By: Alice Clark
CNIB Deafblind Community Services (DBCS) is one of Canada’s leading providers of specialized support and emergency services for people who are Deafblind. On International Sign Languages Day, DBCS launched its first-ever advocacy campaign, aiming to secure sustainable funding for intervenor services in British Columbia.
The letter-writing campaign, which concluded on Saturday, October 19—the day of the provincial election—urged the government to both recognize the essential role of intervenor services and provide sustainable funding for the program. These services provide specialized support that empowers people who are Deafblind to communicate, navigate, and engage with the world around them. They are not just important; they are life saving. For many, intervenors make the difference between a life of isolation and one filled with limitless potential.
Intervenor services enable people like Eddy Morton to live independently and fully. "Intervenor services are vital for people who are Deafblind... It's not that I become dependent upon the intervenor," Eddy explains. "Rather, intervenor services empower me and allow for my own independence."
The campaign saw over 1,000 letters sent and over 430 individuals participate, marking it as one of our most successful provincial letter-writing campaigns. The overwhelming response showcased the power of community collaboration and a shared commitment to ensuring no one is left behind.
While the campaign has ended, our work is far from over. We will continue to advocate for change, collaborating with the elected government to ensure every person who is Deafblind has access to the services they need.
To learn more about the campaign, visit deafblindservices.ca/BritishColumbia