Research

We lead the way in holistic support and innovative research, advancing strategies that improve the lives of people we serve.

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DeafBlind Ontario Services believes that research initiatives will gather evidence, advance knowledge and enhance the quality of life for individuals who are deafblind, as well as those living with a developmental disability who are Deaf, hard of hearing or use non-traditional forms of communication, leading to more opportunities and choices.

Research Goals

  • Quantify the prevalence

    By using customized data from Canadian Survey on Disability every five years.
  • Networking & Partnerships

    With universities/colleges for academic research; community partners, and other national and international research networks for collective contributions to reports, best practices and publications.
  • Facilitating participation

    To capture lived experience and unique perspectives of people we support.
  • Share expertise

    By co-designing research initiatives and contributing to the academic knowledge base.

Prevalence of people who are deafblind

Based on the Canadian Survey on Disability 2022

  • Over 2% of Canada’s population aged 15 years and over are deafblind (602,160 people)

  • Of the Canadians aged 15 years and over who are deafblind, 52% of them are aged 65 years and over (314,260 people)

  • Over 2% of Ontario’s population aged 15 years and over are deafblind (246,370 people)

  • Of the Ontarians aged 15 years and over who are deafblind, 49% of them are aged 65 years and over (120,800 people)

Prevalence of people with a developmental disability and those who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or use non-traditional forms of communication

Based on the Canadian Survey on Disability 2022

  • 1.5% of Canadians (456,630 people) aged 15 years and over have a developmental disability.

  • People living with a developmental disability who are Deaf, hard of hearing or use nontraditional forms of communication represent 0.2% of the Canadian population as well as the Ontario population.

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DeafBlind Ontario Services will participate in research by:

  1. Providing leadership for research, advocacy and solutions to improve the quality of life for Canadians with deafblindness.
  2. Fostering academic/community collaborations nationally/internationally to encourage the work researchers and involvement of individuals with deafblindness and dual sensory loss.
  3. Securing resources for research.
  4. Facilitating knowledge exchange to stay current and serve as a central source of research on the experiences of people with deafblindness—ensuring stakeholders are informed and empowered.

Related Resources

Linking sensory loss to cognitive decline Access Resource
Implementing hearing and vision health strategies Access Resource
Linking sensory loss and mobility Access Resource