Fitting in can be hard, but for children who are blind or partially sighted, it has added social challenges. What we look like is often the first thing sighted peers notice. When you can’t see your peers, the body language they use, and what they are wearing, it is natural to feel insecure about your own physical appearance.
Given that approximately ninety percent of communication is non-verbal through eye contact, posture, gestures, and facial expressions, it’s not surprising that communication can be another social challenge for children who are blind. Furthermore, sighted people are often unfamiliar with blindness and may choose not to speak to a person who is blind or partially sighted out of discomfort or fear that they may do something to offend.
During the Junior Creating Confidence Workshop, children who are blind or partially sighted will practice talking openly about visual impairment and learn how to answer those unasked questions sighted peers often have. In this fun and safe environment, participants will expand social skills and build confidence through activities, discussions, and real-life situations. Specific topics and activities will include:
Honest but sensitive feedback on what your body language may be communicating
Practice talking about your visual impairment as if presenting to your class at school
Tips for putting people at ease with your visual impairment.
Discussing what clothing and hair styles are popular with your sighted peers to help you determine your own sense of style
Knowing how to dress and what to do in a variety of social situations.
Dinner at a restaurant where participants will practice ordering independently, requesting assistance with the menu, using proper table manners and etiquette, and appropriate dinner conversation
When: Wednesday November 13 (4:30 PM - 5:30 PM) on Zoom, and Saturday November 16 (10:30 AM - 6:30 PM) in-person
Where: Saturday’s session will take place at the Blind Beginnings office – 227 6th St. New Westminster.
To request the registration form for the Junior Creating Confidence Workshop, please email shawn@blindbeginnings.ca and include your child’s name, age, and the email address we can send the registration form to.
The registration deadline for this program is Monday November 4. Space is limited so register now to confirm your spot.