Staff Development
"Strengthening the competencies of people who touch the lives of individuals who are deafblind"
Any success we have can be attributed to one thing...our people! At DeafBlind Ontario Services, our people are our strength. DeafBlind Ontario Services strives to be an employer of choice and is invested in empowering ourpeople by offering extensive training, mentoring and other professional development opportunities.
Ongoing learning is key to assist employees to showcase their talents, and exceed their own expectations. We are dedicated to helping our employees develop their talents and nurture their career aspirations. Commitment and dedication have made our continued growth possible. Our employees show common values through their daily actions. The desire to go above and beyond the call of duty brings energy to our professional environment.
TOUCHTM
Training
TOUCH is inclusive to 4 levels of training. Each level builds upon consistent components that exist in each level. Topics covered include:
- Knowledge of deafblindness and its impact on learning and development
- Knowledge of the intervention process, the role of the Intervenor and the ability to facilitate the process
- Knowledge of communication, including methods and adaptations, and the ability to facilitate the development and use of communication skills
- Knowledge of the eye and ear
- Knowledge of assistive devices and current technology
- Professionalism and ethical practices
- Knowledge of DeafBlind Ontario Services' Program Module, including Casenote Writing and Service Tracking
Total Communication Curriculum
In addition to the TOUCH program, Intervenors must complete DeafBlind Ontario Services’ Total Communication Curriculum (TCC) – mandatory training that fosters more meaningful sharing of information between Intervenor, client and staff:
- Teaches Intervenors what their roles are as communication partners
- Implications of communicating with vision/hearing loss
- Adapting methods of communication to meet the individual’s needs
- Recognizing behaviour as communication
- Effectively implement total communication (Signed Exact English., speech, cues, Adaptive Interactive Tactile Sign Language, picture communication symbols, American Sign Language, etc.)
- Provide a reactive environment
- Comprehend the role of a communication partner
- Demonstrate proficiency with the manual alphabet and finger spelling
Additional training provided includes:
- Orientation
- Health and Safety
- Fire Training
- Medication Administration
- Sensitivity Training
Professional Standards
DeafBlind Ontario Services encourages all Intervenors to become members of the Intervenor Organization of Ontario (IOO), which provides a professional code of ethics that include the ongoing pursuit of knowledge and skill in all areas of Intervenor Services.
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