CNIB Literacy Program for Deafblind Adults

CNIB Website
Organization: 
CNIB
Geography: 
Hamilton (with satellite office in Brantford), London, Ottawa & Toronto
Population: 
500,000+
Sector: 
Community-based organization
Stream: 
Anglophone & Francophone
Change Makers: 
Lee Garrett
Ashley Bartolo
Jen Westbrook

The Literacy Program for Deafblind Adults (LPDBA) is designed to help achieve personal goals of independence, education, training and employment for all deafblind adults.  Topics of instruction include communication methods, computer instruction, career development, and employment goals and essential skills for daily living (nutrition and health, reading and writing, etc.)

It is the only English literacy program of its kind in Canada-offering specialized literacy to deafblind adults in Ontario.  Individual or small group instruction is available. Instruction is provided in the preferred method of communication of the student (sign language, fingerspelling, two-hand manual alphabet, speech, lip reading, Braille or large print notes). There is a fully equipped classroom with computers, and technical devices for participants use.

The program operates year-round and offers flexible class time to meet participants’ needs and schedules.  Learners typically study at CNIB twice a week for roughly two hours.

The LPDBA Program in Hamilton and Brantford has 18 learners who have the support of three dedicated staff members - two full-time instructors and one volunteer tutor.

Eligibility

The program is available to individuals who have combined hearing and vision loss and are 19 years of age or older.

Before admission into the program, learners are assessed to better identify their needs and allow instructors to develop individual tutoring modules. Learners are then placed into one of two categories: Core Skills Group – individuals with extremely low literacy skills, or who are illiterate. They learn basic skills such as the alphabet and numbers. The goal is for them to progress into the next stage, Independent Group. These individuals have higher literacy levels and are taught life skills such as health and well-being.

Deafblind Literacy Specialist, Lee Garrett says “It’s far from a perfect world for people with disabilities but CNIB strives to help learners gain the confidence and skills to fully participate in life.”

Watch the Student Video to hear what one learner has to say about the program.

Change Action: 

Three staff members from the LPDBA Hamilton Branch attended the Spotlight on Learning conference.  It allowed them to expand on their skills while discussing and brainstorming new ideas for their organization.  For example, the LPDBA is committed to using new technological tools for current learners. Attendees found the technology workshops at the Spotlight on Learning conference useful because CNIB is striving towards utilizing technology to help learners succeed and develop their skills.  One learner in particular is developing a videogame review website and CNIB employees are working with him to compare, contrast, rate, recommend and establish criteria for videogames for the site.

Watch the Staff Video to hear more about the program.

Staff Video: 
See video
Student Video: 
See video
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