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.

Insert Org Chart

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™

TrainingOngoingUnique

CommittedHolistic ™

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 – SEASensory 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 – SEASensory Exploration Arts

• Pictures of Clients involved in the SEA program

Focusing on theFundamentals

imagination

Service Model - Program Module

independence

intervention

Program ModuleThe 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

InterventionTrained Intervenors will support clients to make it happen

IndependenceImagination 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

Bi-Monthly Reports

Needs Assessment

(if applicable)

CurrentAbilities & Preferences

Internal ReviewResults

Multi-disciplinary

Program Team

Meeting Results

Client DailyLog

Glossary & Notes

Weekly Program Plan &

ProgramPlan Strategies

Client Goals &Strategies

Client Biography

Client ProgramPortfolio

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.

Developing innovative programs while respecting the individual’s choice.

Case Study # 2

Daily Client Log

Notes

Internal Review(IR)

Meetings

Bi-Monthly Reports

Client Goals

Weekly Program Plans

Multi-disciplinaryProgram Team

(MDPT) Meeting

Workings ofClient 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 ….Imagination, Intervention and Independence ….

going beyond boundaries”going beyond boundaries” with the adults at DeafBlind Ontario ServicesDeafBlind Ontario Services and

Community Partnerships through REACHREACH.

“Ever since she took my hand on the door-step of my home, she has been 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 not only my eyes and ears but also a light in all dark places, a bond between me and life of the world.” Helen Kellerme and life of the world.” Helen Keller

Thank You,

from DeafBlind

Ontario Services