The Monitor - Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter

Fall/Winter 2010
The Monitor
A bi-annual publication of
Canadian Deafblind Association
Ontario Chapter
All people who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
Hockey Night in Brantford
Consumers and their Intervenors
were the guests of the Brantford
Blast during a recent Senior ‘A’
hockey game at the Brantford
Civic Arena.
CDBA Ontario consumer Rena
and her Intervenor Laura were
given the opportunity to take
part in the ceremonial puck drop
before the game against the
Norwood Vipers.
In addition to a night out for
consumers, the Blast provided
us with a fundraising opportunity.
Staff sold tickets for the game to
friends and family. CDBA Ontario
received a significant proceeds
from each ticket sold.
Special thanks to Blast owner
Peter
Ham
for
providing
consumers with this great
night out and for providing the
organization with a unique
fundraising event with significant
community exposure.
P.8 2010 Art Show
Rena and her Intervenor Laura pose for a photograph before
dropping the ceremonial puck at a recent Brantford Blast Senior
‘A’ hockey game against the Norwood Vipers on December 17th.
P.9 Flag Raising
Ceremony
P.8 My First Parent
Conference
P.5 Baseball Night
in Brantford
All these great articles and more inside this edition of the Monitor!
The Monitor
Fall/Winter 2010
Page 2
This Issue
3 Message from the Executive Director
10 My First Parent Conference
3 Update on Resource Centre Project
11 Summertime Fun at Lake Joe
4 The Ministry of Community and Social
Services Transformation Activities
12 CDBA Ontario Creates Manager of Fund
Development Position
5 Upcoming Events
13 CDBA Ontario to Open the TSX in June
5 Many Thanks
13 Nevada Vendors
6 John Jr.’s Speech
14 Announcing the 2011 Art Show for Artists
who are Deafblind
8 2010 Art Show at the Brantford Arts Block
9 Deafblind Awareness Month Flag Raised
High
10 Jessica’s Story
15 Special Thanks to Our 2010 Corporate
Supporters
16 CDBA Ontario Hockey Jerseys for Sale
Letter From the Editor
Devin Shyminsky, Communications Coordinator
Welcome to the Fall/Winter 2010 edition of CDBA
Ontario’s The Monitor newsletter.
I hope you’ll enjoy this edition of the Monitor. We have
been very busy since our last newsletter and that will be
reflected in this newsletter. You’ll read about some great
events like our first ever art exhibit that featured artists
who are deafblind.
As always, if you have a story or article that you’d like to
share with the community at CDBA Ontario, contact me
at dshyminsky@cdbaontario.com and we can arrange
for you to tell your story.
Much of what you’ll read would not have been possible
without the generous support of our donors. Thank
you to each of the individuals, families, companies and
organizations that generously donated to CDBA Ontario
in 2010. With your continued support, this year will be
even better.
This year, I’m hoping to expand our public awareness
activities and community events to more communities
in Ontario. Deafblind Awareness Month is a great
opportunity to educate the public and raise funds for
vital programs like our Children’s Intervenor Services.
I’d love to hear if you have any suggestions for events
in your area, or if you are interested in volunteering at
future events in your hometown.
Many of you have probably made New Year’s resolutions.
I’d like to challenge you to add one more resolution to your
list. This newsletter is a great tool to spread awareness.
Hand the newsletter to someone in your circle of friends
and family who don’t know much about CDBA Ontario
and/or deafblindness. The newsletter will also be
available on the website, so you can always email it to
friends and family too. It is a simple and effective way to
help us do the work that we do. And it happens to be an
easy resolution to keep!
Whether you are consumer, member, staff, volunteer,
donor, or family of a consumer, thank you once again
for helping make CDBA Ontario the great organization
it is today.
I look forward to telling you about more great news and
events in the next edition of The Monitor.
Until then, enjoy!
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
The Monitor
Fall/Winter 2010
Page 3
Message from the Executive Director
Cathy Proll
Welcome to this addition of the monitor. I hope that you
find some time to relax and read the wonderful articles
and stories that we have shared in this issue.
It has been a remarkable time in the chapter for both
triumph and challenge. You will read about some of the
great things that have been happening with our services,
our consumers, our families and our members. I will also
share with you an update on some of the difficulties the
chapter has been faced with.
CDBA Ontario has many exciting things planned for the
upcoming months, so please set these dates aside, and
we hope that you can join us. We will keep you on posted
with updates on our new website!
So please enjoy this addition of the monitor, and happy
reading!!
Update on Resource Centre Project
In the Fall of 2010, CDBA Ontario’s purchase offer for the
vacant Sacred Heart School in Paris was conditionally
accepted.
The offer is conditional upon CDBA Ontario completing
financial arrangements for the renovation of the
building. CDBA has submitted two grant applications for
renovations.
At 13,880 square feet, the vacant elementary school is
the ideal building for the Resource Centre. Some time
ago, we asked our stakeholders for their input about what
should be included in our Resource Centre. In addition
to office space, the proposed floor plans include an all
purpose room, snoezelen (sensory) room, music therapy
room, training room, communications lab, meeting room,
respite room, tuck shop, cafe and kitchen.
View of south side of Sacred Heart School. It is the
proposed location for CDBA Ontario’s Resource
Centre.
The proposed renovations include accessibility features
that will provide individuals with barrier-free access to
the Resource Centre and its facilities.
The accessiblity features in the Resource Centre will
set an example for businesses, community groups and
government agencies across the province to follow
as Ontario sets upon the Accessibility for Ontarians
Disabilities Act’s target for province-wide accessibility by
the year 2025.
Please contact the office if you would like to make
a financial contribution to the Resource Centre, or if
you would like to discuss ways that you can make the
Resource Centre a reality.
The 13,880 square foot Sacred Heart School is
located in the heart of historic Paris.
CDBA Ontario will continue to update you with
developments as they occur.
All those who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
The Monitor
Fall/Winter 2010
Page 4
The Ministry of Community and Social Services Transformation Activities
by Cathy Proll
For many of our members the transformation activities of
the Ministry of Community and Social Services Intervenor
Services sector has been an area of great concern.
As we have previously shared with you, the Ministry
of Community and Social Services last fall released
information to our agency informing us of the new funding
model for Intervenor Services. Needless to say, we were
shocked with the information and very concerned about
not only sustaining the current Intervenor services CDBA
ON provides, but how we would be able to support new
individuals in the future who were seeking services.
The CDBA Ontario board of directors in collaboration with
the staff, decided on a peaceful approach to addressing
the situation. We felt that it was important to engage the
ministry and education them on the needs of people
who are deafblind, rather than taking an aggressive
approach. CDBA ON also wanted to keep an open line
of communication with our members and stakeholders.
Keeping this in mind we have been organizing ongoing
conference calls with our membership to update them. If
you are interested in participating in future calls please
contact me at the office and we will arrange it.
In November, David Walker (Board Chair) and I attended
a meeting at Queens Park with senior officials of the
Ministry and other concerned agencies. The intent of
this
meeting
“The
message
was was to share
loud and clear that the our concerns,
request
problems in the sector and
that the ministry
could only be addressed reconsider the
new
funding
with new funding.”
models. This led
to a further meeting later in November with the 5 core
service providers in the province that provide Intervenor
services. This gave the providers an opportunity to
address with the Ministry the specific issues with the new
funding model. The message was loud and clear that the
problems in the sector could only be addressed with new
funding. Subsequent discussions have continued to take
place through a series of meetings.
Letters were sent in November to the Minister of
Community and Social Services, the Assistant Deputy
Minister of Operations and the Assistant Deputy Minister
of Policy Development.
This led to 2 meetings at our office. In the first meeting held
on January 7th, CDBA ON was host to Assistant Deputy
Minister Alex Bezzina and Program Supervisor, Wilma
Vanstaalduinen. The second meeting held on January
17th and attended by Assistant Deputy Minister David
Carter-Whitney and the Director of the Developmental
and Community Services branch Carol Latimer.
As part of the agenda, 4 individuals who utilize Intervenor
services through CDBA ON gave presentations on the
importance
of
their Intervenor “John, Allison, Julia, Jeff
services
and and his family, all did a
highlighted some
fantastic job with their
of the activities
that they were presentations.”
engaged in with
Intervenors. The presentations were very well received
by our guests and certainly provided a firsthand account
of the importance and uniqueness of Intervenor Services.
John, Allison, Julia, Jeff and his family, all did a fantastic
job with their presentations.
The staff and members of the board of directors gave a
presentation on our current service models and the cost
of alternate models.
The final part of the agenda included a visit to a
supported independent home. Rena and Sean were
the host and hostess. This assisted the Ministry staff to
further their understanding of our service models and
how problematic the new funding model would be.
I am pleased to say that Mr Bezzina was instrumental in
arranging a meeting with the Minister of Community and
Social Services, Madeleine Meilleur which is scheduled
to take place this March.
As I mentioned earlier the only way to sustain our current
services and provide Intervenor services to new people
who are entering the system is additional funding being
allocated to the sector. With this is mind CDBA Ontario
was represented at the Pre-Budget Consultations
in London by Julia Hase and myself. Julia gave a
compelling presentation on her need for an Intervenor
and the importance that Intervenor Services played in
her life.
Continued on next page.
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
Page 5
Fall/Winter 2010
The Monitor
Continued from previous page.
I then gave a presentation on the issues at hand
with the proposed funding model and the need for
additional funding.
Julia and I were both pleased with the positive
response we were given by the standing committee
and the show of support that we received from some
of the MPP’s.
CDBA is continuing our education with the Members
of Provincial Parliament by encouraging individuals
and their families to visit their offices. It is important
for you to share your stories and the importance that
Intervenor Services play in the lives of individuals
who are Deafblind. If you would like any assistance
with this, again please contact me.
All in all, I have to say that we have been very effective
in getting our message across. While I cannot
guarantee that there will not be funding changes in
the future, I do feel optimistic that our message that
the proposed funding model will not be viable has
been heard.
CDBA will remain committed to keeping you updated
as new information becomes available but please if
you have questions, feel free to contact the office.
Upcoming Events Calendar
Take a look at the great events coming up at CDBA
Ontario in the coming months. For those events
with dates to be announced (TBA), look for future
updates on our website, Facebook, Twitter and in
the mail.
May 27 - July 6
Art exhibition at the Brantford Arts Block
May 28
Gala for art show at the Brantford Arts Block
May 30
Flag Raising Ceremony and Celebration
June 3
CDBA Ontario Opens the TSX
June, date TBA
CDBA Ontario Night at a Brantford Red Sox game
June, date TBA
CDBA Ontario Staff Awards Night
June, date TBA
Booth at JuneFest in Toronto
Many Thanks
Denise Drake, Intervention Coordinator
Many thanks to the Intervenors:
Jacquelyn, Danielle, and Mellicia who
supported the family.
In this photo: Kimberly Coleman is home
from hospital just in time for a spring visit
to the Royal Botanical Gardens May 2010.
With Intervention Kimberly is able to enjoy
the smell of lilacs in bloom once again.To
experience this you need to smell and feel
the beauty of nature at its best.
Is there someone you
want to recognize
or thank? Share your
message of appreciation
for someone special in
the next edition of The
Monitor by contacting
the editor at
info@cdbaontario.com
All those who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
The Monitor
Fall/Winter 2010
Page 6
John Jr.’s Speech
John Jr. recently had an opportunity to speak with officials from the Ministry of Community and Social Services
during their visit in Brantford. Below is a transcript of his speech and some of the photographs used during his
presentation. Providing Intervenor Services during his speech was Intervention Coordinator Kimberly Kincaid.
Hello my name is John Westerterp Jr. This is my
Intervenor Kimberly. I live in Brantford with my best friend
Yi-min for 12 years. I am 34 years old. My Intervenors
are very important to me. I was very comfortable with
my Intervenors.
Kimberly - Activities John Jr. does with his Intervenor:
Social or Fun:
• Swimming
• Line dancing
• Bowling
• Brantford Music Club
Support/helping me:
• Journal
• E-mail
• Learn new things
Daily Living:
• Weekly plans
• Shopping
• Pay bills
• Banking
• menu planning (healthy
choices)
Medical Appointments:
• Eye doctor
• Dentist
• Hearing appointment
• Family Doctor
• Flu shot
Work:
I work at Marks Work Wearhouse. My Intervenor helps
me communicate with Hiddy my boss. My Intervenor
makes sure people understand what I am saying. My
Intervenor explain what other people are saying by
using their voice and sign language. Sometimes my
Intervenors explain information to me and show me what
to do by example.
Kimberly - What are some things Intervenors have
taught John Jr?
•
My Intervenors taught me how to cook, clean the
house, do banking, grocery shopping, menu planning,
plans for the week, do laundry, how to type my journal,
how to e-mail, how to search on internet, use msn.
•
When the doctor explains to me the Intervenor
signs and explains to me about medication and help me
understand.
•
My Intervenors teach me about 3 pairs of glasses.
When I go outside I use my sunglasses and I use grey
changing glasses outside at the day time or when it is
bright inside. I use my clear glasses inside the house or
outside at night time.
My Intervenor and I was touching sting ray
Kimberly - Grocery Shopping:
I check the grocery list with my Intervenor again. The
Intervenor drives to the grocery store. I get out of the
car we walk a little bit I hold on to the Intervenors arm.
I get a cart the Intervenor has to stay beside with me
holding the cart make sure I don’t hit the other people or
things. I look at my list and find some of my groceries.
I find the food and then I ask the Intervenor for help to
check the date please make sure the date is good or
bad. I can’t read the date, it’s hard to read because its
little. Sometimes Intervenor makes a suggestion about
a better deal. I have to make the decision. I ask the
Intervenor that can find the healthy one the better one
for me. When I put the food on the table the Intervenor
tells me how much it cost. The Intervenor watches me
and what I am doing pay to the person.
Kimberly - Money Ledgers:
I learned how to do money ledgers on paper 12 years
ago; it took me three years working with my Intervenors
to learn how to do money ledgers on paper. I count my
personal money, program money, house money on the
computer. Kimberly my Intervenor taught me the money
ledgers on the computer. On my computer I have a
special program that makes everything bigger.
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
Fall/Winter 2010
The Monitor
Page 7
John Jr.’s Speech continued.
I put the date, the cost and how much money I have left
on the form. I use my big calculator to do the math. I
count my money. I ask the Intervenor to double check
for me please. The Intervenor looks at it make sure the
numbers are right, double check with the calculator,
and count the money. The Intervenor puts the initials
on. Sometimes the Intervenors help fix problems with
the money.
Kimberly - How does John feel about working with one
Intervenor and sharing with your roommate?
My Intervenor talk to me using sign language.
It is a little bit hard. I look at the schedule and it is
confusing. I am trying trying trying my best it is very
hard for me to make a plan. I do my best to make
a plan at the day time. I have a little bit hard time in
the evening because we only have one Intervenor.
It is very very hard for me. I get confused when the
Intervenor and Yi-min are talking because he uses
different sign language than me.
Kimberly - John Jr can get frustrated. What do the
Intervenors do to help John when he is frustrated or
upset?
My Intervenor sign to me about tubing.
Suggest I relax and have a hot bath, do my puzzle book,
watch tv, listen to the radio, call mom and dad, talk to
Kimberly and the Intervenors, e-mail to Kimberly. I
always talk to mom and dad on the phone. Sometimes
the Intervenors explain to mom and dad when I am
frustrated. I try to explain to mom and dad it is very
hard for me to explain to my parents.
The Intervenors listen to me. The Intervenors explain
to me about minor and major problem. One example
is the vacuum cleaner belt is broken, that is a minor
problem because it is easy to fix. A major problem is
when my Uncle died and he was very very sick. He
saw the Doctor many times and got medication and it
only helped a little bit.
Kimberly - What does John Jr. Want in the future?
I talked to my mom and dad and I don’t want to move
in the future. I hate moving.
I was working at Marks Work Wearhouse with my
Intervenor.
All those who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
The Monitor
Fall/Winter 2010
Page 8
Deafblind Awareness Month Activities
As you may know, June was proclaimed “Deafblind Awareness Month” in 2000 by the provincial government with
the Deaf-Blind Awareness Act. Last year, we celebrated Deafblind Awareness Month with a number of important
events. If you have any ideas for events or activities for Deafblind Awareness Month 2011, contact the office.
2010 Art Show at the Brantford Arts Block
CDBA Ontario had the priviledge of running a special
art exhibition in Brantford during the summer. The sixweek long art exhibition ran with the support of the
Brantford Arts Block. The art gallery graciously provided
the space to display artwork by artists who are deafblind.
2010’s art show ran in the gallery from June 11th to July
25th.
On opening night, CDBA Ontario and The Brantford Arts
Block hosted an opening night gala for the exhibition. An
estimated 300 people passed through the doors during
the course of the evening. Artists who are deafblind from
across the province participated in the art show.
deafblind can live rich meaningful lives with the support
of Intervenor Services.
As a Deafblind Awareness Month event, the art show was
a big success with extensive coverage in the local media.
Three of the artists were featured in local newspapers in
the days leading up to the show. Cathy Proll (Executive
Director) and Devin Shyminsky (Communications
Coordinator) were even featured on a Rogers day time
talk show to promote CDBA Ontario and the art show.
Special thanks to staff who helped organize the event
and artist Chantelle McLaren, who was an inspiring and
motivating member of the art show committee.
CDBA Ontario is excited to announce that the Brantford
Arts Block has agreed to once again host another art
show featuring artists who are deafblind in 2010. For
more information on this year`s show, please see
``Announcing the 2011 Art Show for Artists who are
Deafblind``.
A wall display of art. Photograph was shot hours
before the opening night gala in the Brantford
Arts Block, where hundreds came out to view
artwork by artists who are deafblind. The artwork
on the wall was on display for 6 weeks during the
exhibition.
Art gallery guests had the opportunity to view and
purchase artwork. Nearly every artwork available for
purchase was sold on opening night! Some artists had
their pieces displayed but didn’t want to part with their
cherished work.
Artists John and Yi-min (left) are interviewed
by a Brantford Expositor reporter (far right) with
Intervenor Service provided by Intervenor Matt
and Intervention Coordinator Kimberly.
The art show was a wonderful opportunity for CDBA
Ontario to demonstrate that individuals who are
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
The Monitor
Fall/Winter 2010
Page 9
Deafblind Awareness Month Flag Raised High
For the second year in a row, the council at the City
of Brantford proclaimed June as Deafblind Awareness
Month. In addition to this important recognition, the City
hosted a flag raising ceremony at City Hall.
In attendance for the event were many of CDBA Ontario`s
consumers, staff and supporters. CDBA Ontario was
priviledged to have MPP Dave Levac attend in addition
to Mayor Mike Hancock. MP Phil McColeman was not
able to attend due to committments on Parliament Hill
but sent his kind regards.
From Left to Right:
Town Crier David
McKee,
Mayor
Mike
Hancock,
Cathy
Proll
and MPP Dave
Levac pose for a
photo before the
ceremony.
Finally, the big moment arrived. Consumer Chantelle
McLaren was chosen to have the honor of raising the
flag to the top of the flag pole.
Everyone in attendance was invited to Mohawk Park
following the flag raising ceremony for lunch. It was a
great way to end an important day of recognition and
awareness.
CDBA Ontario would like to thank our local Brantford
politicians for their continued support of individuals who
are deafblind.
The flag raising ceremony began with a wonderful
reading of the Deafblind Awareness Month Act by world
renowned Town Crier David McKee.
Mayor Hancock, MPP Levac and Cathy Proll all took
turns speaking with short speeches. Each of them spoke
briefly beneath the flag pole and shared why they thought
Deafblind Awareness Month is important.
Chantelle McLaren raises the flag representing
Deafblind Awareness Month in front of Brantford`s
City Hall. For the second year in a row, the City
of Brantford has proclaimed June as Deafblind
Awareness Month.
Throwing Out the Ceremonial First Pitch
The Brantford Red Sox of the Intercounty Baseball
League hosted a CDBA Ontario Night at one of their
home games this past summer.
In addition to their generous offer, the Red Sox also
provided one of our consumers the opportunity to throw
out the ceremonial first pitch.
CDBA Ontario consumers, staff and supporters were
able to attend the game courtesy of the Red Sox. Yi-min was the lucky consumer who threw out the first
pitch. Shown below are a few photgraphs of Yi-min in
action.
All those who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
Fall/Winter 2010
The Monitor
Page 10
Your Stories
Jessica’s story was recently shared on the relaunched website. It is part of CDBA Ontario’s increased effort to
promote awareness of individuals who are deafblind. Contact the office if you would like to share your story. We
are delighted to highlight how CDBA Ontario’s programs and services have helped those we support live rich
meaningful lives.
We are proud to share the following story.
Jessica’s Story
Jessica is a happy 9 year old girl who
is deafblind and has cerebral palsy.
CDBA Ontario provides Jessica
Intervenor Services through our
Children’s Intervenor Services. She
loves swimming, playing the drums,
toys that vibrate and enjoys activities
that have a lot of movement or rhythm
like swimming or horseback riding.
been working hard on her
goals throughout the summer
with the help of her Intervenor.
Without the support of an
Intervenor,
returning
to
school in September would
be like starting all over again.
Jessica’s mother says “I’m
really thankful that we have
that opportunity. Jessica needs
that Intervention when she’s
not in school.”
What does it mean for Jessica to have
an Intervenor? It means that Jessica
is able to grow and develop while she In this photo, Jessica is working
is away from the Deafblind Program on her pre-braille skills. Children’s
at the W Ross Macdonald School. Intervenor Services provides Jessica The Intervenor Programs are
Jessica’s mom chooses specific goals the opportunity to continue to work also important for her mother.
for the break and the Intervenor helps on important life skills during school The presence of an Intervenor
her achieve and exceed them. The breaks.
during school breaks gives
Intervenor helps Jessica communicate
her mother the opportunity
with and understand her surroundings in and outside of to continue working her job. Without the Intervenor,
the home. As her mom puts it “It isn’t a babysitter coming Kim would have to care for Jessica while school is out.
in and watching her.”
Instead, Kim is able to go to work with the comfort of
knowing that Jessica’s enjoying summer and holiday
The Intervenor helps Jessica work on goals like breaks like any other child.
orientation and mobility, communication and self care.
Intervenors have even helped Jessica take steps out Kim enjoys coming home from a hard day at work and
of her wheel chair. Amazingly, Jessica has come from finding out about her Jessica’s day with her Intervenor
being wheel chair bound to using a cane.
and says “it makes me really proud when I get home
from work and hear about all the great progress she’s
Jessica’s teachers are so proud when she comes back made.”
to school in the fall. Her teachers can tell that she has
This success story would not be possible without the generous financial contributions of individuals
like you.
Please contact CDBA Ontario to find out how you can support Children’s Intervenor Services or
visit the donation section of our website.
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
The Monitor
Page 11
Fall/Winter 2010
My First Parent Conference
By Pam Peirson
In November of this past year, my partner Marie and I
attended our very first CDBA Ontario Parent Conference.
Even with our crazy and hectic daily lives, I am almost
embarrassed to say that we have never been able to
arrange our schedules to attend this wonderful gathering
of people that we have so much in common with.
From the moment we arrived, we were made to feel
welcomed and as if we were long lost family members
that had just showed up at the reunion. It didn’t matter
that we had waited 17 years to arrive, or that our family
is a little bit “unconventional”. All that seemed to matter
that first evening is that we had finally come to be a part
of this wonderful group.
Marie
and
Kim
Allard are seen here
discussing
sensory
toys with a presenter
from MukiBaum.
The planning of an event like
this conference, I can only
imagine, took a tremendous
amount of dedication and
long hours to complete. It
was obvious that every
detail was thought out with
the parents in mind. The
beautiful and relaxing setting
of the Blue Mountain Resort,
the variety of delicious foods
that I am sure satisfied every
palate and dietary need, the
most friendly people greeting
us at every turn and the fun
of a silent auction. These
were just some parts of the
planning that set the stage
for what happened inside the
conference once it began.
At conferences we have attended in the past we are used
to having guest speakers from outside organizations and
a few workshops to attend. We found the guest speaker
from the Miki Baum Centre in Toronto interesting and
The Parent Panel
featured parents
with diverse
experiences and
Executive Director
Cathy Proll.
Parents shared
their family stories
and the panel took
questions from the
audience.
The most valuable workshop for us was the parent panel.
This presentation involved different families sharing the
experiences they had with the choices they made for
their children once they reached adulthood. We were so
thankful to these families for sharing with us their honest
experiences, how they came to their decisions, and what
the positives and negatives of those decisions were. All
questions directed to them were answered honestly and
with respect. We cannot thank them enough for their
contribution to the conference.
My partner and I would both like to thank CDBA for giving
us the opportunity to meet so many wonderful parents
and to make a few new friends that we have continued
to connect with since the conference. For many years,
we have felt as though our family didn’t quite fit any of
the typical “groups” of families with special needs. We
still believe that we don’t fit in a mold, but now we feel as
though we have a community that we can belong to that
really understands how amazing our child is and can be.
With sincere thanks,
Pam & Marie (Courtney’s moms)
informative. Attending the person centered planning
workshop gave us a good understanding of some of the
tools and philosophies of intervention through CDBA. It
was reassuring to know that CDBA’s philosophies and
ours are very similar to each other in planning for our
daughter’s future.
All those who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
Parents broke into
small working groups
with presenters from
MukiBaum Treatment
Centre and shared
questions, comments
and insights.
The Monitor
Fall/Winter 2010
Summertime Fun at Lake Joe
Article and photographs courtesy of Kimberly Kincaid
Every year the consumers go to CNIB’s
Lake Joseph Centre for a mini holiday.
They go in September for four days and
three nights. They have been doing this
for many years now.
Lake Jo they offers many activities
such as pontoon boat cruise, kayaking,
canoeing, sail boating, tubing, fishing,
swimming, camp fire, celebration
dances, musical entertainment, and even
Bingo for prizes. There are computers, bocce ball,
football, basket ball and a craft room on site for entertainment.
The camp is a great place to meet old friends and new and is
adapted for the visually impaired and is completely wheel chair
accessible. The consumers always look forward to going and
have a blast every year!
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
Page 12
The Monitor
Page 13
Fall/Winter 2010
CDBA Ontario Creates
Manager of Fund Development Position
In early February, CDBA Ontario posted an opening for a
new position: Manager of Fund Development.
The Manager of Fund Development will develop our
fundraising capacity in the areas of annual giving and
major gifts.
Look for an update on this position in the upcoming
Spring/Summer edition of The Monitor with an article by
the new Manger of Fund Development.
Did You Know?
All openings are listed on the Career section of our
website and are publicized on our Facebook page
and Twitter account.
CDBA Ontario to Open the TSX in June
We are excited to announce that on June 3rd, senior
staff, the board of directors and selected consumers will
be in Toronto to open the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX)
in honour of Deafblind Awareness Month..
The market open ceremony will take place at 9:30 sharp,
immediately before the stocks of Canada’s largest
companies begin trading.
A photograph and video of CDBA Ontario opening
the market will be featured on wws.tsx.ca for the day,
providing the organization amazing exposure.
The TSX is the largest stock exchange in Canada, third
largest in North America and the eigth largest in the
world.
Announcing the 2011 Art Show for Artists who are Deafblind
CDBA Ontario is pleased to announce
that the Brantford Arts Block has
granted us six weeks this year to
display the beautiful artwork of artists
who are deafblind. This year’s art
show will run from May 27th to July
8th.
gallery is able to generate revenue.
Artists can choose to keep their art
work and they also have the option
of donating their pieces to CDBA
Ontario. Artists who choose to keep
their artwork will have to arrange
plans to have their artwork returned.
A gala opening will be held on
Saturday, May 28th from 1 PM until
4 PM. You are invited to attend the
gala, view the artwork and meet the
artists. Admission to the art show is
free and refreshments and snacks
will be provided.
Admission is free to the art gallery.
Come out and see for yourself the
beautiful art work of artists who are
deafblind. The Arts Block is open
dailly from Tuesday to Saturday
from 12 PM until 6 PM.
The Brantford Arts Block has
granted CDBA Ontario 6 weeks
to display artwork by artists who
are deafblind. The exhibit will run
from May 27th- July 8th.
CDBA Ontario will accept art work
from individuals in the province of
Ontario who are deafblind. Each participant can submit
up to 4 pieces of art. Artists of all ages are encouraged
to submit their work.
Please be aware that the Brantford Arts Block will
receive a commission of 20 % for each piece sold. This
fee is not negotiable. As a registered Canadian charity,
commissions are one of the only ways that they art
This art show would not be possible
without the continued suport of the
Brantford Arts Block. Make sure
you visit www.brantfordartsblock.ca regularly, as the art
gallery continues to attract wonderful exhibits.
For more information on the art show, please contact
the Communications Coordinator Devin Shyminsky at
the office.
All those who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
Fall/Winter 2010
The Monitor
Page 14
Nevada Vendors
Support CDBA Ontario with the purchase of your Nevada tickets at the locations listed below. We are very
appreciative of the vendors who sell tickets on our behalf.
Thank you for your support!
99 Mini Mart
445 Brock Street North
Whitby L1N 4H8
Enjoy Convenience
25 Thickson Road Suite 2
Whitby L1N 8W8
Mac’s #1441
2385 Burnhamthorpe Rd
Mississauga L5L 6A4
Sam’s Variety
228 Margaret Street
Kitchener N2H 4J5
Barrie Master Convenience EZ Go Convenience 427
101 Dunlop Street
Garrison Road 6
Barrie L4N 1A8
Fort Erier L2A 6E6
Mac’s #1451
Sidney Market
2385 Rutherford Road #18 423 Sidney Street
Mississauga L4L 9R8
Trenton K8V 6N6
Big Bee
5056 Montrose Avenue
Niagara Falls L2H 1K2
Gateway #529
4841 Yonge St
Toronto M2N 5X2
Mac’s #452
1688 Albion Road
Toronto M9V 1B8
Smart Food Fair
1691 Pickering Pkwy
Pickering L1V 5L9
Burlington Lotto
Lot K - 777 Guelph Line
Burlington L7R 3N2
Grab & Go Convenience
236 Kenilworth Avenue N
Hamilton L8H 4S5
Mac’s #60296
11 Mt Pleasant Road
Toronto M4T 1K2
St. Joachim Variety
969 Hwy #2
St. Joachim N0B 1S0
Cambrige Mini Mart
550 Hespler Road
Cambridge N1R 6J8
Greer’s Variety & Lottery
575 Indian Road South
Sarnia N7T 3W4
Mac’s #66093
96 Gerrard Street East
Toronto M5B 1G7
Campbell’s Convenience
391 Walton Street
Cobourg K9A 3X4
Helen’s Convenience
11 Strathcona Blvd
Hamilton L8R 3B8
Mac’s #835
327 Bronte Street South
Milton L9T 4A4
Stratford Smoke Plus
Variety
925 Ontario St #8
Stratford N5A 6W5
Carnarvon Jug City
Part Lot 14, Conc 13
Carnarvon K0M 1J0
Hillcrest Zellers Lotto
9350 Yonge Street
Richmond Hill L4C 5G2
Mac’s #838
3350 Fairview Street
Burlington L7N 3L5
Choice Convenience
45 Main Street North
Georgetown L7G 3H2
International News
4141 Dixie Road Unit 44
Mississauga L4W 1V5
Mac’s #180
680 Cathcart Blvd
Sarnia N7V 2X5
Clover Food Mart
516 River Street
Alvinston N0N 1C0
Mac’s - Becker’s #66024
461 Main Street
Bloomfield K0K 1G0
Mac’s Convenience #1707
3250 Brookdale Ave
Cornwall K6H 7A3
Daisy Mart
27 Ruth Avenue, Unit 2
Brampton L6Z 3X3
Mac’s - Becker’s #66026
261 Main Street
Foxboro K0K 2B0
Mr. Convenience
190 Simcoe Street
Peterborough K9H 2H7
Daisy Mart
6899 - 14th Ave #7
Markham L6B 0S2
Mac’s - Becker’s #81105
1650 Williams Parkway
Brampton L4N 4C8
New Ranch Market
306 Kerr Street
Oakville L6K 3B5
Double Double
Convenience
927 Bloor Street West
Toronto M6H 1L5
Mac’s #1064
3427 Derry Road East
Mississauga L4T 1A8
One Stop Variety
501 Riston Road South
Oshawa L1H 5K3
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
Super 7 Convenience
20907 Daton Road
Sutton West L0E 1R0
Ticket Hut
1255 The Queensway
Toronto M8Z 1S1
Tollgate Mini Mart
255 Tollgate Road
Waterloo N2L 4M3
Tottenham Smoke &
Variety
55 Queen St S, Unit 18
Tottenham L0G 1W0
Victoria Variety
483 Speedvale Ave East
Guelph N1E 6J2
Your Convenience 899
Grand Marais Rd East
Windsor N6X 3H9
Page 15
Fall/Winter 2010
The Monitor
Special Thanks to Our Corporate Supporters in 2010
Hamilton Ti-Cat tickets, two night stay at Blue Mountain Resorts, CN Tower passes, Stratford Festival
tickets, signed hockey stick by the London Knights... These are just some of the great prizes donated
for our eBay and silent auctions in 2010.
Thank you to each of the following organizations for donated items this past year.
• 4th line Theatre
• A Company of Fools
• Alumnae Theatre
• Art Gallery of Hamilton
• Bingemans
• Bird Kingdom
• Black Creek Pioneer
Village
• Blue Mountain Resorts
• Blyth Festival
• Bowmanville Zoo
• Brantford Red Sox
• Brantford Symphony
Orchestra
• Brantford Twin Valley
Zoo
• Canadian Museum of
Civilization
• Johnston Equipment
• Owen Sound Attack
• Canadian Museum of
Nature
• Jungle Cat World
• Kitchener-Waterloo
Symphony
• Port Stanley Festival
Theatre
• Canadian War Museum
• Canadian Warplane
Museum
• Care-e-On Bags
• Carousel Players
• Casa Loma
• CN Tower
• Curtain Club
• Drayton Entertainment
• Cambridge Butterfly
Conservatory
• East Side Players
• Deaf Culture Centre
• English Butler- Lynden
Park Mall
• Canada Agriculture
Museum
• Fringe Theatre Festival
• Canada Aviation
Museum
• Great Canadian Theatre
Company
• Canadian Canoe
Museum
• Scarborough Theatre
Music
• London Children’s
Museum
• Medieval Times
• Burl Oak Theatre
• Canadian Automotive
Museum
• Lighthouse Theatre
• Classic Festival Theatre
• Dancap Productions
• Canada Science and
Technology Museum
• Sanderson Centre
• London Knights
• Club Link
• Grand Theatre
• Grey Roots Museum
• Guelph Museums
• Hamilton Civic Museums
• Hamilton Tiger-Cats
• Hockey Hall of Fame
• Roxy Theatre
• Laurier Brantford
• Chiefswood National
Historic Site
• Buddies in Bad Times
Theatre
• Cahoots Theatre
• Lang Pioneer Village
Museum
• Port Stanley Terminal
Rail
• MarineLand
• Mississauga Majors
• Science North
• Smackdab! Pottery
Studio
• Solar Stage
• Stirling Theatre
• Montgomery’s Inn, City
of Toronto
• Stratford Shakespeare
Festival
• Museum of Ontario
Archaeology
• Teatron
• Technicolor
• Muskoka Heritage Place
• Textile Museum of
Canada
• Niagara Historical
Society
• The Marco Corporation,
• Niagara Ice Dogs
• The Second City
• Niagara Symphony
• Theatre Ancaster
• Oakville Centre for the
Performing Arts
• Toronto and Region
Conservation
• Odyssey Theatre
• Toronto Rock
• Ontario Science Centre
• Wasaga Beach Paintball
Adventure
• Orchestra London
• Ontario Teachers
Insurance Plan
• Ottawa 67s
All those who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
• William’s Coffee Pub
• Woodbine Centre and
Fantasy Faire
Fall/Winter 2010
The Monitor
Page 16
CDBA Ontario Hockey Jerseys For Sale
CDBA Ontario is delighted to announce that
we now have hockey jerseys for purchase.
They are perfect for use as your child’s hockey
practice jersey and they are also a great way
to keep warm on a cold winter night.
Jerseys are available for purchase at $45. You
can choose from S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL and
goalie cut.
Email Devin at dshyminsky@cdbaontario.com
or dial extension 29 if you are interested in a
purchase or would like additional information.
Training
CDBA Ontario has established a reputation for training skilled Intervenors who provide access to
information, communication and other supports to a wide range of people who are deafblind. Our wealth
of experience in the field makes CDBA Ontario uniquely qualified to train your staff in the techniques
they need to provide optimum services.
For more info, please contact the Director of Training and Consultation at info@cdbaontario.com. Our
organization looks forward to working with you and believes that together we can ensure that “all people
who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives.”
Do You Want to Share “Your Story”?
Follow Us on Facebook and Twitter
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/cdbaontario
Twitter
www.twitter.com/cdbaontario
Canadian
Deafblind
Association
Ontario Chapter
CDBA Ontario is committed to raising public awareness
and educating the public about deafblindness. We
need your help. It is you, our members, consumers
and staff of the CDBA Ontario community who have
the great stories that will have a lasting impact on the
public. With your hlep, we can show Ontarians how
important Intervenor Services are to individuals who
are deafblind. Share “Your Story” today by contacting
the office at info@cdbaontario.com.
54 Brant Avenue
3rd Floor
Brantford, ON
N3T 3G8
Phone: 519-759-0520
Toll-free: 1-877-760-7439
Fax: 519-759-1425
TTY: 519-759-3597
E-mail: info@cdbaontario.com
Charitable # 10684 5159 RR0001