Three teens, two holding mobility canes while another sits in a wheelchair, pose in front of a large "SFU" sign on the campus of Simon Fraser University.
It’s such an amazing opportunity to not feel alone in vision loss. In the past I was often scared off by anything that required a time-commitment or had the word leadership, in it, but these sessions continually became the highlight of my week because connecting with others with vision loss and having discussions around being a disabled young person made me feel seen and understood in a way that I simply can’t be in my regular circles.
— Youth Leadership Program Participant

Youth Leadership and Pre-Employment

A first-of-its-kind in BC, the 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 employment and life skills, they also learn to see their true abilities and not be held back by limits set by others.

The objective of this program is to provide youth with transferable skills and volunteer experience that will assist them in their future employment pursuits.

Youth Leadership and Pre-Employment provides youth aged 13-19 years with direct training, education, mentorship, job counseling, and practical experience in leadership, team building, public speaking, communication, and career planning.

Program Need

Youth who are blind or partially sighted face many challenges that hinder their career success, as indicated by the national unemployment rate of approximately 70 percent. While there are employment readiness training programs for individuals with disabilities, there are no other programs specific to blindness or visual impairment. Furthermore, youth who are blind or partially sighted often experience low self-confidence and social challenges that negatively impact their search for employment and career development.

Program Goals

  • To provide youth who are blind or partially sighted with skill-building training and practical experience that supports their employability and career success.

  • To help youth who are blind or partially sighted set higher personal goals and increase self-confidence to improve their chances of employability and career success.

  • To teach youth who are blind or partially sighted how to put their friends, co-workers, bosses and others at ease with their blindness to support their success at work.

  • To educate the public about blindness to increase expectations and inclusivity for youth who are blind in the workplace and in the community.

A group of teens from the Youth Leadership program along with Blind Beginnings staff and volunteers all wear branded blue t-shirts and pose for a photo.

Building Careers

Youth who are blind or partially sighted face many challenges that hinder their career success, as indicated by the prevalence of unemployment and underemployment of blind adults nationally. Youth who are blind or partially sighted often experience low self-confidence and social challenges that negatively impact their search for employment and career development.

  • Provide youth who are blind or partially sighted with skill-building training and practical experience that supports their employability and career success

  • Encourage youth who are blind or partially sighted set higher personal goals and increase self-confidence

  • Teach youth who are blind or partially sighted how to advocate for themselves and put their co-workers, bosses and others at ease with their blindness to support their success at work

  • Educate the public about blindness to increase expectations and inclusivity for youth who are blind in the workplace and in the community

  • Arrange Career Counseling and Mentorship

This program requires ongoing funding and support in order to provide these crucial skills for teens who are blind or partially sighted.

A group of teems walk along a sidewalk on their way to an activity during the Youth Leadership Weekend.