Victoria, BC – November 5, 2024 – CNIB Deafblind Community Services (DBCS) would like to congratulate the newly elected government of British Columbia. Today, DBCS is calling on the province to take immediate action to ensure critical services for British Columbians who are Deafblind continue without interruption.  

DBCS is one of Canada’s leading providers of support for people who are Deafblind. However, with the current provincial funding set to expire, DBCS has had to advise its clients in British Columbia that their life-saving intervenor services are at risk and may cease in the immediate future.  

“While we celebrate the arrival of this new government, we also urge them to uphold their commitment to the province’s most vulnerable citizens by addressing the critical funding gap for CNIB Deafblind Community Services,” said Angela Bonfanti, President and CEO of CNIB and DBCS. “Without swift action, British Columbians who are Deafblind risk losing access to life-saving services—support that ensures safe communication, emergency response, and the ability to live independently every day.” 

Currently living in Victoria, Bruce Turner was born with retinitis pigmentosa, a genetic disease that causes the person to slowly lose their vision over time. He also lost his hearing at age three. As his sight loss progressed, it became difficult to read text and see people’s faces. Frustrated by the things he felt he couldn’t do, Turner began to feel isolated. When he was referred to DBCS, it immediately made a difference. 

“DBCS has had a positive impact on my life,” says Turner. “I can do errands, shop with my intervenor and go for walks safely. Two-hand manual allows me to get clear answers to my questions; it puts me on the same level as a person with vision, only in a different way. I can now communicate more effectively and receive more useful information.” 

The need for these services is undeniable and urgent. In British Columbia, DBCS provided more than 5,800 hours of direct intervention to our clients in the 2023-24 fiscal year. With new referrals pending, the demand for our services is increasing. 

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. For more information, visit: deafblindservices.ca/BritishColumbia  

 

Media Contact:  

Caitlyn Crews 
Manager, Marketing & Communications 
C: 416-262-5192 | E: Caitlyn.Crews@cnib.ca