Since 2010, Blind Beginnings has provided a Youth Leadership and Pre-employment Training Program for teens who are blind or partially sighted across BC. This program has drawn youth 13 – 19 years of age from all regions of the province to participate in a series of sessions and activities that are designed to build confidence and employment skills in order to prepare them for their future transition to work and adult life.
In 2020 our program was adapted because of COVID-19. Instead of an in-person training weekend, we offered a 6-week online training program. This worked so well, that we decided to make the virtual training a permanent component of the program, in addition to the in-person training weekend.
For the 2024/25 school year, our Youth Leadership training will be offered in 2 parts!
Part 1
6 consecutive virtual sessions on Tuesday afternoons from 4:30 – 6:00 PM
October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, November 5 2024 | 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
The sessions will begin on Tuesday October 1 and will run every Tuesday afternoon until November 5. Each session will focus on a different leadership skill. As teens learn about these skills, they will have the opportunity to practice them as they help to plan Part 2 of the Leadership Training which is the in-person training weekend.
Skills that are covered in the virtual training include: team-building, self-advocacy, communication, basic empathy and active listening, public speaking and presentation skills, and the benefits of volunteering.
Part 2
Youth who complete all 6 virtual sessions will be invited to our Youth Leadership training weekend date TBD in March or April 2025.
For this 3-day in-person training, youth come together in Metro-Vancouver to practice leadership and independence skills. We all stay in a hotel, travel around the city using public transit, eat in restaurants, do team-building challenges, gain social skills, independence, and confidence, all while establishing friendships and having fun.
The objective of this program is to provide youth with transferable skills and volunteer experience that will assist them in their future employment pursuits.
Once trained, Youth Leaders will be ready to volunteer in several capacities including:
· Being a mentor and resource to younger children who are blind or parents raising a child that is blind
· Providing awareness presentations in their communities
· Contributing to our Limitless Podcast and/or Blog
· Assisting in the planning of group projects, fundraisers, and special events
If this sounds like something your teen would enjoy, you can register now!
Who can attend: Children & youth who are blind or partially sighted 13 – 19 years of age
All participants must be members of Blind Beginnings. You can become a member or renew your membership on our Membership page.
Please note, registration for this program is different from our other programs. To register for the Youth Leadership Program, email Keisha at: keisha@blindbeginnings.ca and include the following information:
Name of participant
Date of birth
Visual impairment diagnosis
Parent’s Name and Email address
Email address to send Zoom links
Phone Number youth can be contacted at
The deadline to register for this program is Thursday, September 26, 2024. Space is limited and spots will be available on a first come first serve basis.
Space is limited and spots will be available on a first come first serve basis.
If you have any questions or require more information, please feel free to contact us at 604-434-7243 or toll free at 1-866-736-8620.