Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to be a Member to Participate In Programs or Attend Events?

    Yes. Program participation does require that participants hold an active annual Blind Beginnings membership, but most programs are offered for free or reduced cost.

  • How Much Does It Cost To Become a Member?

    Memberships are annual and are available at three levels:

    Parent(s) with a child(ren) age 5/under : $20
    Includes parent(s) and siblings of one or more children age 5/under who are blind or partially sighted

    Parent(s) with a child age 6/over : $40
    Includes parent(s) and siblings of one child age 6/over OR multiple children of any age who are blind or partially sighted

    Individual : $20
    Includes youth/adults with a visual impairment, family or professionals

  • How Do I Become A Member?

    It’s easy to sign up and become a member. Just fill out the form and pay your annual fee at our Membership page.

  • Can I receive a Charitable Tax Receipt if I donate?

    Yes, absolutely. We are a registered Charity and issue Charitable Tax Receipts for all donations.

  • Do I have to live in British Columbia to be a Member?

    Yes. Membership and participation in our Programs do require individuals and/or families to be BC residents.

  • What Ages Are Eligible for Program Participation?

    We provide programs and services for children and youth from birth to 19 years of age. We also provide services such as Support Groups and Workshops for the parents of children and youth who are blind or partially sighted.

  • Do you have programs that involve the whole family?

    Yes. We believe that it’s important to have programs and events where the entire family can participate. Our Community Discovery Events and Summer Camps, for example, are designed with the entire family in mind.

  • Do you Provide Counseling or Support Groups?

    Yes. We offer one on one counseling with our Registered Counselors and offer several ongoing Support Groups for children, youth, and parents as part of our free programming.

  • Do You Provide Workshops or Learning Engagements for the Public?

    Yes. We do offer learning opportunities for the public in several forms. We offer a general introduction to blindness workshop called Blindness 101. We can also arrange various types of speakers for speaking engagements for businesses, schools, or special events.

  • Does Blind Beginnings Need Volunteers?

    Yes, we often have special events and programs that require volunteer participation.

  • How Can I Volunteer?

    It’s easy! Just head over to our Volunteer page and fill out the form. Our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch to complete the application process.

  • Do I Need a Criminal Record Check to Become a Volunteer?

    Yes. Because volunteers will be working with youth, we do require all our volunteers to complete a Criminal Record Check as part of the Volunteer Application process.

  • Do You Offer Programs Outside the Lower Mainland?

    Yes. We do provide in-person programming around throughout BC as well as virtual programs through the Zoom networking platform.

  • Do You Have Programs for Adults Who Are Blind Or Partially Sighted?

    Unfortunately we do not. Our programs are designed to benefit children and youth and their families.

  • Do you accept donated items?

    We accept new items for our fundraising events. For all other donation inquires, please feel free to reach out to us for more information at info@blindbeginnings.ca

  • Can I organize a fundraising event to help support Blind Beginnings?

    Absolutely. If you are interested in in organizing an event to help Blind Beginnings, reach out to Lia Dicicco for further details and information at lia@blindbeginnings.ca