DeafBlind Ontario Services urges recognition of the universal rights of individuals who are deafblind

NEWMARKET, ON, Jan. 30, 2019 /CNW/ - As a new year begins, DeafBlind Ontario Services urges the removal of barriers that characterize the daily experience for individuals who are deafblind that leave them marginalized globally and nationally. In their paper, "DeafBlind Ontario Services: A Canadian Perspective to the World Federation of the Deafblind report, At Risk of Exclusion from CRPD and SDG's Implementation: Inequality and Persons with Deafblindness," the organization presses for a commitment to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms for individuals who are deafblind.

DeafBlind Ontario Services believes that individuals who are deafblind deserve the opportunity to express their needs, communicate effectively and build the life skills needed to truly thrive in their communities in alignment with the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and recommendations from a World Federation of the Deafblind's report, At Risk of Exclusion from CRPD and SDG's Implementation: Inequality and Persons with Deafblindness.

According to the World Federation of the Deafblind's report, between 0.2% and 2% of the world's population is deafblind. Based on the 2017 Canadian Survey on Disability Data, released on November 28, 2018, it is estimated that the prevalence rate is 1.66% of the total population in Canada (28,008,860) for those 15 years and over who have reported vision and hearing disabilities combined that restricts their activities of daily living. 

While individuals who are deafblind represent a small segment of the global population, they are likely to face challenges finding and obtaining appropriate professional supports. As a result, they are often excluded from development and support programmes.

Founded in 1989, DeafBlind Ontario Services is a not-for-profit organization that helps individuals who are deafblind increase their independence and improve their quality of life through specialized services. With programs and services across the province, their services extend into a wide range of communities in Ontario.

To learn more, visit www.deafblindontario.com and to read the full report click here.

Website: www.deafblindontario.com     

Facebook: www.facebook.com/deafblindontarioservices  

Twitter: @DeafBlindON

Instagram: @DeafBlindON

SOURCE DeafBlind Ontario Services