Summer 2016 - Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter

The Monitor
Summer 2016
A publication of
Canadian Deafblind Association
Ontario Chapter
All people who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
Lauren delivers a strike for deafblind awareness
Nine-year-old Lauren Jolette tossed a perfect pitch
to catcher Josh Thole to open the Toronto Blue Jays
game against the New York Yankees on June 1.
The ceremony kicked off National Deafblind
Awareness Month, the sixth time the Blue Jays have
invited the Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario
Chapter to throw out the first pitch.
Lauren said she was excited and nervous before
her moment in the spotlight but a game of catch
with friendly Blue Jays mascot Ace helped settle her
nerves.
Lauren took the field holding hands with her dad Dan
and made an accurate throw to Thole, who returned
the ball to the family as a keepsake.
“My baby,” mom Angela said proudly as she took in
the emotional moment for the family.
The Blue Jays gave Lauren and her family the VIP
treatment, presenting the youngster with a team
jersey with her name and the No. 9 on the back for
her age.
As soon as she learned she was chosen to throw
out the ceremonial first pitch Lauren got a brand new
baseball glove from her parents and began practising
by playing catch with her younger sister Janelle and
dad. She even took the glove to school to practice
during recess.
The chance to set foot on the field at Rogers Centre
made Lauren into a bit of a celebrity at school.
Doris Connors, Lauren’s intervenor at St. James
School in Sudbury, said the entire school wished
Lauren luck.
Lauren Jolette meets Toronto Blue Jays mascot Ace before
throwing out the first pitch at Rogers Centre on June 1.
“It’s been a good ego boost for her,” she said.
Lauren’s story raised awareness of deafblindness in
the Sudbury area with stories by CTV Northern News
and the Sudbury Star and Northern Life newspapers.
Lauren has had limited vision in her right eye and none
in her left eye since birth. She was diagnosed with a
hearing impairment two years ago, which enabled her
to receive deafblind intervenor services at school.
Angela said she is helping start a braille club in
Sudbury. Lauren will begin learning braille next year
in Grade 4.
More than 160 consumers, intervenors, parents,
friends and CDBA Ontario staff were in the stands to
cheer Lauren on. They went home happy after the
Blue Jays delivered a 7-0 win.
The Monitor
Summer 2016
Page 2
This Issue
1 Lauren delivers a strike
8 True colours
2 Message from the Executive Director
9 A few of his favourite things
3 Deafblind advocate speaks at Senate
event
10 Borrowed Time
4 Volunteers honoured for giving back
5 Getting real with artificial turf
6 Taking deafblindness to new heights
7 Sensory experience in Niagara
11 Nevada vendors
12 Exploring Royal Botanical Gardens
13 Good vibrations
14 Daryl goes for some R&R
15 CDBA Ontario in brief
Message from the Executive Director
CDBA Ontario has been very busy since the last edition
of the newsletter. We have many wonderful stories to
share with you as well as some sad news regarding
two people who have been very near and dear to our
organization.
It has been a while since we have had a newsletter out to
you, so please enjoy a larger than usual edition.
On another note, I would like to introduce you to our
new Communications Coordinator, Brian Shypula. Brian
joined our organization in May and has great experience
in the journalism and reporting profession. His most
recent position was with the Brant News in Brantford.
Brian is responsible for the CDBA Ontario internal and
external communications including our website, social
media, newsletters, media relations and events.
Samantha Gaspar is our Event Planning and Fund
Development Assistant who works alongside Brian and
together they make quite a team!
Since the last edition of the newsletter the chapter has
been very involved in a number of activities. Captured in
our newsletter are amazing awareness events, activities
that have been happening around the province with the
people in our services and an update on the amazing
achievements of people who are deafblind.
So please enjoy this edition of the newsletter and until
next time.
Happy reading!
Cathy Proll
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
The Monitor
Summer 2016
Page 3
Deafblind advocate speaks at Senate event
Intervenor services that provide a trained person to
help with tactile communication and guiding is the
key to unlocking barriers faced by Canadians who are
deafblind, Penny LeClair told leaders on Parliament Hill.
LeClair, who is deafblind and had her guide dog at her
side, spoke at a Senate reception on June 8 to recognize
June as National Deafblind Awareness Month.
She outlined the day-to-day communication and mobility
challenges she faces having no vision and significant
hearing loss. Without an intervenor, LeClair said she
could not cross the street, shop at a pharmacy or take
care of chores independently.
“We look forward to the day when all deafblind Canadians
with the help of intervenors can contribute to their
community, enjoy all services and lead more meaningful
lives,” LeClair said, as her intervenor relayed feedback
about the audience to her by touch.
Deafblindness impacts an estimated one in 10,000
Canadians. The number is expected to grow as the
population ages and more seniors become deafblind.
The reception was co-hosted by House of Commons
Deputy Speaker Bruce Stanton, Senators Yonah Martin
and Jim Munson and retired senator Vim Kochhar.
“I do not know how many of you can visualize just being
blind or deaf, but both of these disabilities together bring
total darkness and total emptiness. That is why decades
after Helen Keller’s death, her life stands as a beacon of
hope for those who constantly struggle just to perform
routine tasks, that most of us take for granted,” Kochhar
said.
“New technologies, products, services and rights are
helping deafblind Canadians in their everyday lives, and
while other progress has been made, there is still much
work to do to ensure that they have the opportunity to
enjoy life in Canada to the best extent possible,” said
Stanton, MP for Simcoe-North.
“Let us continue building on Helen Keller’s legacy of
forward social progress, and together we will work to
ensure that deafblind Canadian have equal access to
the benefits and opportunities that our country affords
Penny LeClair, who is deafblind, addresses a reception on
Parliament Hill as her intervenor provides feedback.
us,” Stanton said.
About 40 people attended the reception, the second
annual since June was declared National Deafblind
Awareness Month by the Senate in 2015, a cause
championed by Kochhar, Martin and Munson. June was
chosen because it is the birth month of Helen Keller, an
American author and political activist who was the first
deafblind person to earn a university degree.
Several organizations representing the deafblind
community attended the reception, including Canadian
Deafblind Association National, CDBA Ontario and New
Brunswick chapters, Canadian Helen Keller Centre,
Deafblind Ontario Services, CNIB, Deafblind Association
of Toronto, George Brown College and Association of
Usher Syndrome Quebec.
“I think the challenge across the country is the awareness
piece, getting that message out there and helping people
understand that there is a disability called deafblindness,”
said Cathy Proll, CDBA Ontario executive director.
The delegates witnessed the Senate proclaim June as
Deafblind Awareness Month.
All people who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
Summer 2016
The Monitor
Page 4
Volunteers honoured for giving back
Four CDBA Ontario consumers were recognized
recently for their contributions to their communities.
JEFFREY
Jeffrey from London2 SILP
was recognized for making his
community a better place at the
Ontario Volunteer Service Awards
ceremony in London.
MPP Michael Chan, Ontario
Minister of Citizenship, Immigration
and International Trade, presented
Jeffrey with an award for his 10 years of
dedication and efforts volunteering at the London
Public Library.
The community is not the only one that benefits
from what he does. This is a win-win situation.
His job brings happiness, self-worth and sense
of commitment to Jeffrey. His job is definitely an
activity that he enjoys doing.
CARA
It’s an understatement to say Cara of London2 SILP
gets a big kick out of soccer, participating through
Special Olympics since 2012.
Cara received the Scanlan Soccer Award for
her enthusiastic personality and improvement in
participation on June 10.
Cara plays indoor soccer every Tuesday in the winter
months and outdoors in the spring and summer.
One hour of warm ups and
exercises, drills and games
is paying off for Cara, who
has experienced amazing
improvement this year.
LYNN
Lynn of the London2 SILP
has been volunteering at a
daycare centre for 30 years.
London Children’s
Connection celebrated
Lynn’s longtime volunteer
service with a specially
decorated cake,
personalized gift and flowers.
Lynn started at the daycare
after graduating from W. Ross Macdonald School
in 1986.
With assistance from her intervenor Zara, Lynn
found her place at Northridge working in the
kitchen preparing the lunch cart for kids.
Today, Lynn still prepares the lunch cart
and has her own table with kids, where she
teaches them sign language about the food
they will eat including the signs for milk,
water, please and thank you.
RICHARD
Richard was recognized for 10 years of volunteer
service to the North York Seniors Centre (NYSC)
on June 24.
NYSC presented Richard with a nice
certificate and beautiful bouquet of flowers at
a luncheon at the seniors centre.
Richard volunteers in the kitchen at NYSC
one day a week.
Being part of a team is
important to Cara, who
motivates others by clapping
and cheering when goals are
scored.
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
The Monitor
Summer 2016
Page 5
Getting real with artificial turf
Consumers experience sensory tour of Rogers Centre
John Jr. touched the tiny rubber
beads that provide cushion
underfoot for athletes competing
on the artificial turf at Rogers
Centre.
Richard stretched out flat on his
back in the outfield, a smile on his
face as he basked in the warm
sunshine streaming through the
dome’s open roof.
Brandon used his tactile map – a
mini diorama of a baseball field
made prior to the trip – to identify
the different parts of the field.
Something was cooking. Pizza,
guessed one person. “It smells like
grilled cheese,” said another in the
crowd.
The sensory tour of the Rogers
Centre lived up to its promise
for more than 40 consumers,
intervenors and other CDBA
Ontario staff who journeyed to
Toronto on May 18.
Brandon touches a tactile map depicting the playing field at the Rogers Centre
before taking a sensory tour of the stadium.
experience also promoted
independence.
promotes independence,” Clark
said.
The experience was intended to
help prepare consumers for the
Toronto Blue Jays game against
the New York Yankees on June 1.
Consumers came from London,
Kitchener, Oakville, North York,
Brantford and Paris. Some drove
to Toronto with their intervenors.
Others carpooled to the Aldershot
GO Train station in Burlington and
took the train to Union Station.
Consumers also experienced the
field from the same vantage point
as a sports reporter during a visit to
the press box behind home plate.
Kristi Clark, special projects
intervenor, said the learning
“When we introduce things
like taking a GO Train it really
Alessandro used his cellphone’s
video mode to take in the view.
All people who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
The Monitor
Summer 2016
Page 6
Taking deafblindness to new heights
CN Tower lights up CDBA Ontario
Canada’s iconic CN Tower was illuminated in red, white
and black on June 2 for National Deafblind Awareness
Month.
The tower lighting in the colours of the Canadian
Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter was a first for
the 25-year-old charitable organization, which provides
intervenor and other services to more than 75 people
who are deafblind across Ontario.
Alecia was one of six CDBA Ontario consumers to
witness the historic event in Toronto.
“I had an awesome night with the CN Tower,” Alecia said
happily.
John Jr. and intervenor Serena explore ancient artifacts at the
Royal Ontario Museum.
John Jr. made sure to capture the colourful tower on
the camera he carries with him to record important
experiences.
The consumers were accompanied by their intervenors
and joined by staff from CDBA Ontario. The group waved
red and white glow sticks at the base of the tower in
celebration.
“I’m very proud,” said Cathy Proll, CDBA Ontario
executive director.
The tower lighting capped an action-packed two days in
Toronto.
Our group at the CN Tower for the lighting.
More than 160 deafblind people, intervenors, family
and supporters attended the Toronto Blue Jays game
against the New York Yankee on June 1. Thousands
in attendance at the Rogers Centre learned about the
unique disability of deafblindness and CDBA Ontario
as nine-year-old Lauren Jolette of Sudbury, who is
deafblind, threw out the opening pitch.
The trip included a chance to explore dinosaurs, learn
about wildlife from across globe, visit ancient China and
see the art of tattooing at the Royal Ontario Museum.
They also dined at SIGNS Restaurant, where the staff
are deaf and communicate by sign language, and
enjoyed a stay at the Chelsea Hotel.
Connie enjoys her salad at SIGNS Restaurant.
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
Summer 2016
The Monitor
Page 7
Sensory experience in Niagara
The Peace Bridge in Fort Erie is shown illuminated in the red, black and white colours of CDBA Ontario.
Helen Keller once said, “Life is
either a great adventure or nothing.”
Adventure for 23 consumers on
Monday, June 27 – the anniversary
of Keller’s birthday – included
touching, smelling and tasting herbs
in a sensory garden at a Niagaraon-the-Lake winery, sampling four
Reif Estates wines, dinner at a
rainforest-themed restaurant and
seeing the iconic Peace Bridge in
Fort Erie illuminated in red, white
and black – the colours of CDBA
Ontario.
The daytrip culminated National
Deafblind Awareness Month
activities for CDBA Ontario during
June.
The sensory garden provided an
aromatic and tactile experience for
the consumers.
“It’s soft,” LeeAnn said as she got
down on her hands and knees to
touch some lamb’s ear.
Alecia was able to pick out the
familiar scent of lavender right away
because she grows it in her garden
at home.
She wasn’t as fussy on another
herb, agreeing with intervenor Toby
it was “kind of stinky” and left their
hands feeling sticky.
The herbs and flowers in the
garden represent both the colours
and flavour profiles of wines
sampled on the tour.
Alessandro said he enjoyed the
garden tour and wine tasting. “It’s
mature.”
Participants were allowed to
pluck and take home herbs from
the garden. Each consumer had
a CDBA Ontario bag to collect
items from the trip to include in an
“experience book.”
Adriano explores the sensory garden at
Reif Estates Winery.
“I hope it’s going to be very exciting
and people will have something to
bring back with them so that they
can remember this day for a very
long time,” said Kristi Clark, special
projects intervenor.
Rena, Allison and Ingrid weren’t
about to be undone by the screw
cap bottles used by Reif. They
cleverly dipped corks in the wines
to capture the scents for their
experience books.
The CDBA Ontario entourage of
more than 70 people gathered
near Mather Arch on the shore of
Lake Erie to witness the historic
first lighting of the Peace Bridge in
CDBA Ontario’s colours.
Alessandro samples a white wine at
Reif Estates Winery.
Talice tests the water in a fountain at
Reif Estates Winery.
All people who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
Summer 2016
The Monitor
True colours
Having just moved in to their new apartments in Paris,
everyone made it feel more like home with colourful coats
of paint.
Each resident got to choose from hundreds of colours for
his or her bedroom and intervenors and volunteers joined
them for a painting party on May 14.
Kevin applied the first roller of a soft blue in his room.
Connie chose a brave purple for her room.
The day was organized by Samantha Gaspar, event
planning and fund development assistant.
Connie and intervenor Nikki add some “Brave
The paint and supplies were donated by Dave King, store Purple” to her bedroom wall.
manager of the Sherwin-Williams on 15 Sheldon Dr. in
Cambridge.
Maintenance coordinator Dennis Vecchiato supplied the
meat and manned the grill for the barbecue lunch. The
burgers, hotdogs and salads hit the spot.
Volunteer painters included Kara, Kristi, Krysta and
her dad Len, intervenor Ala and her dad John, student
intervenor Samantha and Brian.
Intervenor Lidia and Kevin use hand-over-hand to
roll “Adrift” blue onto the wall.
Nicholas and intervention coordinator Cullen Drew
apply tape to get things started.
John Jr. is happy with his choice of “Vast Sky” to
match his Toronto Maple Leafs themed bedroom.
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
Page 8
The Monitor
Summer 2016
Page 9
A few of his favourite things
Nicholas put his best foot forward,
and of course it was in a funky
sock.
About 30 people came to party
with Nicholas at the CDBA Ontario
Resource Centre on June 25, and
they were wearing their brightest,
loudest and most fun socks too.
“We’re gearing this party around
Nicholas’ likes, his favourite things
– and that’s socks and popsicles,”
said Cullen Drew, intervention
coordinator.
With Shay Butler’s catchy “The
Socks Song” pumping in the
background, the guests danced,
took part in a sock toss contest
and made creative sock puppets.
Daniel’s puppet with a full
mustache and bushy eyebrows
looked just like his dad,
maintenance coordinator Dennis
Vecchiato.
ABOVE: Nicholas and intervenor Ashley at his Socks and Popsicles party.
BELOW LEFT: Daniel wears a sock puppet that looks like his dad Dennis.
BELOW RIGHT: Connie works on a sock puppet with intervenor Heidi.
Nicholas’ Apt. 1 roommates got
into the spirit of the party, sporting
special socks for the occasion.
Sean, who loves the wild kingdom,
wore animal print socks. Jason
went for the superhero look. His
brand new red socks had a yellow
lightning bolt for The Flash.
Parents Joel and Angie travelled
from Bowmanville for Nicholas’
party. They said they’re pleased
by changes they’ve seen in their
son since he moved into the new
apartments beside the CDBA
Ontario Resource Centre in
February.
“He’s become so independent
since he started living in the
complex,” said Angie, impressed
that Nicholas has learned to sign
please and thank you with them all
the time.
Nicholas laughed and smiled as his
dad twirled him like a top.
“It’s phenomenal that he has a
community of his peers,” Angie
said. “This is awesome. We don’t
get to see the interaction with his
friends very often.”
Drew said Nicholas was involved
in all aspects of the party, including
planning, shopping for supplies
and colouring posters.
Joel indulged Nicholas in one of
his favourite activities – spinning.
Host Nicholas handed out colourful
popsicles to his guests as the party
drew to a close.
All people who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
Summer 2016
The Monitor
Page 10
Borrowed Time
by Betty Lysionek
We dreamt of becoming parents.
We waited excitedly for the birth. We
learned to deal with the future.
think, “Oh my, she is eight, and finally
settling in with school day routines
and the ongoing medical issues.”
The bond is immediate. This little
one is our new way of life. As a
family we coped with all her needs.
We grieved for all the “normal”
milestones she would never reach,
and enjoyed and celebrated, along
with being absolutely amazed, at the
different milestones she did reach.
We would again get caught up in
handling each day and once again
you realize she is now 15, and you
need to start planning for her future
after graduating from school. What
will her days look like?
We got through all the medical ups
and downs.
We learned to accept the restrictions
and limitations of everyday life, and
just kept moving forward.
Days went by, then years, and every
once in a while I sat quietly and did
think. Wow, she is two. When did
that happen and how did we do it?
Then the roller coaster ride would
continue and once again you sit and
Wow, graduation day came and she
was 21. A new and exciting chapter
begins for her with a day program
filled with fun and useful activities.
Time well spent training the
intervenors could only mean a better
and more meaningful life for her.
birthday she leaves us and returns to
her maker and we are heartbroken.
Once again I sat and thought, “She
is now 30.” Do I have her future all It was an amazing journey and we
planned out for when we would no would do it all again even knowing it
longer be able to physically care for was all on borrowed time.
her? Better look into that.
Melanie Lysionek –
And now just a week before her 33rd May 11, 1983 - May 3, 2016
Remembering Ted Isard
Ted and wife Chris were always
very grateful for the services
provided by CDBA Ontario to
their son Jeffrey.
We remember Ted as a kind,
caring, considerate and
generous person.
CDBA Ontario lost a good friend
and dedicated supporter with
the passing of Ted Isard in May.
The following is an exerpt from
Ted’s obituary:
Ted enjoyed a long history with
CDBA Ontario including many
years as president of the board.
Ted Isard, peacefully surrounded
by his family at LHSC Victoria
Hospital on Thursday May 12,
2016. Much loved husband of
Christine (Waugh).
Loving father of Jeffrey, Jessica
and her husband Jay Baker.
Proud and loving Bampa of
Charlie and Simon. Also loved
by his mother-in-law Mary Jane
Waugh and by his brothers-inlaw and sisters-in-law Greg and
Paula Waugh, David Waugh,
Suzanne and Mark George,
Bill and Sue Waugh, Mike and
Barb Waugh, Richard and Sarah
Waugh and by his cousins
Robert Isard and Susan Koch.
Adored uncle to many nieces
and nephews.
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
The Monitor
Page 11
Summer 2016
Nevada Vendors
Barrie Master Convenience
101 Dunlop St.
Barrie, L4N 1A8
Enjoy Convenience
25 Thickson Rd. Suite 2
Whitby, L1N 8W8
Mac’s # 835
327 Bronte St. S.
Milton, L9T 4A4
Robinson Mart & Video
77 Robinson St.
Simcoe, N3Y 1W7
Big Bear Food Mart
580 Fennell Ave. E.
Hamilton, L8V 1T1
EZ Go Convenience
427 Garrison Rd. 6
Fort Erie, L2A 6E6
Mac’s 1006
735 Wonderland Rd. N.
London, N6H 4L1
Sam’s Variety
228 Margaret St.
Kitchener, N2H 4J5
Big Bee
440 Cannon St. E.
Hamilton, L8L 2C8
Gateway #567
6-424 South Service Rd.
Grimsby, L3M 5A5
Mac’s 1771
8023 Hwy 12
Orillia, L3V 6H2
Sidney Market
423 Sidney St.
Trenton, K8V 6N6
Big Bee
5056 Montrose Ave.
Niagara Falls, L2H 1K2
Greer’s Variety & Lottery
575 Indian Rd. S.
Sarnia, N7T 3W4
Mac’s 365
472 Steeles Ave.E.
Milton, L9T 3P7
Smart Food Fair
1691 Pickering Pkwy.
Pickering, L1V 5L9
Burlington Lotto
Lot K - 777 Guelph Line
Burlington, L7R 3N2
Hadfield Variety
80 Derrham Wood
Toronto, M1E 1S4
Mac’s 61557
1320 Walker Rd.
Windsor, N8Y 4T9
St. Joachim Variety
969 Hwy. 2
St Joachim, N0B 1S0
Cambridge Mini Mart
550 Hespler Rd.
Cambridge, N1R 6J8
Hamlet Grocery Store
21 Mills St.
Consecon, K0K 1T0
Mac’s 1707
3250 Brookdale Ave.
Cornwall, K6H 7A3
Campbell’s Convenience
391 Walton St.
Cobourg, K9A 3X4
Inesons Variety
235 Gilmore Rd.
Fort Erie, L2A 2M2
Maplewood Market
796 Brant St.
Burlington, L7R 2J2
Stratford Smoke Plus
Variety
925 Ontario St. #8
Stratford, N5A 6W5
Carnarvon Jug City
Part Lot 14, Conc. 13
Carnarvon, K0M 1J0
International News
4141 Dixie Rd. Unit 44
Mississauga, L4W 1V5
Mr. Convenience
190 Simcoe St.
Peterborough, K9H 2H7
Choice Convenience
45 Main St. N.
Georgetown, L7G 3H2
King Cigar Plus
13071 Yonge St.
Richmond Hill, L4E 1A5
Mulock Happy Mart
17080 Bathurst St. Unit 8
Newmarket, L3X 3A5
City Convenience
60 Dundas St. E, Unit 5
Mississauga, L5A 1W4
Leamington Market
64 Mill St. W.
Leamington, N8H 1S8
Munchy’s Variety &
Wholesale
31 Wilkin St.
Belleville, K8P 1P2
Clover Food Mart
516 River St.
Alvinston, N0N 1C0
Mac’s - Beckers #66024
461 Main St.
Bloomfield, K0K 1G0
Dixie Smoke Shop
1370 Dundas St. E. #10,
Mississauga, L4G 4Y4
Mac’s - Beckers #69001
135 Muskoka St.N.
Gravenhurst, P0C 1G0
Downsview Market &
Convenience
1381 Wilson Ave. Unit A
Toronto, M3M 1H7
Mac’s - Beckers Brampton
1650 Williams Pkwy.
Brampton, L4N 4C8
Elgin Variety
336 Elgin St. E.
Cobourg, K9A 1A3
Mac’s # 1064
3427 Derry Rd. E.
Mississauga, L4T 1A8
Mac’s # 1441
2385 Burnhamthorpe Rd.
Mississauga, L5L 6A4
New Ranch Market
306 Kerr St.
Oakville, L6K 3B5
One Stop Variety
501 Ritson Rd. S.
Oshawa, L1H 5K3
Queen East Variety
1572 Queen St. E.
Toronto, M4L 1E9
Quick Smoke & Variety
3615 Dixie Rd. #5
Mississauga, L4Y 4H4
Super 7 Convenience
20907 Daton Rd.
Sutton West, L0E 1R0
Ticket Hut
1255 The Queensway
Toronto, M8Z 1S1
Tollgate Mini Mart
255 Tollgate Rd.
Waterloo, N2L 4M3
Tottenham Smoke
& Variety
55 Queen St. S. Unit 18
Tottenham, L0G 1W0
Trenton Shop &
Save Variety
181 Dundas St. E.
Trenton, K8V 1L7
Victoria Convenience
113 Victoria Ave.
Belleville, K8N 2A7
Victoria Convenience
27085 Woodbine Ave.
Keswick, L4P 3E9
Westwood Convenience
365 Westwood Dr.
Cobourg, K9A 4M5
All people who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
Page 12
Summer 2016
The Monitor
Exploring Royal Botanical Gardens
A gently graded path allowed
Justin the freedom to explore
various trees by touching and
smelling their leaves in the newly
renovated Rock Garden at Royal
Botanical Gardens.
The St. Catharines resident used
his wheelchair and intervenor to
balance himself as he walked the
accessible, paved paths of the
Rock Garden during the sensory
experience outing with CDBA
Ontario on July 18.
Alecia closed her eyes and smiled
as she felt gentle spray from a
waterfall on her bare legs in a
rockier part of the garden.
“They go at their own pace,
learn at their own pace,” said
Kristi Clark, special projects
intervenor, who led the daytrip to
the renowned botanical gardens in
Burlington.
ABOVE: Alecia smiles in front of a garden of lamb’s ear during a visit to Royal
Botanical Gardens. BELOW: Participants gather for a group photo at the Rock
Garden.
With more than 150,000 bulbs and
annuals, the Rock Garden offered
a multi-sensory experience to the
visitors.
Alecia immediately knew the smell
of a snowball plant, saying it is her
mother’s favourite.
“I think smell is one of the
strongest connections to memory,”
said Toby, her intervenor.
Other participants included Allison,
Ingrid, Meaghan, Mohammed,
Rena and Vicki as well as two
consumers and their intervenors
from Deafblind Ontario Services.
The group also explored
Hendrie Park, which includes the
Centennial Rose Garden opened
for Canada’s 100th anniversary in
1967, and the indoor RBG Centre.
The air conditioning inside was a
welcome respite on the hot day.
Alecia, Toby, Kristi and summer
student Karli cooled off “old
school” in one of RBG’s sprinklers.
After the visit to RBG, Alecia said
she was inspired to plant a bigger
flower and vegetable garden at
home with help from her father.
Some of the participants stopped
for lunch at local landmark
Easterbrooks, famous for their
hotdogs.
The 86-year-old restaurant is full
of memorabilia and its walls and
ceilings are covered in business
cards, some of them there for
decades.
“It’s cheaper than painting,”
quipped employee Blake.
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
The Monitor
Summer 2016
Page 13
Good vibrations ­
‘Music really is the universal language’
Kevin immediately sat up straight in his wheelchair when
the first notes played from an acoustic guitar placed
across his lap.
Intervenor Karen said she’s never witnessed Kevin, who
has no sight or hearing, be so animated.
“It was awesome because he would have felt the vibration
of the guitar,” she said.
Kevin was one of the consumers participating in music
therapy led by concert pianist and music teacher Amy Di
Nino at the CDBA Ontario Resource Centre on July 4.
“We’re now actually having tangible information that
things are happening within the brain, new connections
are being made, behaviours are being changed,” said Di ABOVE: Kevin reacts as Amy Di Nino strums a guitar placed
Nino, who has led music therapy at W. Ross Macdonald across his lap during music therapy at the CDBA Ontario
Resource Centre on July 4. At right is intervenor Karen.
School in Brantford for 12 years.
“They may be getting some sensations that they might
not get in any other form of therapy or any other form of
everyday life,” she said
BELOW: Allison smiles as she drums with summer student
intervenor Victoria.
The Canadian Association for Music Therapy defines
music therapy as the skillful use of music and musical
elements by an accredited music therapist to promote,
maintain and restore mental, physical, emotional and
spiritual health.
Di Nino makes music therapy a ton of fun for the
participants. She sang a hello song to each person,
using his or her name.
John Jr. beamed as he followed Di Nino’s lead, drumming
the number of beats made by the teacher on her drum.
“That was pretty awesome,” Di Nino said, giving him a
high five.
“I like that,” said Ingrid, who got to play two handbells that
Meaghan gave the guitar a goodbye kiss when it was sounded different notes.
time to put it away in its case.
“You can feel the vibrations in them,” Di Nino said.
The consumers also played tone chimes, a type of
handbell. They would sound the chime when Di Nino “Music really is the universal language,” said Kristi Clark,
signalled them with a tap on the knee.
special projects intervenor.
All people who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
The Monitor
Summer 2016
Page 14
Daryl goes for some R&R
As a hardworking entrepreneur with his own
landscaping and cleaning company, Daryl is deserving
of a vacation and some R & R at the end of the busy
summer.
Lake Joe is a fully accessible lakefront facility in
Muskoka that provides a unique blend of recreation and
vision rehabilitation in a safe, inclusive environment
where guide dogs are welcome.
The Kingston resident will get just that from Aug.
28 to Sept. 2 when he attends the CNIB Lake
Joseph Centre, better known as Lake Joe. A
grant for $1,140 from the U.S.-based Ethan Wolfe
Recreational Assistance Program covers the cost
for Daryl and his intervenor, Kirk Sherbert, to attend.
Daryl said he is putting together a list of things he
wants to try. No. 1 is going sailing on Lake Joseph.
“I also look forward to the campfire and people. I also
like to help other people there the way CDBA and Kirk
help me,” Daryl told CDBA Ontario in an email.
Daryl says it means a lot to have Kirk attend Lake Joe
with him.
“Kirk helps me with communicating with volunteers
and new friends and facilitating all of the events I’m
doing every day and through the week,” he said.
Manager of intervenor services Krysta Clark, who
applied for the grant, was thrilled for Daryl.
Daryl lives independently in Kingston with intervenor
services support from CDBA Ontario. Clark noted that
Daryl is a huge Boston Bruins fan.
Daryl said he will try to visit the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame
in Parry Sound. The museum named for the iconic
Bruin is located near Lake Joe.
The Ethan Wolfe Recreational Assistance Program
provides individuals with CHARGE syndrome the
opportunity to participate in recreational activities. The
program was established by David and Jody Wolfe
together with the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation to
honour their son Ethan’s memory by providing fun
activities and adaptive equipment to other individuals
with CHARGE.
Daryl shows his plaque from the Ethan Wolfe
Recreational Assistance Program.
“
I also look forward to the campfire
and people. I also like to help other
people there the way CDBA and Kirk
help me. ”
Canadian Deafblind Association Ontario Chapter
Summer 2016
The Monitor
Page 15
CDBA Ontario in brief
“It was different than how I would
do things. I had to smell to know
what colour it was,” said 10-yearold Finn Read of Paris after
creating a painting by rolling a
marble through a small puddle of
lemon-scented yellow paint.
The sauce was mixed, bottled and
packaged in custom-decorated gift
bags during the craft activity.
Swing time in Paris
John Jr. is back in the swing of
things thanks to parents John and
Cynthia, who delivered and set up
a swing for their son outside his
apartment on June 13.
John Jr. had the swing for 16
years at his home in Brantford.
It was disassembled when
he moved to Paris earlier this
year, giving his dad a chance to
refurbish the sturdy wooden swing
that helps John Jr. to relax and
unwind.
Memorial quilt
Cue the grill
Friday the 13th turned out to be
CDBA Ontario’s lucky day in May.
Justin’s father Tom dropped off a
brand new BBQ and even stuck
around to help maintenance
coordinator Dennis Vecchiato put it
together.
They made a great team on a
project that’s typically no fun.
A colourful quilt with 3-D flowers
is brightening the CDBA Ontario
Resource Centre.
Alecia’s mom Mandy made
the quilt in memory of Alecia’s
grandparents, Jack and Peggy
Hillyer, and donated it to CDBA
Ontario.
In addition to the 3-D flowers, the
quilt features raised fabric for the
leaves and stems and stitching to
provide a tactile experience.
Tom won the barbecue but didn’t
need it so he donated it to CDBA
Ontario in gratitude for the support
Justin has received over the years.
Springtime in Paris
About 50 youngsters got to
experience what it’s like to be
deafblind for a few minutes at
Springtime in Paris.
They took part in simulations while
wearing special vision-obstructing
goggles and noise-blocking
headphones at the CDBA Ontario
booth.
Canada’s game
Cue the sauce
Ingrid was one of the participants
who made homemade barbecue
sauce as a Father’s Day gift.
Oh! The good ol’ hockey game is
the best game you can name.
Ball hockey was the name of
the game at the CDBA Ontario
Resource Centre, with consumers
and intervenors gathering for some
fun, exercise, competition and
camaraderie.
All people who are deafblind will live rich meaningful lives
Page 16
Summer 2016
The Monitor
Calling all golfers!
In Support of Children’s Intervenor Services
“
Having an intervenor really
lets her to be able to participate
in those programs that she
wouldn’t normally be able to
participate in.”
Heather Ali,
parent of 11-year-old Eve, who is deafblind
Stay Connected
Canadian
Deafblind
Association
Ontario Chapter
50 Main St.
Paris, ON
N3L 2E2
Phone: 519-442-0463
Toll-free: 1-877-760-7439
Fax: 519-442-1871
TTY: 519-442-6641
E-mail: info@cdbaontario.com
Charitable # 10684 5159 RR0001