All Programs

A blind woman in a blue sweater sitting on a couch with a young girl in a pink dress on her lap. They are sharing a print/Braille book. — Jocelyn and Eva reading a print/Braille story.. Photo credit: Victor Mendez.

Foundations of Independence (Blindness/Deafblindness Skills Training)

Foundations of Independence: Focus on Braille Stream

A man reading Braille — A student, Bruce, reading Braille. Photo credit: Bruce Turner

Provided at: COBD Centre
Ages; 19+

The Focus on Braille Stream, part of the CARF-accredited Foundations of Independence blindness/DeafBlindness skills training program, makes Braille available as a free, stand-alone, virtual class to blind, DeafBlind, and low vision Canadians.

Foundations of Independence: Focus on Technology Stream


Provided at: COBD Centre
Ages; 19+

The Focus on Technology Stream, part of the CARF-accredited Foundations of Independence blindness/DeafBlindness skills training program, makes technology available as a free, stand-alone, virtual class to blind, DeafBlind, and low vision Canadians.

Foundations of Independence: Immersion Stream

A blind woman walking independently with her long white cane.

Provided at: COBD Centre
Ages; 19+

This CARF-accredited program offers blind, DeafBlind, and low vision Canadians from across the country the blindness/DeafBlindness skills that set them up for success in life.

Summer Independence Camps

Camp Bowen: Adult Retreat

A group of adult campers sit on the deck during the Adult Retreat at Camp Bowen. Photo credit: Lorraine Ashdown

Provided by: COBD: Camp Bowen Division
Ages; 19+

Camp Bowen: Community Exploration Camp

A girl sitting in a chair, reading a Braille book — A Braille Literacy camper reading Braille

Provided by: COBD: Camp Bowen Division
Ages; 8-12

Camp Bowen: Linda Evans Memorial Music Camp

A teenage girl singing — A camper singing

Provided by: COBD: Camp Bowen Division
Ages; 8 to 18

Services for Bowen Islanders

Access Bowen Island

Provided by: COBD: Access Bowen Island
Ages; All Ages

The Access Bowen Island (ABI) is a community outreach program designed to bring Bowen Islanders together to find creative solutions to the accessibility challenges on Bowen Island. ABI also acts as a peer support network for Bowen Islanders with disabilities.

Phone Access To the Bowen Island Undercurrent

Provided by: COBD: Access Bowen Island
Ages; All Ages

We have made available the Bowen Island Undercurrent over the phone. those who cannot access the print or online edition of the paper due to isolation owing to the Corona Virus or who have a perceptual print disability can call +1 (604) 947-9021 and press 1 at the main menu to have the paper read to you.

Outreach and More

The Canadian Organization of the Blind and Deafblind believes in being involved in and contributing to our local community of Bowen Island and across the country. We also love to collaborate with our peers from around the world.

BlindHub Canada

Provided by: COBD: Pacific Training Centre Division and COBD: Camp Bowen Division
Ages; All Ages

BlindHub Canada is an online information and services hub for individuals, families, organizations, and businesses participating within the blind and Deafblind communities in Canada. The project is being led by the Camp Bowen Division of the Canadian Organization of the Blind and Deafblind and the Pacific Training Centre for the Blind, who welcome and encourage interested individuals, organizations, and businesses to get involved.

Blindness and DeafBlindness Connection National Roundtables

A medieval replica of King Arthur's legendary round table, hanging in Winchester Castle. The table features the Tudor Rose at its centre, with the outer design portraying Henry VIII as King Arthur on his throne, surrounded by 24 places, each bearing the name of one of the legendary Knights of the Round Table of King Arthur's court. — “King Arthur’s Round Table” by Graeme Pow. Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.

Provided through: COBD Centre
Ages; 19+

The Blindness and DeafBlindness Connection National Roundtables bring together blind, DeafBlind, and low vision Canadians 19 years of age or older), as well as those losing their sight, to support each other and learn about community resources. The roundtables are conducted virtually by both standard telephone and Zoom and often feature guest speakers, group discussions, and the exchange of tips and tricks. These virtual events are intended to promote friendship, connection and sharing of resources and ideas.

Blindness/Deafblindness Professionals Mailing Lists

Provided by: COBD: Camp Bowen Division
Ages; 19+

These mailing lists are for blindness/Deafblindness professionals to discuss a variety of topics and how Structured Discovery can be applied to their respective areas of work.

Crisis Action for Responding to Emergencies (CARE)

Provided by: COBD National via local staff
Ages; All Ages

During emergency situations, the Canadian Organization of the Blind and Deafblind’s Crisis Action for Responding to Emergencies (CARE) program is activated. Depending on the situation, we are able to provide a variety of supports to blind and Deafblind Canadians and local support to people with disabilities on Bowen Island at the time of the emergency.

Public Education: Group Presentations

Jessica, Jocelyn, and Alex are sitting behind a table in a classroom. On the table are Braille books, a green cloth bag, a Brailler, an iPhone, a bag of cards, a BrailleNote in its case, 2 slates and styluses, a MacBook Pro, and Braille paper. Zandra is to the right of Alex. — Camp Bowen volunteers present at Bowen Island Community School. From left to right: Jessica, Jocelyn, and Alex.

Provided by: COBD: Camp Bowen Division
Ages; All Ages

The group presentations team visits schools and other community groups to speak about what it is like to be blind. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about Braille, assistive technology, how blind people travel, and, most of all, that people who are blind are just people like any other.

Technology Loan Bank

Provided by: COBD: Camp Bowen Division
Ages; All Ages

The Technology Loan Bank connects blind and DeafBlind Canadians from across the country and people with disabilities on Bowen Island with the adaptive technologies we need to live life independently. Adaptive technologies such as talking computers, smartphones, Braille displays, and other pieces of tech can be out of reach for many people who are blind, DeafBlind, or have other disabilities, and the lack of access to these technologies can often be a barrier to obtaining the independence and financial stability needed to purchase newer equipment. By loaning refurbished assistive technologies at no cost to participants for as long as they need the adaptive technologies, this program bridges the gap, breaking the cycle of a lack of access to assistive technology, and thereby increase opportunities for employment, entertainment, quality of life, and community access.

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