DeafBlind Ontario Services

DeafBlind Ontario Services  A not-for-profit organization  Creates safe and comfortable environments enabling congenitally deafblind individuals in Ontario, Canada to live more independently  DeafBlind Ontario Services supports deafblind adults with community-based housing, trained intervention support, independent living skills, work experience and other specialized support

Pictures of the DeafBlind Ontario Services Houses

Today……

Vision Statement To support individuals who are deafblind to live and thrive within the community through residential and other specialized services. Mission Statement We envision and advocate for a community where individuals who are deafblind have every opportunity to reach their full potential.

DeafBlind Ontario Services Contributes to this Vision By:  Developing innovative programs while respecting the individual’s choice.  Providing specialized services.  Strengthening the competencies of people who touch the lives of individuals who are deafblind.  Delivering excellence and expertise in the field of deafblindness.

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Intervenors – A Specialized Profession  Intervenors are specially trained to act as the ‘eyes’ and ‘ears’ for people who are deafblind  Intervenors are specially trained to be partners in communication with people who are deafblind, providing the visual and auditory information necessary to enable the person who is deafblind to interact with other people and their environment.  Intervenors are trained to not only provide critical communication support, but to also address the additional physical, cognitive and medical challenges that individuals who are born deafblind often face

Training Schedules, Models and Services  TOUCH™  Total Communication Curriculum  REACH DeafBlind Ontario Services is delivering individual programs with intervention and providing specialized residential services.

TOUCH™ Training Ongoing Unique Committed Holistic ™  A specialized training model designed by the DeafBlind Ontario Services management team

DeafBlind Ontario Services is strengthening the competencies of people who touch the lives of individuals who are deafblind.

TOUCH™ Components  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

TOUCH™ Components  Knowledge of DeafBlind Ontario Services Program Module, including Casenote Writing and Service Tracking  Knowledge of the eye and ear  Knowledge of assistive devices and current technology  Professionalism and ethical practices

Total Communication Curriculum (TCC)  Teaches Intervenors what their roles are as communication partners  The implications of communicating with vision/hearing loss  Adapting methods of communication to meet the deafblind person’s needs  Recognizing behaviour as communication

Community Services - REACH REACH 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 and other professionals in order to develop a customized plan that meets the needs of each individual in their own environment.

Community Services - REACH Pictures REACH Clients and Training The REACH team trains the support team of the individual on implementation through our TOUCH™ training program. Every REACH program looks different for each individual and each supporting agency.

Community Services – SEA Sensory Exploration Arts Created to promote and foster artistic and creative expression among individuals with sensory impairments in a visual arts program. The program provides not only provides a meaningful outlet for artistic expression, it provides a tool for communication and connection to the world. Artists explore and experience many themes through their senses. They are given the opportunity to express their responses to these sensory experiences through visual arts, music, dance and drama without direction.

Community Services – SEA Sensory Exploration Arts Pictures of Clients involved in the SEA program

Focusing on the Fundamentals imagination Service Model - Program Module independenceintervention

Program Module The Process... Ensures Clients’ goals meet their desires, preferences and abilities, including attainability and measurement  Evaluates the process and function of clients’ goals, objectives and program service  Utilizes the service delivered to provide information for program activities, evaluation and funding submissions  Ensures the highest level of service is provided and reinforces our mission, vision and values

Focusing on the Fundamentals  Reflects the clients’ needs and desires through a “Person- Centred Approach” by “Focusing on the Fundamentals” ensures DeafBlind Ontario Services programs open the door to additional opportunities: Imagination A “Person-Centred Approach” to programming encourages Clients to dream and imagine the possibilities Intervention Trained Intervenors will support clients to make it happen Independence Imagination and intervention encourages clients to reach their fullest potential as they move toward greater independence

 The framework consists of three components: Client Program Portfolio Service Tracking Internal Audit – Service Evaluation  Each component of the Program Module is linked. Program Module Framework

Client Program Portfolio Client Program Portfolio Client Biography Client Goals & Strategies Weekly Program Plan & Program Plan Strategies Client Daily Log Glossary & Notes Multi- disciplinary Program Team Meeting Results Internal Review Results Current Abilities & Preferences Needs Assessment (if applicable) Bi-Monthly Reports

Service Model into ShareVision database

“Person-Centred” Resident Plans  Developed using the Multi-Disciplinary Program Team (MDPT) meeting  Formal teams include: the client, the internal team, and family, friends, advocates, community resources, professionals and/or medical specialists when possible  Coordinator Regional Client Services coordinates meetings and follow-up process  Held every 18 months or earlier if significant life change occurs in resident’s life, requiring a review of the plan  A “Person-Centred Approach” goal tool is used to develop strategies based on client’s desired preferences, strengths and needs

Case Study # 1 – Esther Developing innovative programs while respecting the individual’s choice.

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Client Goals Weekly Program Plans Daily Client Log Notes Bi-Monthly Reports Internal Review (IR) Meetings Multi- disciplinary Program Team (MDPT) Meeting Workings of Client Goals

Service Tracking  System utilized by direct staff daily  Tracks the type of service provided directly or indirectly with or for the resident  Type of service delivered is tracked in 10 minute intervals  Tracking offers statistical information  Information provides: history of the service delivered, ensures activities and programs enhance client’s quality of life, assists in strategic planning  Also portrays accountability to the Ministry for funding purposes

Internal Audit  Internal Audit involves the formation of a Service Evaluation committee once every 18 months  Committee includes: Quality of Community Engagement and Quality Assurance, at least one appointed member from Client Services committee, and at least one resource from the community  Committee randomly selects 3 to 5 client names in order to evaluate the Program Module, Service Tracking and minutes from MDPT  Bi-monthly reports, internal review and outcome measurements are utilized for this evaluation

Collaboration of each of these components; Supported living, flexible Service Model, Community Partnerships and standardized training provides the opportunity and potential to focus on the future on “ Imagination, Intervention and Independence …. going beyond boundaries” DeafBlind Ontario Services REACH with the adults at DeafBlind Ontario Services and Community Partnerships through REACH. Ever since she took my hand on the door-step of my home, she has been not only my eyes and ears but also a light in all dark places, a bond between me and life of the world.” Helen Keller “Ever since she took my hand on the door-step of my home, she has been not only my eyes and ears but also a light in all dark places, a bond between me and life of the world.” Helen Keller

Thank You, from DeafBlind Ontario Services