Independence through

The Role of the Intervenor

"To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world"  - Anonymous

Intervenors work hands-on with adults who are deafblind in their homes and communities, providing the visual and auditory information necessary to enable the person to interact successfully with other people and their environment.

To view the job description of an Intervenor, click Intervenor Job Description.

DeafBlind Ontario Services hires Intervenors in full time, part time and casual capacities to support its residences across Ontario.  The fact that the vast majority of our Intervenors have worked with us for many years demonstrates that this is a rewarding experience for individuals who are motivated and creative.

Employee Stories

"I started my career as an Intervenor in 1997.  Back then, I did not know that I would be in this profession for this long.   When I was first hired, I was asked to come in for an observation shift.  Afterward, I thought to myself, "this is not for me", but I felt I owed it to myself to at least try it out for a month.  I was told on my first day that I would be taught everything I needed to know.

DeafBlind Ontario Services kept its promise to teach me everything I would need to help me do my job.  I learned adapted forms of communication specific to each individual I supported.

I really take pride in the fact that I can help adults who are deafblind to become part of their community as well as attain great personal achievements.  I have grown personally and have been encouraged to be involved in new and exciting challenges.  DeafBlind Ontario Services is commited to growth and development, and values employee input.  It is exciting to watch the organization grow and provide the right tools to do our job and allow for personal growth and be part of a great team!"

Steve N., Intervenor

"I have been working with DeafBlind Ontario Services since March 1998.  I got my Developmental Service Worker diploma at Cambrian College in Sudbury.  My older sister who lived in Aurora Ontario saw a job ad for Intervenors.  She called me in Sudbury and told me about a house that was hiring close to her.  I sent off my resume and got a call back for an interview.  I was only 17 at the time and my mom bought me a bus ticket from Sudbury to Newmarket.  My sister was waiting for me and off I went for my interview.  I remember walking into the group home and being greeted by the biggest smile and a young male adult signing “Who who??”.  I gave him my name sign he laughed and signed it back and gave me a big hug.  From that moment, I knew I wanted to work with individuals who are deaf and blind.

I started working as a casual Intervenor in 1998 and became Team Leader in 2002.  Deafblind Ontario Services has provided me with training courses on how to be an effective Intervenor through the TOUCH training to outside training on management skills.

I enjoy my job everyday because we get to experience new programming ideas with the individuals we support from in-house programming like baking to vocational jobs out in the community.   You get to be involved in advocating for the individuals you support to give them the best quality of life they can have and be a part of helping them reach goals.  I have continued to work with DeafBlind Ontario Services as an Intervenor/Team Leader because at the end of the day, I personally feel good that I was able to provide care and create life experiences to the individuals who are deafblind so they can experience life the way you or I can see it and hear it through Intervention."

Lesley M., Team Leader

"As an employee, DeafBlind Ontario Services has provided me with many opportunities for developing and using my skills, for my personal and professional growth, including different training and attending various workshops and conferences.  I have learned new skills, and been able to share some of those with my coworkers as well.  The residents I have had the opportunity to work with are amazing people with a lot to offer.  It is rewarding having the opportunity to influence their lives and work with them as they work to reach their goals and live their lives, and as they have greatly influenced my life as well.

I have many fun and fond memories of my time (thus far) with DeafBlind Ontario Services and the people I have had a privilege of supporting over the years."

Tracey V., Regional Operations Manager