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Join Fighting Blindness Canada’s innovative Mentorship Program

Did you know that Fighting Blindness Canada has a unique mentorship program? Learn more with this helpful FAQ and read stories from some of our amazing 2024 participants.

In their own words: Marianne’s mentorship story

“The mentoring program provided me with valuable guidance just a few months after I was diagnosed with RP. Discussions with my mentor gave me courage and hope for the future. When you’re diagnosed, having someone around you who understands your reality and can guide you through the challenges ahead is more than important.”

What is the FBC Mentorship Program?

Our mentorship program is designed to assist young people (ages 15-35) living with vision loss to develop their employment, leadership and advocacy skills with the helping guidance of an experienced mentor. FBC pairs mentees and mentors with similar interests and learning styles together at the start of the year. Over the next nine months, pairs embark on a journey of self-discovery, in which they will meet virtually at least once a month.

Everyone participating in the mentorship program, whether as a mentor or mentee, is living with vision loss. Even if their eye condition is different, all participants share an understanding of the challenges that arise in the workforce when faced with disability-related barriers. Our holistic approach to matching and our flexible structure makes this program is one-of-a-kind!

In their own words: Ray’s mentorship story

“When I started with my mentor, to say I was in great shape would be a very big lie. I had just lost my job and with my vision loss I felt helpless. My mentor helped me find and craft a new plan that fit better with my ideals, interests, and schedule. She was able to help me work on my confidence and helped me plan and work around difficult situations with a clearer head. With her help I’m now in college working towards my social worker’s diploma. I am a more confident, authentic, and more productive me. And I wouldn’t change the time we’ve shared for anything.”

What are the benefits of being a mentee?

Participating in this program as a mentee has many benefits including:

• Career planning
• Networking
• Learning how to cope with the unique challenges people living with vision loss may experience
• Developing new skills such as public speaking, leadership, and advocacy

Participants of the 2024 program shared many successes, including applying for and finding new job opportunities, going back to school and gaining confidence.

In their own words: Jeffery’s mentorship story

“Joining the Mentorship program in 2024 was a pivotal moment for me, offering stability during what turned out to be a very turbulent year. I was stuck in a rut, and unsure of whether I wanted to keep pursuing my chosen career, or transition into a new field. While working with my mentor, he made me look inward at what brings me joy in life, and outward as to how I could apply that to future job prospects.

“With every session, I was left with a course of action. Reaping the rewards of my labour and hard work, I applied for an apprenticeship and have been contacted by the organization. I strongly recommend this program to other young adults who are blind or have low vision, regardless of whether they are still in school, out of school and looking to enter the workforce, or are at a crossroads in life and could use a guiding hand.”

Pictured: Gregory Doucet (mentee), Stuart Matan-Lithwick (mentor) and Jeffery Rainey (mentee)

What are the benefits of being a mentor

Participating in this program as a mentor has many benefits including:

• Setting and achieving personal goals through inspired self-reflection
• Giving back through a meaningful volunteer opportunity
• Enhancing your communication and interpersonal skills

While the program focuses on the goals of the mentee, mentors also report having a fulfilling experience with many benefits. Past participant Julie said, “The program was rewarding for me and even sparked my own reflection to who I was and what I wanted out of life.”

In their own words: Ben’s mentorship story

“Being a mentor has been an incredible honour. As a young person living with retinitis pigmentosa, I didn’t have the opportunity to look up to someone who shared my experience of vision loss and could guide me professionally or personally in achieving my career ambitions and life goals. This program has given me the chance to change that narrative for others. It’s deeply rewarding to share my wisdom, knowledge, and experience with a young person navigating life and sight loss.”

What resources do you provide?

FBC is here to support your mentorship journey! Throughout the year we provide a toolkit, training sessions, virtual meetings, one-on-one support calls, incentives and giveaways to help participants get the most out of the program.

New in 2025, we will also be providing monthly worksheets and resources to help you guide and structure your time together.

How are mentors and mentees matched?

We get to know each individual through a written application and often a phone call. Matching is typically based on shared career interests, but we also consider learning styles, specific skill-building opportunities, personal interests, and more. Our experience shows us that matches are more successful when we look beyond career aspirations and take the whole person into account.

How do I join the program?

To take the first step, please fill out the appropriate application form linked below and one of our team will be in touch to discuss what happens next. The deadline for applications is January 31, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact us at education@fightingblindness.ca.