near 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. We’d love for you to join us when we visit your community!

  • Vernon: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Vernon Public Library (2800 30th Ave., Vernon)
  • Kamloops: Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Thompson River University, Conference Centre (1055 University Drive, Kamloops)

For additional confirmed locations and dates, please visit www.cnib.ca/mobilehub,

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Community Corner

1. Lions Health & Wellness Event: Saturday, April 13, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Maple Ridge Seniors Activity Centre (12150 224 S). Along with CNIB, this event brings together a number of businesses and organizations that can provide products, services and activities to those in the community who are living with sight loss or hearing loss. For your convenience, refreshments and a light lunch are available for purchase. Come and browse and discover what’s here for you, your friends or family. For more information, visit mapleridgelionsclub.org or contact Brian Hetherington at 604-467-2696.

2. We are Here for You to See: Saturday, May 4, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.at the 100 Mile House United Church, 49 Dogwood Ave., 100 Mile House, BC. The 100 Mile House & District Blind & Visually Impaired White Cane Club would like to cordially invite to their Open House Meet & Greet. Come by for a chat and refreshments with our latest and greatest members. Check out the low vision aids, assistive devices, and the numerous benefits of becoming a member of the White Cane Club. For more details contact Lori Fry at ccb100milehousewcc@gmail.com or call 778-444-8761.

An illustration of two eyes on white background. Inside each pupil is an illustration of a person with a white cane.

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