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In
Helen's Words
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Canadian Helen Keller Centre
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North York Mirror
Deaf-blind centre has wish granted
Funds
to extend services
By THANA DHARMARAJAH
Special to The Mirror
Toss a coin into the fountain and make a wish.
The Canadian Helen Keller Centre (CHKC) wished for more funds
during a presentation near the fountain in the Toronto Eaton Centre
Aug. 22, and their wish was granted when they received almost
$7,500 from Cadillac Fairview, which owns the downtown shopping
centre.
The money will allow the centre to provide services to people
with the dual disability of deaf-blindness.
 "It
was a wonderful opportunity to raise people's awareness and make
a presence within the community," said Sharon Downie-Clarke, the
centre's executive director.
The centre, the first in Canada, provides training opportunities
for deaf-blind individuals. The programs teach clients independent
living, computer, communication and leadership skills as well
as orientation and mobility training using white canes.
The goal of the centre, which is located in a house in North York,
is to fine-tune people's skills so they will be able to teach
similar skills to their peers.
"Until the centre was established there was virtually no training
opportunities for people who are deaf-blind," Downie Clarke said.
People who are deaf-blind don't have the use of two of their senses,
making their lives extremely difficult, she said, adding that
many deaf-blind people don't have the opportunity to live in safe
and adequate housing with built in emergency supports. They also
have difficulty receiving or exchanging information and accessing
the community.
And that is why the centre offers accommodations for up to four
people who participate in the individualized courses, where they
learn about daily living skills, communication and independent
travel.
Downie-Clarke said many people commute to the centre, but those
who live outside the GTA can reside there for up to six months.
CHKC is a division of Rotary (Don Valley) Cheshire Homes Inc.,
an apartment that can accommodate up to 16 people who are deaf-blind.
The residents have access to intervenors (people who assist them
with accessing the community) for up to three-and-a-half hours
a day. Unlike the people who live in the Cheshire apartments,
many people who are deaf-blind only have access to intervenors
for four hours a week.
Downie-Clarke said she hopes with increased funding from the government,
the centre will be able to increase access to intervenors.
 Meghan
McHugh, who is hearing impaired and has lost much of her vision,
said the courses at the centre have increased her confidence.
"It makes me feel more confident about being able to handle what
the future brings with my deaf-blindness," she wrote in an e-mail.
She wants to use her training to assist others with their computer
skills. She said the courses will help her as well as others function
better in society.
"I can ... see how much it will help me feel more comfortable
getting out there and doing things."
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