"Do With, Not For"

Assisting all persons with deafblindness to achieve,
with Intervention, the best quality of life

About Us

The Canadian Deafblind Association-BC Chapter (CDBA-BC) is committed to assisting all individuals in BC with deafblindness. We believe that individualized, life-long Intervention is a right for every person who is deafblind. All individuals who are deafblind should live in a safe, healthy environment while having self-respect and dignity.

Programs We Offer

Early Intervention Program

Through direct family service, families and their teams are introduced to the unique world of deafblindness, while learning communication methods and deafblind intervention skills that support the child’s development during the early years.

Intervention Program

Children and youth with deafblindness, ages 2 -19 years, are supported to interact within their home and community environments during the spring, summer and winter school breaks. We provide funding for the family to hire an Intervenor to work with their child.

Summer Recreation Program

Provides opportunities during the summer months for our members to explore new activities and venues and to develop social relationships with other individuals who are deafblind. This program is available to all members.

Virtual Recreation Program

Our most recently developed program provides opportunities for individuals with deafblindness, their Intervenors, and families to come together virtually to sing, share and create. This program is available to all members.

Hospital Intervention Services Program

Provides the support of an Intervenor to individuals with deafblindness within a hospital setting or during a time of emergency or crisis. This program is available to all members.

Sensory Clinics

Our sensory clinics range from an afternoon to a weekend and provide a sensory-loaded experience for children with deafblindness, as well as training and information for their families and Intervenors.

Meet our Team

With over 20 years of experience each, our staff is committed to working with individuals with deafblindness.

Theresa Tancock

Executive Director

Connect with Theresa about the Intervention Program; family support; Intervenor support; kindergarten and youth transition; family events; Summer Recreation Program; Virtual Recreation Program; Hospital/Relief Intervention Services Program; National Deafblind Awareness Month.

Sue Gawne

Early Intervention Program Director

Connect with Sue about the Early Intervention Program; family and team support; communication and deafblind strategies at home, daycare or preschool; kindergarten transition; deafblind training, workshops and in-services for professionals; opportunities to meet with other families.

Allison Mail

Early Intervention Deafblind Consultant

Connect with Allison about the Early Intervention Program on Vancouver Island; family and team support; communication and deafblind strategies at home, daycare or preschool; kindergarten transition; deafblind in-services for professionals; opportunities to meet with other families.

Get Involved

Donations of any size are welcome and make a real impact at the Canadian Deafblind Association. Undesignated donations are used to support the costs that are associated with our programs.

Upcoming Events

We provide various workshops throughout the year. Scroll through the images to view upcoming events.

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Latest News

Learn about events, resources, and updates by tuning into our blog.

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart."

Helen Keller

1880-1968