Upcoming Events
Do you have a question about sport or physical activity when it comes to things like adaptive equipment, advocacy, finding guides, funding, or even “how do I even get started?“ This new program serves to act as an outlet for your sport and physical activity inquiries, big and small! As the provincial sports lead, Ryan Van Praet has decades of knowledge and experience in the world of not only health and fitness education, but also as an athlete who has competed in many different sports on many different levels, having made many connections. Let Ryan leverage this knowledge and experience to help you!
The EmpowerPlay newsletter is an Ontario-wide sports and physical activity resource; designed to provide you with information and opportunities. This may include CNIB programs, a community program or activity, a video or audio piece of information to educate and empower; and more!
The Town of Ajax is seeking residents with sight loss to collaborate on a public education awareness campaign to encourage people using e-scooters and e-bikes on the Town’s trails and multi-use paths to engage in safer behaviour. If you’re an Ajax resident worried about your safety on the Town's trails because of e-scooters and e-bikes and are interested in improving trail walkability and safety, the Town of Ajax wants to hear from you!
Join us for our weekly social meet up group. We’ll get to know each other, share some good news stories, and socialize. Every Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. Mountain Time on Zoom.
The CNIB KnitWits are a group of people who meet biweekly to discuss and share knitting related topics. We share patterns, chat about life in general, and support each other with tips and tricks to enhance our knitting and life skills with vision loss. Biweekly on Thursday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
The CNIB KnitWits are a group of people who meet biweekly to discuss and share knitting related topics. We share patterns, chat about life in general, and support each other with tips and tricks to enhance our knitting and life skills with vision loss. KnitWits meets on Zoom biweekly on Thursday's from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be shared after registering.
CNIB GTA Community Hub
1525 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M4T 1Z2
Canada
If your interested in learning how to play the guitar or or ukulele, or even just advance your skills, these lessons are here for you! Each lesson will be 30 minutes. You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed.
CNIB GTA Community Hub
1525 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M4T 1Z2
Canada
Calling all knitters – whether you’re a beginner or experienced knitter! Come out and enjoy some time with your peers and knit! If you don’t know how to knit, no problem we can teach you! Every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the CNIB GTA Hub.
Make new friends, or deepen existing friendships, find support from your peers, and develop more theological insight about biblical understanding. The Bible Study group meets every Thursday (September to June) from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom.
There are so many different ways to get active and feel great from the comfort of your own home! Join us every Thursday from 3-4pm EST to get moving!
Everyone loves games. This games group meets to socialize playing 2 to 3 different lively word games for the hour. Sessions are led by our own professional game hosts (aka CNIB staff and volunteers). We embrace a safe fun time to exercise your mind. Thursday Games meets on Zoom, every Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be shared after registering.
A social group for those who want to keep connect after Seated Dance Fitness has ended. We invite participants to stay and socialize with each other. You can talk about the session, get to know one and other and socialize with the community across Canada.
Designed for knitters/advanced knitters to work on projects, learn from peers, and enjoy knitting fellowship. Yarnivores meets on Zoom every Friday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
This is a safe and supportive place for guide dog handlers from across the country to get together and chat. Share the joys and challenges of being a guide dog handler as well as tips to keep our guide dogs happy and engaged. The Guide Dog Handlers Chat Group meets on Zoom, biweekly on Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time.
Connect with other people in the Sudbury area for conversation, support and good practices. This peer support group meets every Friday on Zoom, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Join us every Friday for a virtual meet up in the prairies with a friendly bunch of people looking to connect with others across the country! Make new connections and find friendships and enjoyable conversation. The focus is on a positive, inclusive, and safe support network of people who have experienced sight loss. Everyone is welcome. Virtual Coffee Group meets every Friday from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Central Time on Zoom.
A support group for blind/partially sighted parents. From infancy to adulthood - blind mothers and fathers can learn, explore, and share their triumphs, challenges, tips and stories among peers in a supportive environment. The group meets twice monthly in order to accommodate busy schedules.
Calling all aspiring young writers! The 2024 Braille Creative Writing Contest is now accepting entries. 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.
This newsletter is for those interested in virtual or in person programs that are run specifically out of the Ontario West region.
Two-week in-person program offered July 13 – 27th, 2024
in Toronto & CNIB Lake Joe
Ontario ON P0C 1H0
Canada
Put down the textbooks and join CNIB this summer for this unique all-expenses-paid opportunity! This transformational experience will provide you with an edge in your academic and job-seeking goals. Discover and explore your potential through educational and empowering activities while connecting with like-minded peers. SCORE Scholars programming helps participants build essential leadership, independence, pre-employment, and social skills. We’ll explore the city of Toronto by visiting restaurants and local attractions. Accommodations and programming will take place at the Seneca College Newnham campus near Yonge and Finch. July 13 – 27th, 2024 (in person)
Join the club that believes the word “can’t“ is not allowed! The “I Can… Club“ is focused on building the attitudes and skills that lead us to think about all that is possible.
Accessible yoga for most skill levels from the comfort of your home. Check out accessible yoga if you are looking for a classic yoga class with descriptive prompts. Designed for people with vision loss, the instructor will verbally walk you through all the poses and movements. Please bring a yoga mat, a bottle of water, and your breath! Accessible Yoga meets every Monday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Sit back and enjoy several stories from the well-known Chicken Soup books! A volunteer will be reading a selection of interesting and enjoyable short stories. First Monday of every month from 7 to 8 p.m. Newfoundland Time on Zoom.
The ukulele is a fun way to start your musical journey if you have never played a stringed instrument before. Learn at your own pace in this bi-weekly exploration of fundamentals that will include ukulele basics, finger positioning, playing chords, reading tabs and chord charts, strumming patterns, and performing simple songs. This is a beginner level program. Spots are very limited and parents and registrants are required to attend a short interview before acceptance. Instruments will be provided to successful applicants.
The Round Table is a Hamilton based group offering friendly conversation and encouragement. It is designed for individuals who are blind or low vision to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances. Meetings will tie in good practices, information, discussions, caring and support. The Round Table meets every Tuesday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Zoom with one in-person meeting every month.
The informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize and meet new people. It is a very warm and welcoming group of regulars and newcomers. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.
Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre or Zoom
325 Reynolds Street
Oakville ON L6J 3L7
Canada
This is an Oakville based peer social group that meets in person and on Zoom. Connect with other friendly people in the Oakville area for conversation, support and good practices. The Oakville EnVision Group meets at the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre on the first Tuesday of every month from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and virtually on Zoom on the third Tuesday of every month.
Lions Manor Apartment
230 Strabane Ave.
Windsor ON N8Y 4V2
Canada
If you are in the Windsor area and are looking for conversation, support and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist. This group will meet in-person once a month at Lions Manor Apartments.
CNIB GTA Community Hub
1525 Yonge Street
Toronto ON M4T 1Z2
Canada
If you are in the Toronto area and are looking for conversation, support and good practices, please sign up for our waitlist. This peer social group will meet in-person at the CNIB GTA Community Hub.
Are you having challenges with using your technology or do you simply have questions about something new? Join this discussion group with others with sight loss where we share ideas and experiences that might be helpful. Many heads are better than one! First and third Tuesday of every month from 1 to 3 p.m. Eastern Time 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! This group runs on Zoom, every Tuesday from 2:30 to 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time.
Chair yoga is a good option for anyone with injuries or with mobility issues. You will need comfortable clothing and a sturdy chair without arms or armrests for this class. Techniques include breath work, gentle movement with repetition, postures, sitting meditation and relaxation. No experience required. Chair Yoga meets every Tuesday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Join fellow music-lovers to listen together, and share stories. Every month, we'll consider music on a specific theme. Participants are invited to submit up to three songs, either a YouTube link or just title and artist. We'll listen to as many selections as we can, leaving time for conversation between. Listening Party meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 6 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Come join us, your hosts Kevin, David and Brian, as we resume 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 every day 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.
Join us for a virtual Lake Joe campfire with traditional campfire songs and stories. Fun for all ages!
Start your journey seeking a part-time or summer job with CNIB Learning Academy’s Youth Job Club! There is no time like the present to begin your work experiences. Having a part-time or summer job will put some money in your pocket, and you give valuable skills that employers are looking for. Facilitated by staff with sight loss, this five-session program will give participants an edge in looking for your first summer or part-time job. Virtual sessions are hosted on Zoom every Tuesday (April 2 to April 30) from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Join this monthly professional development and awareness session and learn about other part-time, full-time, or freelance artists and performers who experience low vision and blindness. Sessions will rotate guest speakers in the areas of music, performing arts and theatre or visual/tactile arts. Attendees will meet virtually via Zoom on the first Tuesday of each month from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Karaoke is like an instant party...let's belt out some tunes together. Join us on Tuesdays, 8-9 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
Get your creative juices flowing as we put your song ideas to music. Join us on Wednesdays, 9-10 a.m. Eastern Time.
If you love books, this group is for you! This group features guest authors as well as weeks where a different genre or theme are picked. People read their choice of book on the theme and come ready to discuss. It's a great way to build your reading list and learn about what others are reading and the technology they use to access their books. Every Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Participants will share and support each other in this interactive peer support program. Sessions will include a variety of practical topics for managing with sight loss, such as transportation, cooking etc. This peer support group meets every Wednesday over Zoom (April 3 to April 24th) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Eastern Time.
The informal coffee chat group is a chance to socialize and meet new people. It is a very warm and welcoming group of people from all across Canada. Every Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. Atlantic Time on Zoom.
The Digital Treasure Chest is a new virtual program that will explore, examine, and highlight some of the best accessible technologies for people living with sight loss across Canada. It's a place for exploring, discovering, and sharing innovative tech solutions for your accessible technology needs. Join us on Wednesday, April 3, as we review CNIB SmartLife’s Top 20 products, selected based on popularity & demand!
CNIB London Hub
171 Queens Ave Suite 101
London ON N6A5J7
Canada
Whether it's trivia, games, cards, or even axe throwing, the skies the limit! First and third Wednesday of every month from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the CNIB London Community Hub
CNIB Brampton Community Hub
7700 Hurontario St #400A
Brampton ON L6Y 4M3
Canada
If your interested in learning how to play the guitar or or ukulele, or even just advance your skills, these lessons are here for you! Each lesson will be 30 minutes. You are welcome to bring your own guitar/ukulele, and one will be available if needed.
This program is designed for blind or partially sighted indigenous individuals who are wanting to connect with others who are experiencing similar circumstances in a safe and comfortable setting. Participants will have the opportunity to help choose various topics this group would like to discuss each session as well as have the option to share ideas, suggestions, stories, worries, etc. with the group. This Saskatchewan and Manitoba Indigenous Peer Support Group meet on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Central Standard Time on Zoom.
This class is designed for all level yogis. Relaxed pace to release anxiety and calm the body. Students will be guided into meditation, breathing techniques, yoga poses and relaxation. Please bring a yoga mat, a blanket, a big towel and an open mind to learn something new! Gentle Yoga runs every Wednesday from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Children of all ages across the country are welcome to participate in our live reading series Read Aloud to Me. Join us every Wednesday as experienced volunteers give life to picture books, chapter books and short stories. While stories chosen are geared to participants between the ages of 7 to 12, anyone who would enjoy listening is welcome. Every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
The Zoom Zoom Room is growing up, and is now called the Zoom Room for Kids! Children ages 6-10 and older, non-verbal participants are invited to join us as we use music to build our social skills. Each session will be all about the special things going on that month. Make sure to come regularly, because each session you will work as a team to create your own special song. Certified music therapist Melissa Murphy will also have lots of songs and stories to share that are perfect for singing and dancing along. Every Wednesday from 7 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
The Digital Treasure Chest is a new virtual program that will explore, examine, and highlight some of the best accessible technologies for people living with sight loss across Canada. It's a place for exploring, discovering, and sharing innovative tech solutions for your accessible technology needs. Join us on Wednesday, April 3, as we review CNIB SmartLife’s Top 20 products, selected based on popularity & demand!