CNIB British Columbia – Summer Programs 2025

Join us! Our free programs are available to people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision as well as their families, friends and caregivers. Below, you'll find a snapshot of programs offered across the province throughout the summer. 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. Outreach Presentation: By request, CNIB staff or volunteers provide virtual or in-person presentations about sight loss and CNIB services to businesses, community centres, schools, care homes and more. Please book a presentation by filling out the online form here. If you have any questions or require assistance filling out the form, please contact Tommy Leung , Manager, Advocacy and Stakeholder Relations, at Tommy.Leung@cnib.ca or 604-431-2121 extension 6030. 
  2. One-On-One Advocacy Support: CNIB Advocacy staff provides guidance and resources about any sight-loss related advocacy issues. Appointments are required. To book an appointment, please contact Jamie Auman, Program Coordinator, Advocacy & Peer Support at Jamie.Auman@cnib.ca or 604-431-2121 extension 6022.
  3. Self-Advocacy Workshop: Sign up to learn how to advocate for yourself. Facilitated by one of CNIB’s advocate volunteers, this workshop will teach you how to be the best self-advocate you can be! To register, please contact Jamie Auman, Program Coordinator, Advocacy & Peer Support at Jamie.Auman@cnib.ca or 604-431-2121 extension 6022.

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Children & Youth Programs

  1. BC Easter Seals Overnight Kids Camp:  Monday, July 7 to Friday, July 11 at Camp Winfield (1790 Davidson Rd., Lake Country). A summer camp tradition for over 50 years, Easter Seals offers one of the best nature-based, fully accessible, overnight summer camps for children, youth and adults from ages 6 to 49 + with disabilities. It’s a place where campers can explore and develop their abilities in a safe, warm, fun and supportive environment. A place they can just be themselves. 
  2. BC-Yukon Family Advocacy Group: On hiatus for July & August, to resume in September. Second Thursday of every month, 5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. via Zoom.This advocacy group for parents and guardians aims to empower and connect families across the province and territory, working to identify advocacy items along with the needs of students who are DeafBlind, blind and partially sighted. To create a space for families, we have hired a parent facilitator, Sina Muscati.  He is a lawyer with Justice Canada, and the father of a son with sight loss. For more information, questions or to register, please contact Alix Straith, Program Lead, Children and Youth at 778-990-2356 or Alix.Straith@cnib.ca.
  3. CNIB Lake Joe Leadership Camp (Sold Out): Tuesday, July 29 to Saturday, August 2 at CNIB Lake Joe (4 Joe Finley Way, Mactier, ON) Join a vibrant group of like-minded youth on the shores of the beautiful Lake Joseph for an unforgettable week of growth, fun and leadership development! This exciting program is packed with a dynamic mix of skill-building workshops, recreational activities and social events designed to help you unlock your full potential and have the best summer ever! Throughout the week, participants will be empowered to share their aspirations, develop personal strengths and build courage and confidence to explore key leadership skills like public speaking, advocacy, self-awareness and personal branding. In addition to enriching leadership experiences, campers will also enjoy the recreational activities that make CNIB Lake Joe so unique. Under the guidance of skilled facilitators, campers will try new things, take on challenges, and discover what it means to be a leader in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Click here to learn more about in-person and virtual opportunities at Lake Joe, please visit.
  4. Music for Kids Monday Session: Every Monday, 3:45 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. via Zoom. Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly virtual sessions for children and youth participants across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more!  Get ready to make some music! 
  5. Music for Kids Tuesday Session: Every Tuesday, 2:15 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. Music Therapist Erin Koop hosts weekly virtual sessions for children and youth participants across the country. These interactive sessions are filled with songs, stories, and more!  Get ready to make some music! 
  6. Song Bingo Game Night: Come join us on alternating Fridays for an inter-generational fun! All you need to participate is access to phone or Zoom and a bingo card at home or online! Feel free to play as a family or house. 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 kids and “kids at heart” (all ages). To register, please fill out the online form or contact Shruti Shravah, Program Coordinator, Children & Youth, at Shruti.Shravah@cnib.ca or 604-644-6536. 

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Come to Work Programs

Career Quest: This program is a 6-week career counseling workshop series designed exclusively for BC & Yukon Talent Pool Members through CNIB’s Come to Work Program. The workshop helps participants explore their personality, values, interests, and abilities through guided discussions and assessments. Held twice weekly, the sessions aim to build confidence and support informed career decisions based on each participant’s strengths. The series is facilitated by CNIB Career Counselor Caleb Okoh and is offered virtually, with the possibility of hybrid sessions. Participants who complete the program receive a certificate and can book one-on-one follow-up sessions.

Career Quest 6: Tuesday, June 10 to Thursday, July 17

Career Quest 7: Tuesday, August 5 to Thursday, September 11

Career Quest 8: Tuesday, September 23 to Thursday, October 23 

Please Note: Between each Career Quest session, meetings will continue to be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays until the start of the next session.

For more details or help with registration, feel free to reach out to Caleb at Caleb.Okoh@cnib.ca.

Visionary Voices - Cohort 2: Weekly from Tuesday July 8 to Friday, August 12, 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. This is a 6-week workshop series designed to enhance resilience through effective communication and meaningful connection. For more details or help with registration, feel free to reach out to Adele at Adele.Arrazola@cnib.ca. 

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Culture, Sport & Recreation Programs

Unless otherwise specified, please contact Leni White at Leni.White@cnib.ca for more information or to register for these programs. 

  1. Coffee-Talks: Biweekly on Friday, 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. A biweekly call-in social group. Each session will have a topic of discussion. This program is designed for those 19+.
  2. Victoria Lawn Bowling Club:  Exciting news for all lawn bowling enthusiasts! The Lawn Bowling Pacific Club in Victoria located at 720 Belleville St, Victoria, BC has generously opened their greens for our participants, offering free access to this enjoyable sport. Put on your safe shoes and get ready to roll—our first session kicks off on July 10th, 2025. Whether you're a seasoned player or brand new to the game, this is a fantastic opportunity to get involved, stay active, and enjoy some great company. To register, fill out the online form.
  3. Seated Dance Fitness Zoom: Every Thursday, 3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. via Zoom. Join Us for Adaptive Seated Dance! Adaptive Dance instructor Tiffany Tjosvold leads a high-energy, seated dance class suitable for all fitness levels. Participants are invited to stay and socialize after the session. Seated dance is a form of dance exercise performed while sitting in a chair. It combines rhythmic movements, often set to music, to provide a full-body workout that is accessible to people of all fitness levels and abilities. It’s a fun and engaging way to stay active, especially for those who may have mobility challenges or prefer a low-impact exercise option. Come join us for a fun and invigorating session and stay to socialize with fellow participants. We look forward to dancing with you! 
  4. Engage, Learn and Connect Webinar Series - BC Blind Sports and Recreation: Thursday, July 24, 2025, 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. The BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing sports, fitness, and recreational opportunities for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind. Their programs aim to improve physical capabilities and self-confidence through activities such as athletics, dragon boating, goalball, golf, judo, lawn bowling, powerlifting, and swimming. They also offer consultations on physical education and activity programs. 
  5. Engage, Learn and Connect Webinar Series - Everything You Need to Know about Taxes: Tuesday, July 29, 2025, 10:00 a.m. via Zoom.  Navigating Canada’s tax system can be overwhelming, but understanding available benefits and credits can make a significant financial difference. Our upcoming webinar with the CRA covers essential tax topics, including GST/HST credits, Canada Child Benefit, Canada Workers Benefit, and the Disability Tax Credit. We'll also dive into tax credits for seniors, caregivers, and medical expenses, ensuring you maximize your deductions. Plus, we'll introduce helpful tools like CRA My Account, digital services, and free tax assistance programs to simplify tax filing. 
  6. Engage, Learn and Connect Webinar Series - How to Avoid Scams & Fraud: Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, making it crucial to stay informed and protect yourself. Our upcoming webinar with the Victoria Police Department will teach you how to recognize fraud, safeguard your personal information, and respond effectively to suspicious activity. Learn about common scams, red flags to watch for, and practical steps to prevent fraud. We’ll also cover how to report fraudulent activity and access helpful resources to keep your finances secure. 
  7. Understanding Charles Bonnett Syndrome (CBS):  Every third Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. You're Invited! Join us for an enlightening program on Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS), a condition that affects individuals with significant vision loss, leading to vivid visual hallucinations. These hallucinations can range from simple patterns or shapes to complex scenes involving people or animals. Importantly, those experiencing CBS are typically aware that these visions are not real, which distinguishes it from other psychiatric disorders. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about CBS, its impact, and ways to support those affected. We look forward to seeing you there! 
  8. Victoria Harmony Choir: Every Friday, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. at CNIB Victoria. Join Our Choir! Led by music director Marcelina Stanton, this program aims to increase social connections, confidence, and joy through music. Participants will develop musical skills, teamwork, self-confidence, and more. Singing in a choir offers numerous benefits, including improved mental and physical health, enhanced social connections, cognitive benefits, and a powerful outlet for emotional expression. Come join us and experience the many benefits of singing in a choir. We look forward to making beautiful music together! 

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Peer Support Programs

  1. Kelowna Seniors Peer Support Group: Third Wednesday of every month from 1:30PM - 3:30PM 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. PT. 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 Prince George & District Senior Citizens Activity Centre (425 Brunswick St., Prince George). 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. via 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. via 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. PT. 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. AI Unleashed: Tuesday, August 26, 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Join youth facilitator Shrey, a 15-year-old CNIB volunteer tech coach and technology enthusiast, as he shares his passion for helping people navigate devices like Windows, Mac, and more. With experience working with companies that develop products for people who are blind, Shrey's journey with AI began out of curiosity. He quickly discovered how to integrate tools like Chat GPT-Plus into his daily life. Sessions will delve into various topics and tips around AI. To register, please fill out the online form.
  2. 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. It is Canada’s largest retailer of assistive products for people with sight loss, serving over 20,000+ people a year, offering 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.
  3. CNIB SmartLife Tech @ Home: 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. Check 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.
  4. Gift of Technology: Through the generosity of our donors, this program is able to provide various Assistive Technology devices at no cost to participants living with sight loss in BC. If you could benefit from an updated piece of technology or software, please reach out to Amit Ram at Amit.Ram@cnib.ca or call 778-312-3155.
  5. Intro to Assistive Technology: Second Tuesday of every month, 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. via Zoom. Like it or not, technology is becoming a big part of modern life. Nowadays, people rely on computers and smartphones for work, school, entertainment and connection. For people with vision loss, assistive technology offers all of this as well as increased confidence and independence. Join us over Zoom for Intro to Assistive Technology – also welcomed are family, friends & community! To register, call Amit Ram at 778-312-3155 or email Amit.Ram@cnib.ca. 
  6. SmartLife Open House and Tech Cafe - New Westminster: On hiatus in July, resuming in August. Third Thursday of every month, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at CNIB New Westminster. Would you like to sit down with a coffee and a pal to learn the tech that will make vision loss easier? Would you like to have some “hands-on” time with the technology on offer from SmartLife? Come join us as we explore assistive devices and apps as a group, followed by a chance to share tips and tricks with other CNIB peers. We'll share some learning - and some laughs - together! Taking place at various locations around the Lower Mainland, as well as the CNIB offices in Victoria, Prince George, Kelowna, Vernon and Vancouver. Refreshments provided. See schedule below. For more information, please call Julia Bonnett at 778-897-3115 or email Julia.Bonnett@cnib.ca.
  7. SmartLife Open House and Tech Cafe - Victoria: Third Tuesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. at CNIB Victoria. Would you like to sit down with a coffee and a pal to learn the tech that will make vision loss easier? Would you like to have some “hands-on” time with the technology on offer from SmartLife? Come join us as we explore assistive devices and apps as a group, followed by a chance to share tips and tricks with other CNIB peers. We'll share some learning - and some laughs - together! Taking place at various locations around the Lower Mainland, as well as the CNIB offices in Victoria, Prince George, Kelowna, Vernon and Vancouver. Refreshments provided. See schedule below. For more information, please call Julia Bonnett at 778-897-3115 or email Julia.Bonnett@cnib.ca.
  8. Wireless Wednesday: Second and fourth Wednesday of every month, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. via Zoom. Are you new to assistive technology? Want to get more out of your smart device or computer? This virtual 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. For more information, please call Amit at 778-312-3155 or email Amit.Ram@cnib.ca.

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

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Special Events

SmartLife Open House with Michel Pepin from Humanware - Surrey: Saturday, July 5, 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Surrey Public Library - Central Branch. 

SmartLife Open House with Michel Pepin from Humanware - Victoria: Thursday, July 3, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at CNIB Victoria. 

Pretty Blind premieres on AMI-tv and AMI+: Determined to bring lightness and laughs to her experience navigating the world-at-large with both albinism and partial sight, Jennie Bovard, who is legally blind, started a podcast, Low Vision Moments. What began as a mission to build community turned into a cathartic expression of the frustrations many people with disabilities experience daily. Led by Canadian comedy legend Jonathan Torrens (Mr. D, Letterkenny) and writer-showrunner Mark Forward (Fargo, Letterkenny), the new AMI-tv series Pretty Blind captures the comedy of Bovard’s Low Vision Moments and turns it into Canada’s first-ever comedy about blindness led by and about its lead actor. Pretty Blind introduces us to Jennie Bonang (Jennie Bovard) as an unlikely and sarcastic hero who is at a crossroads in her life. Jennie, who has albinism and partial sight, has just broken up with her boyfriend, meets constant conflict with her boss at the library, and inherits a new well-meaning but overbearing roommate. We follow Jennie as she navigates life in an inaccessible and uneducated world, as she uses her intelligence and sharp wit to educate others about disability and put them in their respective places. Pretty Blind debuts Tuesday, July 8, at 9 p.m. Eastern on AMI-tv and AMI+. Watch the trailer here.

Community Corner

  1. Canadian Blind Hockey: Vancouver Jr. Eclipse: The Vancouver Jr. Eclipse Blind Hockey program is open to all children and youth who are blind or partially sighted in Vancouver and the surrounding region. No previous skating or hockey experience is required. This is a skills and development program and Canadian Blind Hockey will assist in getting gear for any participants that need it. Sighted siblings, parents, and other family members who have skating and hockey experience are invited to participate in a coaching / volunteer capacity. Foore information, please contact Canadian Blind Hockey Program Director Luca DeMontis at LucaDeMontis@blindicehockey.com.
  2. Lacrossing Barriers: Every Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. All ages and experience levels welcome. Lacrossing Barriers is a Not For Profit Organization dedicated to providing opportunities to play sport, move, and learn skills to those in marginalized communities. They believe in All Abilities and All Possibilities, focusing on the supports participants need to enjoy and succeed. Join their Adaptive and Inclusive Lacrosse Programming for eight Saturdays, where they will share Canada's National Summer Sport through a fun, play, and laughter-based approach.  For more information or to register, please visit: www.lacrossingbarriers.org or email scott@lacrossingbarriers.org.        

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