Living Life Without Sight or Sound: How Community Support Transforms Lives

What does life look like when you can’t see or hear the world around you? For Lance Gaylord, that’s his reality every day. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedication of our employees, Lance is living his best life.

Born with just 40% vision, Lance lost his sight completely after a series of surgeries triggered by complications from Rubella. His first eye surgery was at just nine months old. Today, at 45, Lance is deafblind – a condition that profoundly impacts his ability to communicate and connect with the world.

Because of donor support, Lance receives specialized services that empower him to live more independently. At 21, he moved into a DeafBlind Ontario Services supported living home, where he receives 24/7 personalized assistance. Intervenors – professionals who act as Lance’s “eyes” and “ears” – help him navigate his environment, communicate, and build meaningful relationships. With their support, Lance has learned tactile sign language, made lifelong friends, and embraced his love for music.

Steven Gaylord, Lance’s father and a founding member of DeafBlind Ontario Services, recalls the urgency that sparked the organization’s creation:
“We recognized the lack of resources for individuals aging out of the school system and knew our children deserved more opportunities and a place to belong. Our advocacy led to the creation of supported living homes that have transformed lives, including Lance’s.”

Lance enjoys life to the fullest – whether feeling the wind on his face during car rides or listening to music through headphones. One of Steven’s most cherished memories is when Lance signed the word “drink” for the first time, a milestone of independence that reflected years of progress.

As the holiday season approaches, Steven looks forward to spending time with Lance at home, while knowing that the life Lance has built in his supported living home is where he truly finds joy and belonging.