Face to Face with Shawn Marsolais: Building a More Inclusive Future for the Blind Community

On Face to Face, Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre sat down with Shawn Marsolais, founder of Blind Beginnings, a nonprofit located in the Tri-Cities that's dedicated to empowering blind and partially sighted children, youth, and families across British Columbia. From early intervention for infants to life skills instruction, youth leadership, and parent support groups, Blind Beginnings provides programs that foster independence, confidence, and connection.

Shawn’s personal journey shaped her mission. Born with just 10 percent vision and diagnosed at age five with a degenerative eye condition, she gradually lost most of her sight. By age 12, she was legally blind and feared isolation and limited opportunities. Everything changed when she met mentors and peers who were also blind. They modeled resilience, possibility, and independence, inspiring her to create the very supports she wished had been available for her own family.

Today, Blind Beginnings offers summer camps, peer mentorship, and Blindness 101 workshops that educate the broader community about inclusion and accessibility. “Most parents have never met a blind person before their child is born,” Shawn explains. “We connect them with role models so they can see what’s possible.”

Through advocacy, education, and community-building, Blind Beginnings is breaking down barriers and inviting the Tri-Cities — and beyond — to see blindness in a new light.

According to Shawn Blind Beginnings provide services for ages birth to 19 and incorporate programs and support for the whole family, because they recognize that blindness impacts parents and siblings too.

Their website states that they offer youth a variety of programs and support to help them build their skills and confidence, including independent living skills, employment preparation, and support groups.