Independence through

 

As DeafBlind Ontario Services grew as an organization, so did our reach across the province.  Over time, we found there were individuals who were deafblind who could benefit from our expertise, yet were not looking for a residential program necessarily.  In keeping with our belief that every person who is deafblind should be provided the resources to fulfill their potential, we sought out to create custom-tailored programs to fit the individual.  We had done this with those we support in our residential program, but had yet to do this with anyone externally.  Our first efforts in achieving this was REACH in 2008.

 

Our REACH program provides specialized expertise and support for adults who are congenitally deafblind at their current residences, such as nursing homes, foster homes, group homes, special care facilities, etc.  REACH also supports individuals with a sensory loss who have a communication need.

 

The REACH team consults with families, care givers, Intervenors and other professionals in order to develop a customized plan that meets the needs of each individual in their own environment. REACH is flexible to the unique communication needs of each individual, and the development of an individualized plan is done after a detailed assessment is completed.

 

Once the customized plan is developed, the REACH team trains the support team of the individual on implementation. The REACH program is supported by DeafBlind Ontario Services’ TOUCHTM training program which provides ongoing professional development certification to increase knowledge of deafblindness and sensory loss, and its impact on learning and development.

 

TOUCH demonstrates:

• the process of intervention and, the role of the Intervenor
• methods, adaptations and the ability to facilitate the development and use of communication skills
• professionalism and ethical practices
• assistive devices and current technology

 

Mentorship is a cornerstone of the REACH program.  The team continues to follow-up and provides guidance to the support team sharing advice, knowledge and experience after the initial training.  The goal of this follow up is to ensure the philosophy of Intervenor services is maintained throughout the individual’s program.  Every REACH program looks different for each individual and each supporting agency.

 

REACH is a fee-for service program, however funding support may be available and we encourage anyone who may benefit from our service to contact us.  We currently provide REACH services to 3 individuals and have provided REACH training to several community agencies supporting people with sensory loss.

For more information on how to help individuals with deafblindness or a sensory loss and communication need REACH their full potential, contact the REACH Community Resource Facilitator at 905-853-2862 x261 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

"The structured, consistent team approach the individual needed was finally happening and the REACH training reinforced the value and necessity of it."

Rhonda Patterson, Prime Counselor

 

"While assessing one woman who was both deaf and blind I found that self-injury was her only method of communicating with her staff. With no experience supporting those both deaf and blind, I was somewhat at a loss and found myself searching the Internet for insight.  Since contacting Deafblind Ontario Services (DBOS), we have not only given staff a way to communicate with this woman, we have drastically reduced the frequency and intensity of her self-injurious behavior. DBOS is a leader in the field and we have benefited from their excellent services!"

Michelle Wiersma, Behaviour Therapist

 

"After taking the 2-day REACH workshop offered by DeafBlind Ontario Services, I felt like I was able to better communicate with individuals who are deafblind. I have since been able to support individuals with a better understanding of how intimidating new or changing environments can be for those who are deafblind or have a communications need."

Cory MacDonald, Community Support Worker

 

"I am much more in tune to the needs of my client and also have the tools and confidence to work with him more effectively. REACH gave me a better understanding of what it is like to be deafblind."

Irene Currie, Intervenor/Community Support Worker