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Upcoming Events
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.
Easter Seals Camp Squamish
41015 Government Road
Brackendale BC V0N 1H0
Canada
Participants (ages 6-18) across BC are invited to join CNIB at BC Easter Seals summer camp in Squamish, with the costs covered by CNIB! The camp will take place July 15-19, 2024.
Welcome to the "I Can…Hike" Challenge! This fun, family and community based program is designed to encourage participants to explore community trails, paths, parks, with family and friends.
Sit back and relax in our virtual reading room and let the CNIB Lake Joe team share articles and stories of interest. Reading Room meets on the first Friday of every month from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
CNIB Ottawa Hub
425 Marché Way Suite 104,
Ottawa ON K1S 5H6
Canada
A monthly technology group on assistive devices for Ottawa-area participants. First Friday every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CNIB Ottawa Hub.
Designed for knitters/advanced knitters to work on projects, learn from peers, and enjoy knitting fellowship. Every Friday from 12 to 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
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. Biweekly on Friday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
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 call-in social group. Each session will have a topic of discussion. This program is designed for participants 19+. Biweekly on Friday from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.
Come join us on alternating Fridays for our Song Bingo Game Night! 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 participants of all ages. Biweekly on Friday from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Pacific Time on Zoom.
Join host Kelly MacDonald as he shares a blast from the past! Listen to all the old radio shows that made the genre so popular. Everything from mystery, comedy, westerns and holiday specific shows. Sit back and enjoy! First and third Sunday of every month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville ON L6M 3G2
Canada
Our guest speaker, Ryan, will deliver a presentation about accessible services and programs offered by the Oakville Public Library. There will also be a short Q&A at the end of the presentation. Monday, May 6 from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch.
Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville ON L6M 3G2
Canada
Accessible products are available to test and purchase by debit or credit (no cash). Monday, May 6 from 10:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch.
Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville ON L6M 3G2
Canada
Join Ben to learn more about CNIB's Inclusive Schools program: a new initiative designed to teach educators and students how to foster inclusion in the classroom for people who are blind or have low vision. Monday, May 6 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch.
If you have a green thumb (or you'd like to have one), then this gardening discussion group is for you! We swap success stories, talk about our favorite plants, and generally 'dish the dirt' on all things horticultural. For all levels of garden enthusiasts. Whether you patio or container garden, or have lots of gardening space, the time in this group will just buzz by. Every Monday from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville ON L6M 3G2
Canada
Meet Ziggy – an Ambassador Dog with CNIB Guide Dogs. Learn more about the guide dog program including eligibility and how to register. We will end the presentation with a Q&A session. Monday, May 6 from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. at the Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch.
The “Get on Board” transit campaign will take place in 12 municipalities across Canada from May 6 to June 6, 2024. Campaign activities include a secret rider survey and a Town Hall where we'll discuss our findings and the actions required to enhance accessibility on our transit system. We hope you can join us at a local town hall to share your experiences and ideas of how we can improve the accessibility of regional transit systems!
Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch
1415 Third Line
Oakville ON L6M 3G2
Canada
Have you heard of Vision Loss Rehabilitation Ontario (VLR) or CNIB Deafblind Community Services (DBCS) Don't know if you should be registered with the organization, or how to? Come and join us for coffee and snacks as you learn about the programs and services offered by VLRC and DBCS. Monday, May 6 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Oakville Public Library – Glen Abbey Branch.
Meet Mike Croteau, The Punching Pastor! Mike will be joining us to share his journey through health, faith and making the most of every opportunity. Join us the Monday, May 6 from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
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.
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.
Love cooking or would love to know more about cooking? Join this group to share ideas, tips, tricks and the joy of cooking and baking! Let's Talk Cooking meets on Zoom, every Monday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
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.
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 Monday from 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time.
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.
Join us for conversation, laughter, and a chance to reminisce about your favourite CNIB Lake Joe memories. Pour yourself a coffee, tea, or beverage of choice, login and connect with your friends from Lake Joe. Coffee Break meets every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
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.
Are you craving that social interaction you normally get from going for coffee with friends ? We are here to keep the virtual conversation going post pandemic! Since we've gotten to know each other, lets stay connected and share some good news stories, discuss practical tips and successes with others living with vision loss. Every Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. Eastern 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Join us for a virtual Lake Joe campfire with traditional campfire songs and stories. Fun for all ages!
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.
This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Hamilton area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement.
This is a waitlist for when we have enough interest in the Brantford area for a Friendly Chat Peer Social Group. The program will be for those who are wanting friendly conversation and encouragement.
CNIB Brampton Community Hub
7700 Hurontario St #400A
Brampton ON L6Y 4M3
Canada
Join us for coffee and great conversation. An opportunity to talk with others living with sight loss. Hear from guest speakers, get new information, and share resources and tips. Come on out, meet with your peers, let’s chat! Second Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the CNIB Brampton Hub.
Each 60-75 minute session will explore a new theme; making reference to novels, poetry, articles, song lyrics, quotations, recipes, and more. From clotheslines to libraries, musical instruments, art and the landmarks of Winnipeg and Manitoba – come along on this journey of curiosities. Bi-weekly on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. CST.
Join us for this introductory session on photography to learn how technology can help people who are blind or low vision with taking pictures and working with digital photo albums. We will explore a variety of cameras with built-in accessibility considerations. After this session, you will be able to incorporate adaptive techniques to capture quality images, use accessible technology to manage photos, and utilize artificial intelligence and other supports to identify and enjoy your photo memories! Wednesday, May 8 from 1 t o 2:30 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Zoom.
Book some time to play today! Join us on Wednesdays from 1 to 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Zoom information will be provided after registering.
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 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.