Blog
Misconceptions about people with deafblindness
Debunking misconceptions to break down barriers to inclusivity “They can’t live independent lives.” According to Annette Piggott, Senior Client Services Advocate at DeafBlind Ontario Services, this is a common misconception about people with diverse abilities, like...
Ian and Scott’s Story
You’re not seeing double... Meet Ian (left) and Scott (right), 22-year-old identical twins with deafblindness. Here’s their story and how you can make an impact. “Born premature, Ian and Scott have Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, and complex medical challenges....
Communication is a Basic Human Right
For someone that uses sign language, reading material or captioning in English is not the same as receiving it in their first language On World Hearing Day – March 3rd – Sara encourages people to learn more about her first language, American Sign Language (ASL). ASL...
Second Career Fulfills Need for More
Jeremy Davis’ second career is about giving back, helping others to live their best lives in a collaborative and team environment. “As a man in my 40s, I was nervous about going back to school to pursue a second career in a Personal Support Worker (PSW) program... I...
Development of Global Framework on Deafblindness
The World Health Organization has developed a global framework to describe disability, health and functioning, known as the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). This framework helps to provide a consistent definition for...
Sights and sounds that are both merry and bright
Bright, shining strands of light adorn homes around the world. Inside, candles flicker and trees glimmer. Their opulence and beauty illuminate dark, snowy winter nights. For 21-year-old identical twins, Scott and Ian, twinkling Christmas lights are a significant sight...
Take the opportunity to grow – choose a career as an intervenor
It’s never too late to learn something new, gain new experiences and grow as an individual. For Val Huffman, this idea motivated her to choose a second career as an intervenor. She notes that it can also apply to the individuals she supports at DeafBlind Ontario...
Equality important for people who are Deaf and hard of hearing
Celebrating International Week of the Deaf People Sept. 20 to 26 When Barb Downey went on a cruise for people who are Deaf, she was surrounded by 4,000 people who communicated in sign languages from around the world. While there were interpreters on board, Downey said...
Developing new skills, challenging comfort level and exploring passions
Holly Allen, one of DeafBlind Ontario Services summer students, talks about the practical experience she is getting as part of the Canada Summer Jobs program When Newmarket’s Holly Allen started her summer job at DeafBlind Ontario Services in April, she was able to...
