Blind Beginnings Planning Okanagan Early Intervention Retreat

Blind Beginnings with the support and involvement of CNIB is planning an early intervention retreat for families with blind or partially sighted children who live in the Okanagan and surrounding regions. Telus' Thompson-Okanagan Community Board and the Vernon-based Foord Family Foundation have each donated $5,000 to help cover the cost of the retreat. Blind Beginnings is currently fundraising to cover the full cost of the retreat which will be held November 2, 3, and 4 at the Green Bay Bible Camp in Kelowna. Blind Beginnings Executive Director Shawn Marsolais says research shows the importance of early intervention for all children. But for children who are blind or partially sighted, it is equally, and possibly even more important. Most professionals who work with children, such as daycare staff, preschool teachers, and Strong Start workers, are not familiar with child development as it is impacted by blindness. Therefore, families require specific additional support and resources in order to support their children who are blind or partially sighted to reach their developmental milestones. That's why this type of family retreat is so important. Those who wish to help fund the retreat may do so by clicking here to make a tax deductible donation.

Attention Artists and Non-Artists alike! Thank you to those families who came out last Sunday to create clay contributions for our community art project! If you missed it, you have another chance to be part of this wonderful project. And if you were with us on June 10th – now’s your chance to add some… Read more Community Art Project – Installment 2

Kamloops Community Discovery – June 23

June 6, 2018Lisa Odland

Kamloops and surrounding area families are invited to come out for Pizza in the Park together with Blind Beginnings. It has been a hectic year!! Come out and celebrate the end of the school year with this opportunity to relax, play some simple games, visit with each other, eat pizza in the sun and check… Read more Kamloops Community Discovery – June 23

Join us in creating art to commemorate our 10 years!

May 25, 2018Lisa Odland

Calling all Blind Beginnings children, youth and families past and present! Did you know that 2018 is our 10th anniversary? To celebrate this milestone we want to make an art piece with contributions from as many of you as possible. Local Potter, Ninna Snider will partner with Blind Beginnings for a collaborative art instillation to commemorate our… Read more Join us in creating art to commemorate our 10 years!

Summer Creating Confidence Program

May 18, 2018Lisa Odland

July 31, August 1, and August 2, 2018 – For children who are blind or partially sighted aged 9-13. About Creating Confidence Fitting in can be hard. For children who are blind or partially sighted, it has added social challenges. Whether we can see or not, what we look like is often the first thing… Read more Summer Creating Confidence Program

200 Attend 10th Anninverary Gala; Raise $42,000

May 16, 2018Gary Cleave

Blind Beginning’s 10th Anniversary Gala was an outstanding success. Over 200 supporters attended the gala which raised $42,000 to help fund our many programs, including educational and experiential workshops, summer camps, recreational activities. pre-employment training and individualized counselling. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets, donated auction items, volunteered at the event, or otherwise contributed to… Read more 200 Attend 10th Anninverary Gala; Raise $42,000

Call For Nominations to Board Of Directors

May 14, 2018Gary Cleave

Are you passionate about children who are blind or partially sighted reaching their full potential? Are you forward thinking, reliable, organized, and like to contribute your skills and ideas? Do you have some skills in fund development, marketing, media relations, human resources, communications and social media, government relations, or event planning? If so, then we’d… Read more Call For Nominations to Board Of Directors

Aquaventures Wins First “Seeing All People” Award

April 30, 2018Gary Cleave

Blind Beginning’s first “Seeing All People Award” was presented to Aquaventures Swim Centre at Blind Beginning’s 10th Anniversary Gala. The new award celebrates businesses that go above and beyond when it comes to ensuring that children who are blind or partially sighted are included in the community. Accessible Media Inc produced a short video of… Read more Aquaventures Wins First “Seeing All People” Award

Job Opportunity: HR Generalist

April 25, 2018Lisa Odland

HR Generalist Blind Beginnings – New Westminster, BC $48,000 a year – 6-month contract position with the possibility of extension Since 2008, Blind Beginnings Society has envisioned a world where seeing things differently inspires limitless potential for BC’s blind and partially sighted children. Through educational and experiential workshops, pre-employment training, summer camps, recreational activities and… Read more Job Opportunity: HR Generalist

2018 Summer Camp Programs

March 6, 2018Lisa Odland

Summer is just around the corner and Blind Beginnings is offering two summer camp programs for children and youth who are blind or partially sighted and their families! Camp Hornby: July 19 to 23 on Hornby Island Family Adventure Camp: August 16 to 19 in Sooke, Vancouver Island Camp Hornby Camp Hornby will take place… Read more 2018 Summer Camp Programs