About CNIB Deafblind Community Services
CNIB Deafblind Community Services is one of Canada’s leading providers of specialized support and emergency services for people who are Deafblind. Our services enable people who are Deafblind to maximize their independence and engagement with the world around them.
What is Deafblindness?
Deafblindness is a distinct disability. It is a combined loss of hearing and vision to such an extent that neither the hearing nor vision can be used as a means of accessing information to participate and be included in the community.
When you think of the word “Deafblind”, you probably imagine a world of total darkness and a complete lack of sound. If it happened to you, how would you communicate? How would you access information? How would you get around?
In actual fact, most people who are Deafblind usually have some degree of vision or hearing. They can have a high quality of life. They can get an education. They can be employed. And they can form rewarding relationships. But they need help to do it.
The number of individuals who are Deafblind in Canada is 368, 412. This number is based on prevalence estimates of 1% (average number based on all age groups) using Census 2016 population data.
 Open Your Eyes and Ears – To Estimates of Canadian Individuals with Deafblindness and Age-Related Dual Sensory Loss, 2018