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 organizations will be able to increase capacity and provide specialized services. Partnering will also create better training and advancement opportunities for direct service employees, furthering their skillsets to serve these populations.
“We believe we will be stronger by coming together,” said Roxanna Spruyt, CEO of DeafBlind Ontario Services. “Our combined expertise in serving these specialized populations is a natural fit.”
With government funders looking for increased efficiencies in many sectors, including not-for-profits, the two organizations felt that combining their expertise would strengthen their services for individuals who are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, non-verbal and deafblind across Ontario.
The organizations have been working towards this partnership for over a year. A Governance Working Group between the Boards was formed in September 2020 comprised of two Board members from each organization along with the Executive Director of Array Services and the CEO of DeafBlind Ontario Services. On January 19, 2021, the respective boards and members voted in full agreement to move forward with the amalgamation.
“Array Services looks forward to joining forces with a like-minded organization like DeafBlind Ontario Services,” said Andrea Pringle, Executive Director of Array Services. “We’re excited by our future and working better together.”
Array Services supports adults who demonstrate a developmental disability and who are Deaf, non-verbal or hard-of-hearing in the Peterborough area through individual, community and residential services. Array provides a unique American Sign Language (ASL) environment and matches communications tools and techniques to the needs of the people they support.
DeafBlind Ontario Services provides accessible residential and customized support services in remote communities and urban centres across the province. They take a holistic approach to providing Intervenor Services that are customized to each individual’s unique needs, method of communication, and goals to increase their independence and enrich their life.
Follow us on social media for further updates as the partnership progresses:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Array-Services-336590177093723/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deafblindontarioservices
Twitter: @DeafBlindON
Instagram: @DeafBlindON
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