This post was written by Jill Patterson, Manager, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services.

June is National Deafblind Awareness Month in Canada. It’s a time to recognize and honour the diverse experiences of people who are Deafblind. At RRC Polytech, we’re learning how to create a campus that welcomes everyone.

According to CNIB, an estimated 466,000 Canadians over the age of 15 are living with some degree of dual sensory loss. Deafblindness is a relatively low-incidence disability in Canada, affecting about 1% of the population, but is not recognized as distinct by the Federal Government. Many Canadians who are deafblind lack access to supports and services to help them fully engage in their communities.

What is Deafblindness?

People are considered Deafblind when they have both vision and hearing differences that make it harder to access information through sight or sound alone. Because of this, many people who are Deafblind use other ways to connect, like touch, technology, or support from others.

There are many types of Deafblindness. Everyone’s experience is unique. For example:

• Congenital Deafblindness means the person was born Deafblind or became Deafblind early in life, usually before learning language.
• Acquired Deafblindness happens later in life. It can happen for many reasons, including changes that come with aging.

Deafblindness is not just about senses, it’s about how we make sure people can fully take part in school, work, and community life.

Resources and Learning

Want to learn more? Here are a few great places to start:

• RRC Polytech’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services. To book an ASL-English Interpreter or for note taking support  submit this form.
• CNIB Deafblind Community Services provides support and emergency services for people who are Deafblind in communities across Canada.
• DeafBlind: Blind But Not Blind | JennyLynn Dietrich | TEDxSalem (12:46)
• DeafBlind and Intellectually Disabled (Learn How to be his Friend) (27:23)
• Busting myths about what it’s like to be deafblind | Deafblind Awareness Week | Sense (7:02)
• Insights into the Deafblind Community (59:40)