Newmarket, Ontario, Canada, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- June 2025 marks a significant milestone -- 10 years since the Senate of Canada officially proclaimed June as National Deafblind Awareness Month. This anniversary is a powerful opportunity to celebrate the important contributions of Canadians who are deafblind.
According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability by Statistics Canada, more than 602,000 Canadians aged 15 and over -- over 2% of the population -- identify as deafblind. Notably, 52% of those who are deafblind (or 314,260) are 65 years and older. These statistics highlight the importance of raising awareness and promoting inclusivity for individuals who are deafblind.
This June, DeafBlind Ontario Services is proud to join the global initiative #CreateAndConnect, led by Deafblind International. This campaign invites communities to engage in creative expression that fosters awareness, joy, and connection. Our chosen form of expression? Yarn bombing -- a vibrant, tactile art form that symbolizes unity and the diverse talents of people who are deafblind.
Yarn bombing involves wrapping public spaces with knitted or crocheted yarn creations. These installations are not only visually striking but also serve as a metaphor for connection -- between individuals, communities, and the broader world.
Steven, who is deafblind and supported by our Supported Independent Living (SIL) program, has been actively involved in setting up yarn bombing displays in his community with the support of his intervenors. "It's important for people to learn more about DeafBlind Ontario Services and the deafblind community," says Steven. "Awareness directly helps people who are deafblind."
Our SIL program empowers individuals who are deafblind, as well as those living with a developmental disability who are Deaf, hard of hearing or use non-traditional forms of communication, to live semi-independently with the support of DeafBlind Ontario Services intervenors. Intervenors are professionally trained to act as the "eyes" and "ears" of the person who is deafblind through the sense of touch. By facilitating the exchange of information and assisting with communication methods, intervenors empower people who are deafblind to thrive
Visit a Yarn Bombing Installation Near You:
Grand Theatre - 471 Richmond St, LondonElgin Centre - 417 Wellington St, St ThomasPinafore Park - 95 Elm St, St ThomasSt Thomas Public Library - 153 Curtis St, St ThomasDorchester Terrace Retirement Residence - 143 Byron Ave, DorchesterThe Museum - 10 King St. W, KitchenerInnisfil ideaLab & Library (Lakeshore Branch) - 967 Innisfil Beach Rd., InnisfilClearmeadow Public School - 200 Clearmeadow Blvd, NewmarketFairy Lake Park - 520 Water St, NewmarketPickering College - 16945 Bayview Ave, NewmarketPeterborough Library - 345 Aylmer St. N, PeterboroughPeterborough Square - 340 George St. N, PeterboroughValley East Public Library - 4100 Elmview Dr, Valley EastBay Used Books - 124 Elm St, Greater SudburyMange! - 1635 Main St, Val CaronValley East Lions Club - 4611 St Joseph St, HanmerParkSide Older Adult Centre Sudbury - 140 Durham St, Greater SudburyIndependent Living Sudbury Manitoulin - 125 Durham St, Greater Sudbury
Join us in celebrating National Deafblind Awareness Month and help us spread the message of inclusion, creativity, and connection.
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DeafBlind Ontario Services
DeafBlind Ontario Services supports people who are deafblind, as well as those living with a developmental disability who are Deaf, hard of hearing or use non-traditional forms of communication. Specialized services are customized to each person's unique needs, method of communication, and goals to live their best life.
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Steven Yarn Bombing
Madison Smith DeafBlind Ontario Services 905-853-2862 ext. 224 [email protected] Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs