Shared Vision - British Columbia

In British Columbia, we are fortunate to have many organizations and agencies supporting the education and wellness of children and youth with visual impairments. Each of the agencies listed on this page provides programming or resources in accordance with its specific mandate to support students with visual impairments, their educational teams, and their families. 

Below is a calendar of events and programming hosted by members of Shared Vision BC. 

SKIP PAST CALENDAR TO AGENCY INFORMATION

BC Blind Sports and Recreation

Image shows the logo for BC Blind SportsThe BC Blind Sports and Recreation Association supports children with and without additional disabilities who are blind, visually impaired, or deafblind and their families throughout BC. We promote play and physical activity, which results in physical, social and emotional benefits. We work with parents, instructors, and others to facilitate the development of motor skills and physical literacy in children and youth. Our parents’ guide and video (DVD) “Encouraging Physical Activity in Preschoolers with Visual Impairment” is available to get you started. We are also available to work with students in their schools to facilitate participation in PE. We travel to communities throughout BC supporting children/youth and their families in their schools and community programs.

 604-325-8638 (lower mainland) 1-877-604-8638 (toll free)

Blind Beginnings

Image shows the Blind Beginnings LogoBlind Beginnings helps BC’s blind and partially sighted children and youth develop the skills, confidence, and independence necessary to reach their full potential by providing them with educational and experiential workshops, summer camps, recreational activities, pre-employment training, and individualized counselling. In addition, we support and encourage parents to see their children's full potential to live a life without limits.

604-434-7243 | 1-866-736-8620

Canadian Deafblind Association - BC Chapter

Image shows the CDBA BC chapter logoThe Canadian Deafblind Association BC Chapter assists individuals who are deafblind in BC to achieve their best quality of life through Intervention. CDBA-BC has two main programs. The Early Intervention Program supports children with deafblindness, birth to 5 years, to develop their true potential during a crucial age of learning and works with their family and professional team in embracing the world of deafblindness and deafblind Intervention. The Intervention Program, offered during the spring, summer and winter school breaks to children ages 2 - 19 years, provides Intervention support to allow children/youth with deafblindness to more fully interact with their environment and to utilize their communication and social skills.

604-528-6170

Canadian National Institute for the Blind

Image shows the logo of the CNIB FoundationThe CNIB Foundation provides an opportunity for limitless possibilities, providing children and families with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to smash down barriers and seize the future. Through immersive workshops, activities, family fun days and camps, children and youth programs help young people with sight loss develop confidence, independence and a sense of self-identity.

Children's Low Vision Project of British Columbia

Image shows the CLVP logoChildren’s Low Vision Project of British Columbia (CLVP-BC) is hosted by School District 23 Central Okanagan. The project is designed to provide comprehensive low vision assessment to school-age children throughout British Columbia. This project brings together professionals trained in ophthalmology, optometry, orientation and mobility, assistive technology and education to evaluate each child, prescribe and dispense low vision devices, and make recommendations to support the child, family, teachers, schools and other professionals working with the child. 

Provincial Outreach Program for Students with Deafblindness

Image shows the POPDB logoThe BC Provincial Outreach Program for Students with Deafblindness is a provincial outreach program with a mandate from the Ministry of Education to support BC school districts enrolling students kindergarten through Grade 12 with deafblindness. A request for service must come from district personnel.

Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired

Image shows the PRCVI logo. The Provincial Resource Centre for the Visually Impaired is a provincial resource program mandated by the Ministry of Education to support access to education and inclusive programming for students with visual impairments from kindergarten through to grade 12. PRCVI supports district and school capacity through professional learning for teachers of students with visual impairments, outreach services, and the provision of adapted learning materials in accessible formats, including digital alternate formats through ARC-BC.

604-266-3699

The British Columbia Vision Teachers’ Association collaborates with PRCVI to plan professional development opportunities for BC vision teachers.

VGH Eye Care Centre

Image shows the UBC logoImage shows the Vancouver Coastal Health logoThe VGH/UBC Eye Care Centre Vision Rehabilitation Clinic sees patients for Comprehensive Vision Rehabilitation assessment including macular perimetry evaluation of central field loss and occupational therapy training with devices. 604-875-4267

Vision Interprofessional Assessment Team

Image shows the Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children logo.The Vision Interprofessional Assessment Team at Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children (Vancouver) is a provincial program which provides specialized assessment and diagnosis services for children birth to 19 years who have a suspected or known vision loss. The Team’s expertise includes a pediatrician, occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech-language pathologist, psychologist, social worker, nurse, audiologist and recreation therapist. Services available are:

  • Specialized, clinical assessment of a child’s function based on their visual impairment.
  • Helping families understand their child’s vision loss and how it may affect their learning and development needs.
  • Resources, consultation and information to community service providers to ensure the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) meets the child’s health and developmental needs.

604-453-8300 x 8454

Vision Loss Rehabilitation BC

Image shows the logo of Vision Loss Rehabilitation British ColumbiaA CNIB organization, Early Intervention Vision Services work directly with children and families from birth to school entry. Referral to the program can be direct by family or community services, with the need for a vision report to complete the registration process. Staff provide coverage across BC, assisting families in understanding their child’s vision or blindness and developmental needs. This may include identifying specialized services and resource materials, as well as facilitating opportunities for peer support and contact with other families. Early Intervention Vision Specialists look to address partial sight and blindness concerns that may relate to; socialization, communication, play skills, literacy, mobility, sensory awareness, and transition into daycare, preschool, and school settings.

The VLR-BC Early Intervention Team has been sharing a resource for families of young children with visual impairments. This flyer is full of great suggestions for activities, games, and experiences while families are learning together at home and in the community. An archive of these flyers is available on the Family Vision Flyer page. 

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