|
Hon.
Jim Peterson, M.P. - The Willowdale Report |
DECEMBER 2001: COMMUNITY NOTES
Canadian
Helen Keller Centre -
Services for the Deaf-Blind Community
In
Canada there are approximately 3,000 people who are deaf-blind,
600 of whom live in Ontario, and 150 in Toronto. These individuals
have limited access to services or training opportunities. While
specialized services for the deaf or blind exist, it is difficult
for most people with the dual disability to access them. For
example, those who are blind rely on speech for access to information,
while those who are deaf rely on vision.
With neither sight nor hearing, deaf-blind individuals
must rely on touch as their primary means of information. This
mode of communication is conducted through an intervenor. However,
there are very few intervenors to meet the needs of the deaf-blind
community.
Intervenor and other services are available at the Canadian
Helen Keller Centre located in North York. The Centre is the
first and only skills training centre in Canada for deaf-blind
individuals to upgrade or gain independent living and technical
skills.
These skills include meal preparation; orientation and
mobility training (safe and independent travel); Braille and
adapted communication skills (sign Language, two-hand manual);
keyboarding and instruction with adapted equipment and programs;
using e-mail for distance communication as well as peer support;
and meeting with others who are deaf-blind.
Become a Volunteer or Make a Donation - The Centre could
use your help. For individuals living with deaf-blindness, volunteers
are a lifeline to participation in their communities and accessing
information. Donations are always welcome, as the Centre's success
depends on support from government, the deaf-blind community,
and corporate and private donations.
For more info about the Centre, on volunteering, or making
a donation, please contact:
