Every year during Adult Week programming, CNIB Lake Joe welcomes guests who are Deafblind and their intervenors. Laura Mason is an intervenor with CNIB Deafblind Community Services in Hamilton, Ont. And we spoke with her about her experiences at CNIB Lake Joe.
CNIB: Why did you become an intervener, and how many years have you been in this role?
Laura: I was doing Children's Aid work, and I was approached by a woman who pointed at me and said, ‘you are an intervener.’ I told her that she would have to explain to me what that was, and so she did. She handed her business card to me. She thought it was a natural fit for me, and it turns out she was right! I’ve been an intervenor for 17 years and haven't wanted to do any other job since.
CNIB: How often do you come to CNIB Lake Joe?
Laura: I have been here several times to work as an intervener and during training and so forth. I know many clients that come to camp, some of whom I haven't seen in a while. So, it's been really nice to see them.
CNIB: What activities do you enjoy a CNIB Lake Joe?
Laura: Every time you do something with a client, the more you can add to their enjoyment, the better the experience is for both of you. The more enjoyment that you have in what you're doing, the more enjoyment they have in what they're doing.
CNIB: What do you observe with your clients when they visit CNIB Lake Joe? What do you think Lake Joe provides to them?
Laura: A tremendous amount of independence, a place to exhale, to just be in an environment that is safe and beautiful. That's what it gives. I mean, what more could you ask for?
CNIB: Since camp reopened (previous in-person summer programming was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic), have you seen a difference?
Laura: It’s been several years since I've been up, but I’ve noticed the equipment, the programming, the facility, everything has been maintained or improved, and that's a really lovely thing to see. It makes our job easier and the campers’ experience more pleasurable. So, it's been a pleasant thing to see. Absolutely.
CNIB: Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Laura: CNIB Lake Joe is just a wonderful place, and I hope that everyone has a chance to come up to see it and understand what it's all about. It’s just a terrific opportunity for people to feel just like everybody else.