Programs for Teens
Our programs for teens are designed to build self-confidence, self-acceptance and independence as well as the skills that they will need to enter the workforce or begin their post-secondary journeys.
These programs range from building confidence and learning how to navigate social situations to pre-employment and independent daily living skills.
Youth Leadership &
Pre-Employment
Our Youth Leadership & Pre-employment Program prepares youth who are blind or partially sighted for their future transition to work and adult life. While the youth build employable and life skills, they also learn to see their true abilities and not be held back by limits set by others.
Blind Beginnings launched this program in 2010, and since then, it has provided over 98 youth aged 13-19 years with direct training and practical experience in leadership, team building, public speaking, communication, and career planning.
While the youth build employable skills and begin to see their own potential, the community at large also increases understanding about blindness, thus raising expectations and reducing the limits placed on these youth, which contributes to their future success.
For more information on Youth Leadership and Pre-Employment, click here.
“I gained way more confidence in myself and openness and willingness to know that I can be a leader”
Creating Confidence Workshops
The Creating Confidence Program was launched in 2009 to help children and youth who are blind or partially sighted build self-confidence, self-acceptance and independence.
The Creating Confidence Program was launched in 2009 to help children and youth who are blind or partially sighted build self-confidence, self-acceptance and independence.
Over a series of workshop sessions, both in person and online and in the community, children of all ages learn to develop skills and confidence. Some of the topics covered are Independent Living Skills, technology use, how to use and understand body language, facial expressions, gestures, and personal space.
“Talking to kids around my age who were going through some of the same things that I was and hearing from some of the older youth leaders about the ways that they had been successful had a definite impact on the ways that I approached situations and looked at the future.”
LifeSkills Instruction For Teens (LIFT)
Independent Living Skills are critical to learn so that young people can build a sense of independence and confidence.
Lifeskills Instruction For Teens (or LIFT) is an intensive independent life skills program for teens who are blind or partially sighted. This week long intensive program is filled with a rigorous schedule of cooking, cleaning, and social etiquette practice, along with opportunities to connect with peers.
In a supported environment, teens in the LIFT program will:
Cook meals from scratch
Plan meals and shop for groceries
Do dishes, cleaning, and laundry
Route plan and take transit on buses and Skytrain
Host a dinner party
Socialize, have fun, and network with other teens who are blind or partially sighted.
“It really helped me grow in the number of things that I can do such as learning how to cook lasagna on the stove, chopping vegetables safely, wiping a counter properly, doing meal-planning with a group. I was also able to make new friends and have fun with the other youth.”
Camp Limitless Summer Camp
Teens who are blind or partially sighted often have unnecessary limits placed on them by teachers, society and even their own families. As a result, these youth can underestimate their own abilities, which directly impacts their self-confidence, independence and physical pursuits.
To support BC’s teens who are blind or partially sighted to challenge physical boundaries and build confidence, Blind Beginnings’ Camp Limitless offers a summer camp experience for school aged children to get out of their comfort zone and challenge themselves physically and mentally.
Their parents also begin to see their child’s true capacities and lift unnecessary limits, allowing their youth to develop undiscovered talents, increase independence and lead an active life.
“At summer camps designed just for those of us who are blind, we are given the space to forget about our disability, because at camp we are the majority and sighted people are the minority.”
Monthly Drop-in Teen Support Group
Teens who are blind or partially sighted are invited to participate in our monthly Virtual Drop-in Youth Support Group.
Being the only blind or partially sighted youth in your school or community can be tough. You want to be liked and accepted by your sighted peers, but you are not sure how to connect with them when they seem to focus on your differences. So much of your time and energy is spent learning additional blindness-related skills and advocating for your needs, which leaves less time for just being a teen.
The Blind Beginnings Drop-in Youth Support group is a place where you can connect with other teens who are blind or partially sighted in a safe and comfortable space.
We know that when you connect with a community of peers who understand, you no longer feel alone.
What to expect during the group:
Each month we’ll begin with introductions and a check-in on how we are feeling. Next we’ll ask if anybody has a topic or challenge they would like to talk about that day. In addition to talking through our challenges, we’ll also practice some coping strategies including mindfulness, breathing exercises, noticing and naming our feelings, and self-compassion. We’ll finish each session with a Check-Out and a homework suggestion.
Barrier-Free Programming
We strive to make all our programs barrier-free environments. If any family or individual has any sort of barrier to participation (eg. mobility, technology needs, language barriers, etc.), please contact us at info@blindbeginnings.ca or call 866.736.8620 (Toll-Free) or 604.434.7243 and we will do our best to accommodate.
Participation in our programs and services require a Blind Beginnings Annual Membership. Sign up today!
Blind Beginnings Membership
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