After a successful career in mental health and addictions, Shanon came to DeafBlind Ontario Services ready for a change. She joined the DeafBlind Ontario Services team in June 2023, seeking a new challenge while continuing to make a meaningful impact. DeafBlind Ontario Services is dedicated to supporting individuals who are deafblind, as well as those living with a developmental disability who are Deaf, hard of hearing or use non-traditional forms of communication.
Shanon began as a Direct Support Professional (DSP), assisting the individuals we serve to build communication skills. DSPs play a vital role in fostering growth and independence by helping individuals develop concepts, acquire new skills, establish meaningful relationships, and navigate their world through person-centered care.
Fully immersed in this inspiring approach, Shanon completed comprehensive training to become a Communication Support Professional (CSP). Now, as a CSP, Shanon is equipped to further facilitate and enhance the communication needs of those supported, continuing to make a transformative impact in their lives.
In May of 2024 an opportunity arose for Shanon to interview for a supervisory position. The Employee Relations and Culture Advocate (ERCA) role involves overseeing locations within the region to support staff
needs. Shanon was thrilled to be selected as the successful candidate and officially began her new role as an ERCA for the East Region in July 2024. “The opportunity to advance from DSP to CSP and then into the ERCA position has made me feel like my leadership and support are truly valued,” Shannon says.
Transitioning into a new professional space can be challenging, but Shanon credits her training with setting her up for success in each of her roles. “DeafBlind Ontario Servies’ Touch training helped me understand the deafblind culture and the unique disabilities of the individuals we support. I also had ASL training which taught me the basics of communicating with people supported and team members who are deaf or hard of hearing” Shanon shared. In her new role as ERCA, she especially valued the First-Time Leader Training, which equipped her with essential tools for effective communication and fostering a positive, strong team culture.
For Shanon, job satisfaction and fulfillment are the keys to a successful and meaningful career. She reflects that some of her most rewarding moments come from seeing the individuals she supports smile, laugh, and express excitement and happiness. It’s these moments that fuel her passion and reinforce the importance of her work.
“Our roles as support professionals aren’t easy,” Shanon acknowledges. “They come with many challenges, but knowing I’ve given 100% to help someone live their best life is a huge accomplishment for me. Seeing the people we support smile or hearing them laugh makes it all worth it”. Her commitment to continuous learning and dedication to the people she supports exemplify her unwavering drive to make a difference every day.
When asked about the greatest reward she’s received in her role, Shanon shared, “Receiving my sign name after working with DeafBlind Ontario Services for a year was truly a special moment”. A sign name represents the person and is decided on and given by a member of the Deaf community, but the tradition of giving sign names does more than just identify that person. It also signifies that the person is an integral part of the Deaf community. “Harun, a CSP from the Deaf community, gave me my sign name after I became an ERCA,” Shanon explained. “It’s an ‘S’ signed over the right bicep, symbolizing strength, and it made my heart full.”
Through her journey at DeafBlind Ontario Services, Shanon has discovered that acceptance, and adaptability can make anything possible. She firmly believes in embracing each new day, no matter the challenges it may bring. Reflecting on her experiences, Shanon shares, “Some days are tougher than others, but with positive communication, understanding, and deep empathy, those difficult moments turn into valuable learning opportunities.”
Shanon’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of staying open-hearted, maintaining a positive outlook, and embracing growth and change. Her journey inspires others to find strength in adaptability and to see every challenge as an opportunity to learn and thrive.
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