CDBIS Professional Award
Investing in the future of professional excellence in Deafblind Services
Content
The Certified Deafblind Intervenor Specialist (CDBIS) Professional Award supports employees in Ontario’s deafblind sector in pursuing internationally recognized professional certification through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP).
This award is designed to invest in your professional growth while strengthening the quality and consistency of services for individuals who are Deafblind or have dual sensory loss.
About the Award
- Award Amount: Up to $1,200 CAN per recipient
- Funding Structure:
- 50% upon proof of registration in the CDBIS certification process
- 50% upon successful certification
- What it supports: Costs associated with initial CDBIS certification only
- What is not covered: Recertification expenses
- Completion Requirement: Once the successful applicant has been selected, they must complete the CDBIS certification exam within 12 months of the award being granted.
Who Should Apply
You should apply if you:
- Work in Ontario’s deafblind sector
- Support individuals who are Deafblind or have dual sensory loss (directly or in a supervisory role)
- Are planning to pursue ACVREP’s CDBIS certification
- Meet the official ACVREP CDBIS eligibility criteria
What is CDBIS Certification?
The Certified Deafblind Intervenor Specialist (CDBIS) credential recognizes professionals who:
- Meet formal education and experience requirements
- Demonstrate core competencies in intervenor services
- Pass a standardized certification exam
Certified intervenors support communication, access, and independence using a “do with, not for” approach.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Meet all criteria outlined in section 7 of the ACVREP CDBIS Handbook (linked below)
- Be applying for initial certification (not renewal)
Please note that individuals employed by organizations that already fund CDBIS certification are not eligible to apply for this award.
Application Requirements
To apply, you must submit:
- Written Statement (250 words)
Your statement should address:
- Your commitment to the deafblind sector
- How you meet the ACVREP eligibility requirements for the CDBIS certification
- Your readiness for certification
- Your understanding of the CDBIS process
- Your learning and professional development plan
- Why you are seeking financial support
- Proof of ACVREP Eligibility
Evidence that you are eligible to apply to the CDBIS certification process (see Eligibility Requirements).
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
Readiness & Learning Plan
- Demonstrated commitment to the field
- Understanding of certification process
- Clear professional development plan
- Consideration of systemic barriers or access needs
What Strengthens an Application
Strong applicants typically demonstrate:
- Clear career goals in the deafblind sector
- Strong understanding of intervenor philosophy
- Thoughtful and realistic learning plans
- Financial or access-related need for support
- Commitment to applying skills in practice
Application Timeline
- Applications Open: July 2, 2026
- Deadline to Apply: October 1, 2026
- Interviews (if shortlisted): October-November 2026
- Results Announced: January 2, 2027
Selection Process
- Applications are reviewed by an independent committee
- Eligible applications are scored using standardized criteria
- Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview
- Final recipients are selected and notified
Frequently Asked Questions
An independent committee applies objective scoring based on published selection criteria.
Timelines vary. Intervenor certifications may align with an academic year; others involve exam preparation plus a scheduled exam date.
You are encouraged to remain employed for at least 12 months to apply your learning.
Funding covers two attempts per cycle unless otherwise stated. If you are not successful after your second attempt, the remaining 50% of the funding will not be provided.
Yes, recipients will receive a T4A slip from DeafBlind Ontario Foundation.
Payments are made to the applicant directly. The Foundation disburses 50% upon proof of application completion and 50% upon certification. Alternative processes may be considered if needed.
How to Apply
- Review ACVREP eligibility criteria
- Write your 250-word statement
- Submit all materials by October 1, 2026
Need Help?
For questions about eligibility, the application process, or documentation, contact: k.patterson@deafblindontario.com
Final Tips
- Start early – CDBIS requirements take time to confirm
- Be specific about your goals and impact
- Clearly explain how this award will help you succeed
- Keep your statement focused and within 250 words