Blindness is often misunderstood. Many people are unsure how to interact with someone who is blind or partially sighted.
Inclusion begins with understanding.
Blindness 101 is a 3 hour interactive workshop that provides real-world knowledge from facilitators who are blind. You’ll gain the confidence to communicate, assist, and engage with individuals who are blind or partially sighted—whether in your workplace, classroom, healthcare setting, or everyday interactions.
Blindness 101 is a must-have workshop for businesses, educators, caregivers, and service providers looking to gain the knowledge and confidence to support and serve individuals who are blind or partially sighted.
The purpose of the workshop is to introduce individuals to the basics of blindness including:
How being born blind differs from acquiring vision loss
Appropriate language including person first vs identity first
Introduction to Braille, Assistive Technology, and Orientation & Mobility
How and when to assist a person who is blind
Social / emotional aspects of blindness
Why we need to raise our expectations of persons who are blind
Resources and services available to persons who are blind
Blindness 101 can also be tailored to be a perfect Professional Development presentation for Teachers and Support Staff. Our Professional Development version includes all of the above topics, plus:
The medical and social models of disability
Common misconceptions about disability
Suggestions and strategies for creating a more inclusive classroom
Blindness 101 is perfect for
Public-Facing Businesses
Members of the Hospitality industry
Health-care providers
Childcare facilities
Rec Centers
Professional Development Presentations for Teachers
After-school programs
Summer Camp staff
Other non-profits who support children/youth
Professional Development Presentations for Teachers – This presentation is geared to interacting with children and youth, and can be offered in person or on Zoom. This can be tailored in length and format.
After participating in this 3-hour workshop, participants will feel better equipped and more confident interacting with persons who are blind or partially sighted. The presenter will challenge your unconscious bias about disability and provide a new way to think about inclusion.
Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of our Blindness 101 Workshop.
The standard Blindness 101 Workshop is 3 hours, but can be condensed and/or tailored to your groups requirements. There is an additional fee to do so.
Blindness 101 Fee Structure
Regular Rate $725 (plus travel expenses)
For groups up to 20 (if your group exceeds 20, contact us for pricing)
3 hour in-person workshop
Not-for-profit rate $435 (plus travel expenses)
For groups up to 20 (if your group exceeds 20, contact us for pricing)
3 hour in-person workshop
(A $100 deposit is required with the balance to be paid upon workshop completion.)
Individual Rate $40
For individuals, the cost to attend a workshop presented at the Blind Beginnings office in Vancouver is $40. Contact us for dates for upcoming Workshops.
Outside of the Lower Mainland all travel and accommodation costs will be charged in addition to workshop fees.
Interested?
If you are interested in participating in an upcoming Blindness 101 Workshop or would like to arrange a Workshop for your group or organization, please fill out the form below.