**Blind Beginnings Society** is a Canadian registered charity (Business No. 813290616RR0001) supporting children and youth who are blind or partially sighted. Established in 2008, the organization operates programs across British Columbia to foster independence, confidence, and community engagement among participants through tailored workshops, recreational activities, and family-centered services. Its mission emphasizes empowering individuals to "challenge their personal limits and create fulfilling lives," guided by the principle of seeing "limitless potential" in every participant.

### History  
Founded by Shawn Marsolais, a registered clinical counselor with lived experience of visual impairment, Blind Beginnings emerged from identified gaps in provincial support systems. During her 2000 internship at a UK school for the blind, Marsolais recognized the need for expanded services in BC, later confirmed through her work at the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB). The society was formally incorporated in 2008 to address these systemic shortcomings.

### Programs  
Blind Beginnings offers age-specific initiatives:  
- **Early Intervention**: Services for children aged 0–5 focus on developmental support and family education.  
- **Children's Programs**: Activities for ages 5–12 emphasize skill-building through workshops and peer interaction.  
- **Youth Initiatives**: Teens aged 13–19 participate in leadership training, pre-employment preparation, and recreational events like adaptive sports.  
- **Family Support**: Counseling, peer networks, and collaborative events engage caregivers and siblings in the participants' journey.

### Philosophy  
The organization promotes a "No Limits" ethos, advocating for equal access to opportunities and challenging societal perceptions of blindness. This approach is operationalized through experiential learning, community partnerships, and advocacy for inclusive practices in education and employment.  

### Governance  
As a registered charity, Blind Beginnings adheres to Canada Revenue Agency compliance standards. Marsolais serves as Director of Programs and Community Engagement, overseeing program development and stakeholder collaborations. The society relies on donor funding and grants to sustain its operations, with activities documented in annual reports to ensure transparency.

[1] https://www.blindbeginnings.ca [2] https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/blind-beginnings-society/ [3] https://www.blindbeginnings.ca/our-team [4] https://www.charitydata.ca/charity/blind-beginnings-society/813290616RR0001/ [5] https://my.charitableimpact.com/charities/blind-beginnings-society