A SIMPLE TOUCH LEADS TO ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES

Intervenors are specially trained to act as the ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ of the individual who is deafblind.

Employee Development

Any success we have as an organization can be attributed to one thing...our employees! At DeafBlind Ontario Services, our employees are our strength. We strive to be a top employer in the field by investing in our employees through extensive training, mentoring and other professional development opportunities throughout all levels of our organization.

Ongoing learning opportunities are key to assisting employees in showcasing their talents and exceeding expectations; we are dedicated to helping our employees develop their talents and nurture their career aspirations.

 

TOUCHTM

DeafBlind Ontario Services has developed the TOUCHTM (Training, Ongoing, Unique, Committed, Holistic) training program, which provides Intervenors with ongoing training, educational opportunities and professional development. This unique comprehensive program has been specifically designed to meet the unique needs of each client – and the Intervenor.
 
TOUCHTM is inclusive to 2 levels of training. Each level builds upon consistent components that exist in each level.
 

Topics covered include:

  • Knowledge of deafblindness and its impact on learning and development
  • Knowledge of the intervention process, the role of the Intervenor and the ability to facilitate the process
  • Knowledge of communication, including methods and adaptations, and the ability to facilitate the development and use of communication skills
  • Knowledge of the eye and ear
  • Knowledge of assistive devices and current technology
  • Professionalism and ethical practices
  • Knowledge of DeafBlind Ontario Services' Program Module, including Casenote Writing and Service Tracking

 

Total Communication Curriculum

In addition to the TOUCHTM program, Intervenors must complete DeafBlind Ontario Services’ Total Communication Curriculum (TCC) – mandatory training that fosters meaningful sharing of information between Intervenor, client and staff:

  • Teaches Intervenors what their roles are as communication partners
  • Implications of communicating with vision/hearing loss
  • Adapting methods of communication to meet the individual’s needs
  • Recognizing behaviour as communication
  • Effectively implement total communication (Signed Exact English., speech, cues, Adaptive Interactive Tactile Sign Language, picture communication symbols, American Sign Language, etc.)
  • Provide a reactive environment
  • Comprehend the role of a communication partner
  • Demonstrate proficiency with the manual alphabet and finger spelling

 

Additional training provided includes:

  • Orientation
  • Health and Safety
  • Fire Training
  • Medication Administration
  • Respectful Homes / Respectful Workplaces

 

Professional Standards

DeafBlind Ontario Services encourages all Intervenors to become members of the Intervenor Organization of Ontario (IOO), which provides a professional code of ethics that include the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and skill in all areas of Intervenor Services. Please visit www.intervenors.ca for more information.

 

Certification

DeafBlind Ontario Services is proud to have developed the 'Certified Congenital Deafblind Specialist' (CCDBS) Level 1 and Level 2 certifications through the Canadian Coucil of Professional Certification (CCPC Global). These certifications illustrate that you are a recognized professional in the field, take pride in your professional standing and have accomplished and maintain a high level of work experience, training and membership.