We are the
VISION IMPAIRED
RESOURCE NETWORK
We are known to most as VIRN! – A non-profit, grassroots organization that provides resources, programs, and activities. Our primary focus is people with vision impairment and welcome their families and friends.
Through our expertise and first-hand lived experience in living with vision impairment, the VIRN Team works together with each individual to achieve their personal goals.
The VIRN Team believe people with vision impairment can contribute and participate in their community with confidence, dignity, and independence.
Welcome to our website where we hope that you will get to know our organization a little better. We continue to add more information to our website and want you to keep coming back to visit.
Help us break down barriers and embrace inclusion for all!
Our Core Programs
Active Living
VIRN believes in staying active, getting involved in inclusive sport and recreational programs / activities, having fun in a welcoming environment.
Learning Centre
A welcoming place to enjoy training and hands on learning experience using computers, tablets, phones, and other adaptive technology for people with vision impairment to use at home, work, and play.
Peer Support
We are here for the community and to support each other; offering one on one peer mentoring and opportunities for group discussion.
Public Education
Through presentations, workshops and our trade show we bring awareness about the challenges, find solutions and resources that are available for people with vision impairment.
Special Bulletin
Looking For Volunteer Pilots For VIRN's Tandem Cycling Program
VIRN is looking for volunteers to help us with our tandem cycling program.
We need 10 enthusiastic tandem cycling pilots.
Time commitment approximately two to three hours a week.
We are also looking for two more volunteers to help keep the cycling program organized and running smooth. Time commitment approximately four hours a week.
The focus of this program is to give people living with vision impairment the opportunity to stay active and experience cycling like their sighted peers.
Location: Start and finish at The Forks.
Wednesdays at 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM
VIRN will provide an information and training session prior to your first ride.
Thank you to AMI for making this documentary happen. More video content is available on their website.
Upcoming Events
Screen Pix
You watch the movies at your leisure and then join us Wednesday evenings to discuss the week’s movie choices. We will send out the selection for each event a few days before. Reminder you must register for Screen Pix to receive the audio description (AD) link and the...
Screen Pix – An All New Season!
We're rolling out the red carpet for our premier Screen Pix event for this fall come be a part of it! You can RSVP by emailing info@virn.ca or calling 204-975-9341
VIRN In The Community – Mobility Fair (Saturday)
VIRN will have a table at an upcoming mobility fair. Stop by, say hi!
VIRN In The Community – Mobility Fair
VIRN will have a table at an upcoming mobility fair. Stop by, say hi! Can’t make it? Don’t worry, we’ll be back at the fair on Saturday September 21st as well (details to come).
Vision Impaired Riders Tandem Meetup and Ride
We invite persons with all levels of vision impairment, their friends and anyone who wants to join. Volunteer pilots very welcome. Come meet some cool people and do something fun! We'll be co-hosting with Winnipeg Trails. Starting Sunday, September 15 at 3pm...
VIRN Screen Pix
You watch the movies at your leisure and then join us Wednesday evenings to discuss the week’s movie choices. We will send out the selection for each event a few days before. Reminder you must register for Screen Pix to receive the audio description (AD) link and the...
Active Living
Our programs focus on building the confidence required to pursue an active lifestyle. Whether you like to cycle, paddle, curl, or hike – VIRN can help you get to where you’re going.
Contact VIRN and get involved, all of us need to be more active for better
mental and physical health.
Learning Centre
The VIRN Learning Centre (VLC) is a place where people with vision
impairment are made to feel welcome! The VIRN Team go that extra mile
to provide an easy-going, stress free, friendly environment. We feel this is
the only way that you will want to return. The VIRN Team is here to listen to
the challenges you face and are here to help you find solutions. At the VLC
we do our best to make it fun to learn.
Peer Support
Accessibility Services
VIRN is proud of our reputation of being recognized for being respectful and our commitment to partnerships with organizations who strive for full inclusion. The VIRN Team is made up of people who have significant lived experience living with vision impairment. We are always ready to share what we know and with our expertise we will help you find solutions to putting accessibility at the forefront. VIRN stands confidently behind our economical Braille and Consulting Services. Contact us to learn more about how our Team’s lived experiences can help you make your services better and easier to use by more people.
Braille Services
Consulting
VIRN staff with Hon. Uzoma Asagwara Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care
How Can You Help?
Please consider donating to the Vision Impaired Resource Network (VIRN) Inc. Your generous gift will help VIRN continue to provide programs and activities to the community of people with vision impairment.
VIRN is smaller than many of the well-known larger national charities, but this grassroots organization does so much amazing work for the community. All donations to VIRN go directly towards supporting the work we do in the areas of training, peer support, active living and public education.
Please, help us with a donation, so more people with vision impairment have the opportunity to take part in our programs to help them in gaining confidence, find solutions for day-to-day challenges, have positive experiences and live life to its fullest.
work we do in delivering our programs and activities if it weren’t for the
generous commitment of time and the expertise of our volunteers. If you
would like to be part of this friendly and welcoming organization, please fill
out our short online form or contact us directly. We are always looking for
more volunteers to join the VIRN Team and help us expand our much-
needed programs and activities.