The Government of Saskatchewan, in collaboration with CNIB Deafblind Community Services (DBCS) has proclaimed June 2021 as Deafblind Awareness Month. Previously, this has been a week long campaign.
Individuals are considered Deafblind if they have a combined loss of both hearing and vision to the point that neither can be used as a primary source of information gathering and communication.
"I am pleased to proclaim Deafblind Awareness Month to raise our understanding and awareness of Deafblindness within Saskatchewan," Social Services Minister Lori Carr said. "Our government is currently embarking on new accessibility legislation which will help improve programs and services to those who are Deafblind in Saskatchewan. It is important that our province is welcoming, inclusive and accessible for all of our citizens."
Saskatchewan is the second province in Canada to establish community services that provide specialized communication support and emergency services for people who are Deafblind.
"We are thrilled to hear that the Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed June as Deafblind Awareness Month," CNIB Deafblind Community Services Vice President Sherry Grabowski said. "This is truly an exciting milestone for Deafblind Saskatchewanians. Deafblind Awareness Month is an important opportunity to raise awareness about the distinct experience of people who are Deafblind - and to highlight the impact that intervenor services have on their lives."
According to DBCS, there are an estimated 149 people who are Deafblind in Saskatchewan. In the 2020-21 provincial budget, government committed to providing approximately $350,000 in new funding to both D/deaf and Deafblind service delivery. This funding is now in year two of a four-year funding plan.
This proclamation supports the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy by helping to create awareness and understanding of the rights of people with disabilities. Saskatchewan residents and communities that have done work which aligns with the Disability Strategy are encouraged to share their accomplishments using the hashtag #SKDisability.
For more information about DBCS, visit deafblindservices.ca.
