What an excellent experience working at CHKC is turning out to be. The client base is diverse, opportunities for learning are varied (my own as well as the learning of my clients), and the climate is very exciting. I am surrounded by talented, motivated and resourceful individuals. We are on the verge of advancing services with (and for) people who are Deaf-Blind. As I am a relative newcomer to CHKC, I have needed a lot of help and have been blessed with the support of many clients, service providers and friends. Thank you for working so hard for the rights of people who are Deaf-Blind.

What is CHKC?

The Canadian Helen Keller Centre, (CHKC) the only training centre of its kind in Canada, provides free training in skills of daily living and technology to individuals who have become Deaf-Blind. These programs help individuals who are Deaf-Blind to increase and maintain their independence and autonomy, access services in the community and decrease social isolation. CHKC supports individuals that live in the GTA by providing day programs or individualized classes. CHKC also supports individuals who live across Canada by providing a residential component – participants may come and stay at CHKC for as long as 6 months for training and then are assisted with transitioning their skills to their home environments. In addition to providing instruction, CHKC also works to raise public awareness and acceptance of people with disabilities in the community.  CHKC opened its doors in May 2001.

What is Deaf-Blindness?

A person living with this disability is an individual with a substantial degree of loss of both sight and hearing, the combination of which results in significant difficulties in accessing information and in pursuing educational, vocational, recreational and social goals. Deaf-Blindness severely restricts access to people, places and information, resulting in extreme isolation. Deaf-Blindness is a low incidence disability. Few, including government representatives, are aware of, or consider the special needs of this population. Therefore it is the most neglected and underserved sector of Canadian society.

CHKC’s Impact in the Community

CHKC has successfully provided training to over 25 individuals since 2001, 4 of whom have been residential participants (as of February 2003). We have a new residential participant coming mid-March and new day participants starting almost monthly. The people considering day programs at CHKC include teens graduating from high school this June and adults that want computer training and to develop skills to increase their independence.

CHKC not only provides instruction, but opportunities for empowerment: CHKC hired 2 participants after graduation to work as instructors. CHKC has members of the Deaf-Blind community sitting on its Board of Directors. CHKC provides Intervenors for peer support so Deaf-Blind individuals are able to meet, support each other and advocate for themselves. CHKC engages volunteers of all abilities, including individuals who are Deaf-Blind.

The most recent newsletter, Bridging Hands, has just been released and provides information on how CHKC supports the Deaf-Blind Community. CHKC publishes "Bridging Hands" quarterly to raise awareness of the needs faced by people who are Deaf-Blind, make the community aware of the steps CHKC is taking to ensure adequate services are available, and to publicize fundraising events. At February 2004, distribution was close to 500 newsletters per quarter. 

Advocacy Movement

In order for individuals to become fully independent, they not only need access to individualized training, they also need access to Intervenors (eyes and ears). At this time, some individuals living in the community only have access to Intervenor services for 2 hours a week. CHKC, as a part of the Deaf-Blind Coalition of Ontario, is working alongside organizations advocating for access to appropriate Intervenor services for all citizens who are Deaf-Blind living in Ontario. Member organizations represent Deaf-Blind consumers, service providers, agencies and advocacy groups. Most people who are Deaf-Blind experience significant difficulty in accessing appropriate Intervenor services.

The Deaf-Blind Coalition of Ontario believes that:

• All individuals who are Deaf-Blind have a right to Intervenor services
• The amount of Intervenor services provided should be based on the individual needs of consumers
• The government has a responsibility to fund the delivery of Intervenor services based on individual need.

June is Deaf-Blind Awareness Month and CHKC is gearing up to raise awareness and funds. If you have any questions, would like to make a donation or offer your assistance, I can be reached at CHKC. 

Sincerely,

Patricia Grant