Independence through

In 1989, a group of motivated parents lobbied the provincial government of Ontario as advocates for their children with deafblindness in an attempt to secure funding for community based supported living programs to commence when the children completed their education. Independent Living Residences for the Deafblind in Ontario (ILRDBO), was born out of this movement, and on April 6, 1989 we were incorporated as an not for profit organization. Initially there were three homes in York Region with three individuals with congenital deafblindness residing in each location.

The support offered in the homes would model that of the education system that the deafblind individuals were familiar with where Intervenor services would be provided to promote independence and help the individual with deafblindness realize their potential.

Founding Members:

Gerry & Dorothy Brogan

Adrienne & Mike Caruso

Lynne Faltash

Steven Gaylord

Carol & William Hurtick

Charles Kelliher

Connie Southall

Dorothy Wilcox

Toward the end of 2007, ILRDBO changed its name to DeafBlind Ontario Services. Today, the organization supports adults who are deafblind across the province with community-based housing, trained Intervenor services, independent living skills, work experience and other specialized support.