CNIB Deafblind Community Services is one of Ontario’s leading providers of specialized support and emergency services for people who are Deafblind. Funded by the Government of Ontario, DBCS intervenor services and literacy programs enable people who are Deafblind to maximize their independence and engagement with the world around them.
To celebrate National Deafblind Awareness Month, the CNIB Foundation Ontario West hosted a Deafblind awareness session at the CNIB London Community Hub. Participants had an opportunity to learn more about Deafblindness with Kristeen Elliott, a Deafblind community member and DBCS Ambassador and Christine, an Intervenor.
The presentation focused on communication methods, helpful techniques and current advocacy initiatives.
Kristeen shared personal stories from her life as a person who is Deafblind and showed the group how she uses an intervenor to communicate and interact with surrounding environments.
"The Deafblind community is full of independent people – the only difference is that they make use of an intervenor," says Kristeen. "The intervenor just acts as a facilitator of the conversation. Speak to the person – not the intervenor. That is critical to independence."
Kristeen is driven to educate others about Deafblindness and break down stereotypes and myths associated with people who are Deafblind.
Thank you, Kristeen and Christine, for sharing your experiences and knowledge with us!
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- Call for National Elections Advocates/ Elections Accessibility
- Bill C-81 Royal Assent
- Tips for Accessible Airline Travel
- Know Your Rights
- Educate to Advocate – Empowering Advocacy Across Ontario
- CNIB Foundation releases The ABCs of iOS manual
- Tales of a Guide Dog Handler
- Ambassador spotlight: Guy Carriere meets his hero
- Have your say on making information accessible in Ontario
- Become a Guide Dog Champion!