Parents of children and youth who are blind and low vision are invited to participate in our “Seeing Things Differently” Parent Support Workshop
You have a child with low vision which means parenting looks different than you expected. On top of typical parenting, you have the added challenge of learning about an unfamiliar diagnosis, trying to understand what your child can or can’t see, and juggling appointments with all the professionals involved in your child’s life.
If you are like most parents of a child who is blind or has low vision , you had not met anybody who was blind before your child was diagnosed. The Seeing Things Differently Parent Support workshop will help you to confront any misconceptions you have about blindness, and begin to see your child’s limitless potential. It’s also an opportunity to connect with others who have a first-hand understanding of the unique experience of parenting a child with a disability.
What you can expect:
•To meet adults who are blind and low vision and expand your idea of what blindness really is
•To receive validation for the range of emotions you feel regarding your child’s vision challenges
•To become part of a community of parents who understand this unique journey you are on
• To see your child’s strengths & raise expectations for what is possible for their future
• Tips for how to advocate for your child’s needs
•Permission to take time & care for yourself
When:
The group will begin on Tuesday November 3, 2026 and will run every Tuesday evening until December 8.
Dates: November 3, 10, 17, 24, and December 1, and 8, 2026.
Time: 7:30 – 9:00 PM
• Please mark these dates on your calendar. We ask that you plan to attend all 6 sessions
Who:
BC Parents who are raising a child who is blind and has low vision
Where:
Online: We will use Zoom Conferencing for these meetings. Zoom is private and confidential and allows you to connect through video and audio from your smart phone or computer. It is required that you are able to connect in a room that is quiet and private, and you do need to ensure that your device has a working camera.
Group Format:
This is a psycho-educational support group facilitated by Shawn Marsolais, a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Aman Gill, a Certified Music Therapist, (MTA). Both facilitators grew up with low vision. Shawn has been offering support groups and workshops to parents of children with disabilities since 2003. Through her vast experience supporting parents, She has determined the essential components for parents to see the limitless potential within their child.
Aman brings a background in healthcare and early childhood support, drawing on both her professional experience and her personal journey to support families. Her approach offers parents a warm, grounded space to foster connection, reflection, and shared understanding.
Each session will include a brief lecture about a predetermined topic followed by an opportunity for parents to share their feelings and thoughts about that topic.
Please note: Each week will build on the weeks before, so it is important that parents plan to attend all 6 sessions.
Registration:
To register for the “Seeing Things Differently” Parent Support Workshop, please send an email to: shawn@blindbeginnings.ca no later than Friday October 23.
Please include: your name, a phone number you can be reached at, and the name and age of your child who is blind or has low vision. Once your registration is received, Shawn will reach out to confirm your registration and answer any questions you might have about the group.
Please Note: Space is limited to 10 participants. Once we are full, registration will be closed. Registrations will not be accepted after the first group meeting.
If you can’t make these dates or times, but are interested in a future group, please also let us know. Registration is always open, and we run the group whenever we have a minimum of 6 parents registered.