Blind Beginnings

Sledge Hockey tickets available!

2010-03-02T14:35:00.001-08:00

Many people are sad that the Olympics are coming to an end but for athletes with a disability the excitement is still to come. The Paralympics will begin on March 12th. Blind Beginnings is pleased to offer an opportunity for a group of children and youth to attend one of the Sledge Hockey games at the Paralympics!

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, Blind Beginnings has been given 20 tickets to one of Canada's Sledge Hockey games. Sledge Hockey is a sport for people with a mobility impairment. Hockey players sit on a small sled and pull themselves around the ice with their sticks. One end of the sticks is used to pull the sled and the other is used to hit the puck. This sport is very exciting and fast paced and will certainly be a treat to watch. Canada's Sledge Hockey team is a gold medal hopeful.

The game is Sunday March 14 at 1:30 pm at Thunderbird Stadium at UBC. Public transportation will be organized so the group can travel to the stadium together. Details for transportation will be provided once the tickets have been assigned and we know who is coming and from where.

I expect there will be more interest than there are tickets available so priority will be given to children and youth who are members of Blind Beginnings. Please Email shawn@blindbeginnings.ca if you/your child is interested in attending this event. If a parent or sibling would also like to attend, let me know that too. If there are enough tickets we will issue two per family in these cases. If you are a parent who would like to attend, we will ask you to help with the overall supervision of the youth during the event.

If there is far more interest than there are tickets we will do a draw for the tickets. The draw will take place on Wednesday March 10 at noon. Please make sure you have Emailed your interest before that time to ensure your name is entered in the draw.

Note: This event is probably more appropriate for children 7 and older unless your child has some understanding and interest in hockey.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Go Canada Go!!!

Reminder: Community Discovery - Sunday November 1

2009-10-29T09:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

I'm writing to remind you of our exciting Community Discovery outing to Aldor Acres this coming Sunday, November 1 at 2:00 pm. For those of you who have responded that you are coming, I look forward to seeing you. If you have not yet responded, but you are planning on coming, please reply to this Email or call me at: 604-434-7243.

Following are the details in case you missed them the first time:

When: Sunday November 1 at 2:00 pm

Where: 24990 84th Ave. Langley, BC

Who: Families with children/youth who are blind or visually impaired

Cost: $6 per person

Once again Aldor Acres has agreed to stay open one extra day so that we can have the farm to ourselves. Come and see the farm in harvest season, go on a hayride, choose your own pumpkin, see baby animals in their natural environment, and visit the famous hands-on animal display.

If you and your family are planning to attend please RSVP no later than Friday October 30. If the cost is going to be a challenge for you, please let me know and we'll see what we can do to assist. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday November 1!

Happy Halloween

Shawn Marsolais

Manager, Programs & Services

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Blind Beginnings Community Discovery - Aldor Acres

2009-10-14T07:10:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

I'm pleased to announce the next Community Discovery family outing will be our 2nd visit to Aldor Acres!

When: Sunday November 1 at 2:00 PM

Where: 24990 84th Ave. Langley, BC

Who: Families with children/youth who are blind or visually impaired

Cost: $6 per person

Shawn Marsolais

Manager, Programs & Services

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Requesting Volunteers for Blind Beginnings

2009-10-13T14:38:00.000-07:00

As many of you may know, Blind Beginnings has been actively fundraising over the past six months. We are pleased to announce that our efforts are beginning to pay off. We have raised some money through fundraising events and have also received our first few Foundation grants. More funding is needed in order to ensure the delivery of our Provincial programs and services but we are on our way.

As we continue to raise funds, Blind Beginnings would like to establish a volunteer database. We want to be ready to go with highly trained volunteers who are committed to our programs and services as soon as we reach our funding targets.

Blind Beginnings is looking for volunteers in the following areas:

Support Parents - Parents of children who are blind or visually impaired who will be trained to provide support, resources, and information to parents who are new to parenting a child who is blind or visually impaired. (We are looking for parents from all regions of the Province)

Youth Leaders - Youth who are blind or visually impaired who will be trained as leaders, role models and mentors to younger children, and speakers who will assist with blindness presentations in the community. (We are looking for youth from all regions of the Province)

Child/Youth Workers - interested in being trained to work directly with children and youth who are blind or visually impaired one-to-one or in a group setting.

Leadership Volunteers - interested in participating on the Board of Directors of Blind Beginnings

Administrative Volunteers - interested in assisting with bookkeeping, accounting, filing, processing registrations, etc.

Special Events - interested in assisting with fundraising, marketing, and public relations

All volunteers will receive extensive training relevant to the position, at no cost to the volunteer. If you have any questions or would like more information about any of the positions, or would like to inquire about the process to register as a volunteer, please contact Shawn Marsolais by phone at: 604-434-7243 or toll free at: 1-866-736-8620 or via Email: shawn@blindbeginnings.ca.

Please forward this announcement to anyone you think might be interested.

Sincerely,

Shawn Marsolais

Manager, Programs & Services

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Community Discovery with Daniel Kish

2009-09-07T07:31:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Blind Beginnings is pleased to provide a Delightful Day of Discovery with Daniel Kish!

When: Sunday September 13, 2009 - 12:00 - 3:00 PM

Where: Moody Park - 6th Ave & 8th St. New Westminster

What: Family Picnic followed by children's activities led by Daniel Kish

All families are welcome. Please bring a picnic lunch for your family. Following our lunch we will begin a variety of activities including; discovering the park, ball games, hide & seek, etc.

Daniel Kish will be assisted by Lani Thompson of Australia. Lani is one of Daniel's students. He is totally blind and is now using echolocation to perform and teach martial arts.

This is an amazing opportunity to meet Daniel Kish and Lani Thompson and learn a bit more about echolocation. Please RSVP if you and your family are planning to attend.

Please forward this Email to anyone you think may be interested in this opportunity.

Regards,

Shawn Marsolais

Manager, Programs & Services

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Another Garage Sale Fundraiser - Saturday in Langley

2009-08-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

I am pleased to inform you that Blind Beginnings is having another Garage Sale Fundraiser this Saturday August 28 from 8:30 am - 3:00 pm.

Where: 20061 36a Ave. Langley

There were quite a few items left over from our June Garage Sale and many new treasures we have accumulated since then. If you have unwanted items you would like to donate or would like to help sell, please contact me via Email or phone at: 604-434-7243. If you happen to be in the neighborhood on Saturday please stop by and say hello. Please pass on this information to anyone who might be interested in supporting a great cause.

Regards,

Shawn Marsolais

Manager,n Programs & Services

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Blind Beginnings Update

2009-06-26T06:19:00.001-07:00

Hi Everybody,

I'm writing to give you an update on what is happening with Blind Beginnings.

First a quick reminder of our Garage Sale fundraiser scheduled for this Saturday June 27 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Garage Sale is taking place in New Westminster at 1304 Hamilton St. It's in the back lane at the corner of Hamilton and 13th St. Thanks to everybody who has donated items or is planning to come out to help sell. We are keeping our fingers crossed for no rain.

Secondly, you may or may not know that CNIB has contracted Blind Beginnings to run the children and family summer camps at Bowen Lodge this summer. We are currently hiring a Lifeguard and Recreation Counsellor for July 30 - August 25. The job postings are posted on our Web-site at www.blindbeginnings.ca. Please pass this information onto anybody you think might be interested in applying.

Finally, our next Community Discovery outing is tentatively booked for Sunday July 26. The activity will be an introduction to Dragonboating. Thanks to Liz Charyna and the Eye of the Dragon for organizing this event for us. Stay tuned for more details closer to the day.

That's all for now. Have a great weekend!

Regards,

Shawn Marsolais

Manager, Programs & Services

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Blind Beginnings Fundraiser Update

2009-06-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Thanks so much to those of you who came out to support our High School production of "Doubt". The official total has not yet been reported but it looks like we raised close to $1000 over the two nights. A huge thank you to our Youth Representative Deacon Jones for coming up with the idea, directing, producing, and coordinating the entire event.

Our next fundraising venture will be a Garage Sale on Saturday June 27 in New Westminster, Hamilton & 13 St. from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

If you have any unwanted items to donate to the cause or you are willing to volunteer your time to help price and sell, please contact Shawn Marsolais at: 604-434-7243.

Thank you so much for your ongoing support to Blind Beginnings.

Regards,

Shawn Marsolais

Manager, Programs & Services

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Opportunity for sponsorship to work with Daniel Kish

2009-06-02T11:42:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Are you interested in one-to-one or group instruction on echolocation with Daniel Kish? If you have not heard of Daniel Kish, I recommend you check out his Web-site at: www.worldaccessfortheblind.org.

Blind Beginnings is pursuing funding to bring Daniel to the lower mainland late summer - early fall. When applying for funding we need to know the number of families who would be interested in one-to-one instruction or a group workshop on echolocation. If our request for funding is successful, we hope to be able to provide sponsorship to families so they can receive this instruction at little or no cost.

Please respond immediately if you would be interested in working with Daniel. Please include the city you live and your child's age.

Please forward this Email to anyone you feel might be interested in this opportunity.

Regards,

Shawn Marsolais

Manager, Programs & Services

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Blind Beginnings Fundraiser - High School Production

2009-05-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

I am excited to inform you of an opportunity to support Blind Beginnings and be entertained at the same time. Deacon Jones, our Youth Representative on the Blind Beginnings Board is directing and producing a High School theatre production of "Doubt". All proceeds raised will go to Blind Beginnings.

There will be two showings:

Wednesday, June 10th

Thursday, June 11th

Time: 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)

Location: Kitsilano Secondary School, Drama Studio (room 504)

2550 W. 10th Ave. Vancouver, BC

Ticket Prices:
Students: $5.00
Adults: $8.00

To pre-order tickets please follow the link below and fill out all the information on the form
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=cjd1WHZ1TVJhN2Q1THhNcFM4clMxZ3c6MA

What happens when you suspect someone of doing something wrong, but you have no proof? Do you confront them? Tell someone else? Or maybe try to trick them into telling you what they have done? That is what this play is all about. It follows the story of Sister Aloysius Beauvier, the principal of St. Nicholas Catholic School, as she tries to uncover the wicked deeds of a Priest. Doubt was written in 2004 by John Patrick Shanley and explores the thought that doubt is not always a bad thing.

There will be a concession with popcorn and drinks as well as a 50/50 draw. Please come out and watch a magnificent play with a wonderful team of actors while raising money for a great cause.

Regards,

Shawn Marsolais

Manager, Programs & Services

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Blind Beginnings Community Discovery - May 17

2009-05-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

I am writing to tell you about our upcoming Community Discovery outing on Sunday May 17.

Families are invited to hear the orchestra play at Willingdon Church. After listening to the orchestra, children will have an opportunity to meet some of the musicians and explore their instruments.

Location: Willingdon Church - 4812 Willingdon Ave. Burnaby

When: Sunday May 17 at 11:30 AM

Parking will be reserved as well as seating in the sanctuary. Following the service, musicians will join us downstairs in room 109. Here they will demonstrate their instruments and give the children an opportunity to explore. Snacks will be provided.

Families are welcome to remain in the sanctuary for the service or head downstairs when the orchestra is finished playing.

Our apologies for the short notice. The event was not confirmed until now. Please RSVP by this Friday if you plan to attend.

We look forward to seeing you on Sunday!

Shawn Marsolais

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Summer Camps at Bowen Lodge

2009-05-11T12:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

I hope by now you have all received a letter from CNIB explaining that thanks to several generous donors, some of the camps at Bowen Lodge by the Sea are back on! CNIB has contracted Blind Beginnings to coordinate and implement three camps this summer:

1. Family Camp from July 30 - August 3, for children who are blind or visually impaired of all ages and their immediate family

2. Braille Literacy Camp from August 5 - 11, for children who are or will be braille users from 8 to 12 years of age

3. Teen Tech/Transition Camp from August 13 - 19, for teens who are blind or visually impaired from 13 - 19 years of age.

There is no cost to participants in any of the three camps. CNIB will also do their best to cover any transportation costs for families who live outside of the lower mainland.

If you would like more information or to register for any of these camps, please Email shawn@blindbeginnings.ca or call Shawn at: 604-434-7243. Space is limited and the camps are filling up so please call now!

I look forward to seeing you at camp this summer!

Shawn Marsolais

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Reminder of Blind Beginnings AGM

2009-04-23T15:08:00.001-07:00

Hi Everybody,

I am writing to remind you of the Blind Beginnings Annual General Meeting scheduled for this Sunday April 26 at 1:00 PM. Anyone interested in services for children or youth who are blind or visually impaired is welcome! If you would like to vote at the meeting you need to become a member of the organization. The easiest way to do so is on our Web site at www.blindbeginnings.ca.

Prior to the meeting we will be hosting a family pot luck. Please bring a dish to share with other families and definitely bring your children.

Here are the details in case you need them:

11:30 AM - Potluck Lunch

1:00 PM - AGM

Location: Party Room at Mayview Circle - near Canada Way and Burris St.

You will need to park on Burris.

If you are planning to attend either the lunch or the meeting and you haven't already let me know, please RSVP no later than Friday April 24.

We look forward to seeing you Sunday!

Shawn Marsolais

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Blind Beginnings & Sunny Hill Present Two Exciting New Workshops

2009-04-06T16:39:00.000-07:00

Blind Beginnings in partnership with Sunny Hill Health Center for Children invite you to participate in two exciting new workshops!

What Happens After Grad Workshop

(for teens who are blind or visually impaired aged 15 – 19 years)

Preparing for the Journey to Adulthood

(for parents of teens aged 13 – 19 who are blind or visually impaired)

Workshops run simultaneously at Sunny Hill; teens will enjoy the Grad Workshop while parents participate in the Journey to Adulthood workshop. If you are unable to attend with your parent or teen, you are very welcome to come on your own.

Where: Sunny Hill Health Center for Children, main entrance at 3644 Slocan St. Vancouver

When: Monday Evenings from 6:30 - 8:00 PM.

Session 1: Monday, April 27

Session 2: Monday, May 4

Session 3: Monday, May 11

Session 4: Monday, May 25

Note: There will be no workshops on Monday, May 18 due to Victoria Day

Topics for teens in the What Happens After Grad Workshop are:

· Career Exploration - Limitless employment possibilities

· Applying for a Job – Research and Resumes

· Importance of Networking – cold calling and information interviews

· Preparing for the Job Interview – How and when to disclose a disability

· Workplace Accommodations – Assistive Technology and Funding

The teen group will be facilitated by Shawn Marsolais and Liz Charyna. Both Shawn and Liz have experience working with people who are blind or visually impaired in their transition to employment. “We are excited to assist your teens in reaching their potential!”

Topics for parents in Preparing for the Journey to Adulthood are:

· Steps Toward Independent Living

· Learning to Let Go

· Helping to Foster New Friendships

· Mentoring and Career Exploration

· Topics Identified by the Group

The group will be facilitated by Karen Meadows, Social Worker, and Janet Waines, Nurse Clinician, with the Visual Impairment Program at Sunny Hill Health Centre.

“We recognize that this is both an exciting and worrisome time of many changes in families’ lives. Together we hope to be able to connect with each other and to share information and resources.”

To register for either workshop contact Shawn Marsolais no later than: Monday, April 20.

Phone: 604-434-7243 or email: shawn@blindbeginnings.ca

When you register for either workshop please include:

· child’s name

· child’s age

· parent’s name and phone number

· email

We look forward to hearing from you.

Please forward to anyone you think may be interested.

Thanks,

Shawn Marsolais

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Blind Beginnings - Membership

2009-04-06T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Now that Blind Beginnings is a registered charity we would like to formalize our membership in preparation for our upcoming Annual General Meeting. If you are interested in becoming a member of the organization, you can register on our web site at www.blindbeginnings.ca or you can fill out the attached form and mail it back. You do not have to be a member of the organization to receive services or information. The benefits to becoming a member are: you can vote at the Annual General Meeting, you will not have to pay for workshops or programs offered by Blind Beginnings, and you would be eligible to be elected to the Board of Directors. If you would like to vote at the upcoming AGM on Sunday April 26, please complete your membership no later than Friday April 24.

The other purpose of this announcement is a Call for Nominations to our Board. If you are interested in being a member of the Board, please send us an Email stating what skills you bring and why you are interested. Our Nominations committee will be reviewing all applications and presenting a slate of nominees at the AGM. One of the requirements of our Board is that a minimum of 60 percent of the Board must be blind or visually impaired or a family member of a child who is blind or visually impaired. We would love to have more parents on our Board. The Board meets one evening a month, usually the first Thursday. The location of our meetings varies depending on who is able to attend and where we can find meeting space for a reasonable price.

If you are interested in joining the Board, please send your letter explaining your interest and skills to: shawn@blindbeginnings.ca no later than Monday April 20.

Please forward this Email to anyone you think might be interested. Details about the AGM will follow shortly.

Thank you,

Shawn Marsolais

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Blind Beginnings is a Registered Charity

2009-03-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

I am very excited to report that Blind Beginnings has finally received charitable status!

This means we are now in a position to actively fundraise because we can now offer tax receipts for donations and apply for grants. The Blind Beginnings Board of Directors has spent the past year developing several creative fundraising ideas which we will now begin to implement. We have also developed valuable programs which will be available to children, youth, and families as soon as the funding is in place.

Please stay tuned for future updates including details about our upcoming Annual General Meeting on Sunday April 26!

Thank you for your patience through this lengthy process.

Sincerely,

Shawn Marsolais

Blind Beginnings

Phone: 604-434-7243

www.blindbeginnings.ca

Blind Beginnings Workshop for Children 8 - 12

2008-11-04T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hi Everybody,

I am pleased to announce that Blind Beginnings has recently successfully
completed our first Creating Confidence Workshop for youth. We would now
like to offer the same workshop to children age 8 to 12 who are blind or
visually impaired. The workshop will be held on Thursday evenings from 7:00
- 8:30 PM on November 20, 27, December 4 and 11. The location will be
Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce St. Vancouver.

Topics will include:
- how to talk about blindness and make others comfortable
- How to communicate through body language
- How to fit in with sighted peers
- How to make a blindness presentation to your class

There is no cost for this workshop but space is limited. To register please
contact Shawn Marsolais by phone at: 604-434-7243 or via Email at:
shawn@blindbeginnings.ca

Please forward this Email to anyone you feel may be interested.

Regards,

Shawn Marsolais
Blind Beginnings
Phone: 604-434-7243
www.blindbeginnings.ca

Upcoming Community Discovery

2008-10-21T11:07:00.001-07:00

Hi Everybody,

I am pleased to announce the next Community Discovery at Aldor Acres in
Langley!

The owners of the farm have offered to open especially for us the morning of
November 1. We will be able to explore the pumpkin patch, visit the petting
zoo, and experience a hayride.

When: Saturday November 1

Time: 9:30 AM

Location: 24990 84th Ave. Langley

Cost: $6 per person

Children who are blind or visually impaired of all ages, along with their
families, are welcome.

If you plan to attend, please RSVP by Email: shawn@blindbeginnings.ca or
phone: 604-434-7243, no later than Thursday October 30.

We will meet at the farm at 9:30 sharp. I look forward to seeing you and
your family on November 1!

Regards,

Shawn Marsolais
Blind Beginnings
Phone: 604-434-7243
www.blindbeginnings.ca

Blind Beginnings Fall Programs

2008-09-07T13:31:00.001-07:00

Hi Everybody,

Blind Beginnings is excited to be offering the following programs this Fall!

1. Community Discovery - for families with children who are blind or
visually impaired

The purpose of the Community Discovery Program is to:
- Introduce children who are blind or visually impaired to concepts through
hands on real life experiences
- Demonstrate to parents and sighted siblings how to make experiences more
meaningful for the child who is blind or visually impaired
- Educate community partners on how to be more inclusive and accessible
- Provide networking opportunities for families with children who are blind
or visually impaired
- Have a great time!

The first Community Discovery Program will be:

When: Saturday September 27 at 2:00 PM

Where: Burnaby Fire Hall - Station 3: 6511 Marlborough Avenue

Why: To have a tour of a Fire Station, meet some fire fighters, learn how
fires are put out, and see a fire truck

If you and your family would like to participate, please RSVP no later than
Thursday September 25.

Blind Beginnings plans to offer a Community Discovery Program a minimum of
every 6 weeks. Tentative plans are being made for a trip to a pumpkin patch
for late October. Stay tuned for more details.

2. Creating Confidence Workshop Series - for Youth who are blind or visually
impaired

The purpose of the Creating Confidence Workshop is to:
- Increase comfort using Non verbal communication
- Learn how to fit in with sighted peers
- Meet other youth who are blind or visually impaired
- Have fun

The first Creating Confidence Workshop series will be:

When: Four Thursday evenings from 6:45 - 8:45 - October 9, 16, 23, and 30.

Where: Collingwood Neighbourhood House, 5288 Joyce St. Vancouver

Who: Youth who are blind or visually impaired from 15 to 19 years of age

Topics will include:
- What your nonverbal communication says about you
- Tips to improve your body image
- How to put people at ease about your blindness
- Adopting positive self esteem and self acceptance

To register please contact Shawn Marsolais at: shawn@blindbeginnings.ca or
604-434-7243 no later than Monday October 6. Space is limited so register
early.

3. Blindness 101 - For extended family members of children who are blind or
visually impaired

The purpose of this Workshop is to:
- Introduce family members to the basics of blindness

Topics will include an introduction to:
- Our No-limits philosophy
- Braille and assistive technology
- Orientation/Mobility and Echolocation
- Basic labelling and organization strategies

The first Blindness 101 Workshop will be:

When: Saturday November 8 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Where: Lower Mainland - Exact Location TBA

Who: Any family member of a child who is blind or visually impaired

To register please contact Shawn Marsolais at shawn@blindbeginnings.ca or
604-434-7243 no later than October 31.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Shawn Marsolais
Blind Beginnings
Phone: 604-434-7243
www.blindbeginnings.ca