Latest news with #DeafBlindOntario
CTV News
5 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Deafblind man finds independence while calling Sudbury home
A deafblind man has made Sudbury home after moving out of his parent's place for the first time. Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual Loading the player instance is taking more time than usual A deafblind man now calls Sudbury home after moving out of his parents' place in Sturgeon Falls. Alec Malette, 24, has been deafblind whole life, with limited sight and hearing through the support of his glasses and a hearing aid. Malette moved out on his own over the summer with the help of DeafBlind Ontario Services. While he was nervous at first, he said he has since settled in well. 'I like to play on my computer, play video games and make food,' Malette said. He cooks most of his own meals, does most household chores and has taken on a part time job at a diner. Following in his older brother's footsteps, he completed some computer science courses at Cambrian College. DeafBlind Ontario provides an array of services, offering community and residential supports for individuals who are deafblind, deaf, hard of hearing, and are non-verbal with developmental disabilities. Alec Malette Alec Malette, 24, has been deafblind whole life, with limited sight and hearing through the support of his glasses and a hearing aid. (Amanda Hicks/CTV News) 'For Alec specifically, we have our intervener services team that provides communications supports, helps him get out in the community, we help him with his job, his school work, we're basically the eyes and ears to facilitate him to live his best life,' said Crystal Pigeon-Way, community engagement manager of DeafBlind Ontario North Region. Malette moved into one of the organization's three homes in Sudbury and lives with two roommates. GAINING INDEPENDENCE Pigeon-Way said the move has allowed him to increase his independence. 'He was really excited to have his own home and gain his own independence,' said Pigeon-Way. 'Coming from a small town, he wasn't able to get everywhere on his own, there was no public transportation, stuff like that. So moving to Sudbury really opened up his ability to engage within his community.' Malette enjoys baking in particular and recently made a chocolate cake and built a gingerbread house. He said he will soon be heading back to Sturgeon Falls to visit his family for Christmas.
CTV News
6 days ago
- General
- CTV News
Yarn bombing, hidden coins raise Deafblind awareness in Sudbury
Eight vibrant yarn displays are set up across Greater Sudbury as part of Deafblind Awareness Month. Lyndsay Aelick has more. June marks National Deafblind Awareness Month, and Greater Sudbury businesses and organizations are participating in yarn bombing installations to draw attention to the cause. Yarn bombing June marks National Deafblind Awareness Month, and Sudbury businesses and organizations are participating in yarn bombing installations to draw attention to the cause. An Under the Sea themed yarn-bombing at Bay Used Books is shown in this image. (Lyndsay Aelick/CTV News Northern Ontarion) 'Essentially, it's wrapping (yarn) around certain items or putting up installations across the world entirely, just to generate a little bit more awareness,' said Crystal Pigeon-Way, community engagement manager for DeafBlind Ontario. Eight installations are set up across Greater Sudbury, including an 'Under the Sea' themed display at Bay Used Books – the store's second year participating. 'We had people stopping their cars to ask what was going on. People walking in the street. It drew people into the store to want to see what else is coming,' said Julie Hayes, assistant manager at Bay Used Books. 'It was great to talk about DeafBlind Ontario services, to talk about what yarn bombing is, because it's kind of neat.' Other participating locations include: Greater Sudbury is the only Ontario community with multiple yarn bombing locations this year. A new addition is the Colourful Coins of Sudbury Hunt, featuring four yarn-bombed nickels hidden around the city. Yarn bombed coins DeafBlind Ontario in Greater Sudbury has added a Colourful Coins of Sudbury Hunt, featuring four yarn-bombed nickels hidden around the city, to its month long awareness campaign. One yarn-bombed coin is shown. (Lyndsay Aelick/CTV News Northern Ontarion) 'You find the nickel, relocate it, scan the QR code, upload a photo, and leave it for the next person to find,' said Pigeon-Way. DeafBlind Ontario officials noted the coin hunt is exclusive to Sudbury, but if successful, it could expand to other Ontario cities next year. Yarn bombed coins DeafBlind Ontario in Greater Sudbury has added a Colourful Coins of Sudbury Hunt, featuring four yarn-bombed nickels hidden around the city, to its month long awareness campaign. One yarn-bombed coin is shown. (Lyndsay Aelick/CTV News Northern Ontarion) According to Statistics Canada's 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, more than 602,000 Canadians over 15 identify as deafblind – over two per cent of the population. Notably, 52 per cent of deafblind individuals are 65 or older. Pigeon-Way told CTV News that while DeafBlind Ontario operates provincewide, it runs three supported living homes in Greater Sudbury, assisting nine individuals. She said deafblindness affects a smaller population, making it a less highlighted disability. 'The awareness-building piece is really just for people to understand deafblindness, how they can get involved, and supporting people who are deafblind—enhancing accessibility across the province or the world, or however that looks within our own communities,' said Pigeon-Way. 'Just really providing those supports – those integral supports – that they need to live their best lives in their hometown.' Organizers said the coins will circulate the city, and installations will remain up throughout June to promote inclusion, creativity and connection.
