“When being blind doesn’t make you different, it stops being the thing people see first.”
Shawn Marsolais, Founder / Executive Director Blind Beginnings Society
Seeing things differently inspires limitless potential
When most people think about children who are blind or partially sighted, they lower their expectations of what is possible. The result? Children who are blind or partially sighted often grow up underestimating their abilities and not reaching their potential. Blind Beginnings sees things differently.
Limitless potential is all we see
Since 2008, Blind Beginnings Society has envisioned a world where seeing things differently inspires limitless potential for BC’s children who are blind and partially sighted. Through educational and experiential workshops, pre-employment training, summer camps, recreational activities and individualized counselling, Blind Beginnings offers these youth opportunities to develop skills, confidence and independence.
Youth become leaders in the workplace
With a national unemployment rate of over 75% for blind adults, Blind Beginnings is meeting an urgent need to provide skills training and practical experience for youth who are blind or partially sighted. A first-of-its-kind in BC, our Youth Leadership & Pre-employment Program prepares youth who are blind or partially sighted for the transition to work and adult life. Youth increase independence and employability through skills training and practical experience.
Children challenge personal limits to lead active lives
Through our Adventure Camps & Active Lifestyle Program, children who are blind or partially sighted challenge personal limits, develop new skills and increase physical activity. By learning to see their child’s true capacities, parents allow their child to develop undiscovered talents and lead an active life.
Children and youth develop skills through experiential learning
Our Educatio
nal & Experiential Learning Program offers children who are blind or partially sighted skill-building training and experiences that support cognitive and motor development, communication, independent travel, social networking and career development. While children increase independence and self-esteem, parents access resources to help their child discover and develop their abilities.
Children reach their potential through family support
Our Early Intervention, Counselling & Family Support Program offers support groups and individual counselling for children, youth, and parents, as well as early intervention retreats for families with pre-schoolers. Information, resources, and emotional support are provided to families by registered clinical counsellors and by other parents.