Blog
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...
Ben’s journey to independence
Ben’s journey to independence started with setting a goal, developing the skills and building the confidence to move into his own apartment. Working with a direct support professional (DSP) helped Ben connect with the supports he needed to express himself...
Yarn Bombing to Promote JUNE as DEAFBLIND AWARENESS MONTH
DeafBlind Ontario Services has joined a global campaign to build awareness about people who are deafblind by engaging in “yarn bombing” or tactile art installations for the month of June. Yarn bombing is an activity that takes knitted, crocheted or loomed squares of...
She’s the Happiest Person
“She is my angel, my special girl… We have a deep bond and always have,” says Joan, also known as Nanny by her granddaughter, Reilly. “I was there the day she was born… and when she got sick.” At three months, Reilly developed flu-like symptoms and was rushed to...
Combined Partnership to Improve Community-Based Support Services for Ontarians with Sensory Loss
On April 1, 2021, two not-for-profit agencies, Array Services and DeafBlind Ontario Services, will officially amalgamate to enhance specialized services for people who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, non-verbal and deafblind across Ontario. By coming together, the two...
Seeing Life Differently
“Let them” was Anne-Marie’s response to people staring at her son, Steve. Without communication skills, Steve often screamed as a child… a form of expression. But, he could not hear the sound or volume of his frequent screams. Steve is deafblind. Deafblindness is a...
Things will be different this year, for everyone.
The sights and sounds of the holiday season are a vivid memory, relived year after year. Neighbourhoods aglow with twinkling lights, trees adorned with beautiful decorations, warm laughter of loved ones, and the unmistakable murmur of countless shoppers echoing...