DeafBlind Ontario Services
DeafBlind Ontario Services is a non-profit organization, founded in 1989 and based in Newmarket, Ontario, that delivers 24/7 residential, day-program, and community support services for deafblind individuals and people with developmental disabilities who are Deaf or use non-traditional communication, primarily funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1989
- HeadquartersNewmarket, Canada
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What DeafBlind Ontario Services does
DeafBlind Ontario Services is a Canadian not-for-profit charitable organization, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Newmarket, Ontario, that provides specialized residential and community support services for individuals who are deafblind and for those living with a developmental disability who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or use non-traditional forms of communication. The organization's core service portfolio comprises Supported Living Homes (accessible, barrier-free housing with 24/7 intervenor support across 14 locations), Tremplin (a day program enabling return to family home nightly), and Supported Independent Living (semi-independent living with minimal support), supplemented by Bridge Community Training workshops, Organization Partnerships, and Supported Volunteer Placements for B2B clients.
The organization's service model is anchored on a proprietary Enriched Communication Approach — a methodology incorporating tools such as Sensory Exploration Arts, calendars, switches, choice tools, experience tools, and life books — and delivered by a credentialed workforce that includes Certified Deafblind Intervenor Specialists validated by the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation & Education Professionals (ACVREP). Internal professional development is provided through the TOUCH Training Program (Training, Ongoing, Unique, Committed, Holistic). Client intake is routed through formal referral pathways including Access Intervenor Services (AIS) and Developmental Services Ontario's 9 regional access points, with services funded primarily by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS). In FY 2024-2025, the organization delivered 349,506 hours of direct service supporting 113 individuals across Ontario.
Revenue is derived from three streams: ministry-funded program contracts (the dominant stream), donations and fundraising managed by the related DeafBlind Ontario Foundation (covering accessible housing, transportation, and assistive devices not covered by government funding), and workshop/training fees ($50–$60 per session). The organization was previously known as Independent Living Residences for the Deafblind in Ontario (ILRDBO) and underwent a strategic amalgamation with Array Services on April 1, 2021, expanding both its service population and provincial footprint to its current presence across 22 Ontario communities. International affiliations include Deafblind International, World Federation of the Deafblind, and World Federation of the Deaf.
DeafBlind Ontario Services firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- DeafBlind Ontario Services
- Legal name
- DeafBlind Ontario Services
- Website
- https://deafblindontario.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1989
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- DeafBlind Ontario Services is a non-profit organization, founded in 1989 and based in Newmarket, Ontario, that delivers 24/7 residential, day-program, and community support services for deafblind individuals and people with developmental disabilities who are Deaf or use non-traditional communication, primarily funded by the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
DeafBlind Ontario Services industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Disability and Sensory Loss Support Services
- NAICS
- Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Other Individual and Family Services (624190), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Individual and Family Services (6241)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGAEAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech) (BPAGALAM), Disability Services & Independent Living Support (BPAGACAG)
Keywords
Where DeafBlind Ontario Services is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Newmarket
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices22 records
Markets served
DeafBlind Ontario Services business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Government-Funded Services: DeafBlind Ontario Services is a not-for-profit organization primarily funded through the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCS). Services are provided through ministry-funded programs including Supported Living Homes, Tremplin, Supported Independent Living, and Partnership Programs. Funding covers 24/7 support services for individuals who are deafblind or have developmental disabilities.
- Foundation Donations and Fundraising: DeafBlind Ontario Foundation raises funds through donations, monthly giving programs, legacy gifts, third-party events, and charitable gaming. Donations support accessible housing, transportation (wheelchair-accessible vans), and assistive devices that government funding does not cover.
- Training and Workshop Fees: Bridge community training workshops are offered to organizations for fees ($50-$60 per session). Customized training sessions are also available. Proceeds support the foundation's mission.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Adapting Environments for Sensory Loss Workshop - Virtual |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Communication 101: Bridging the Gap Workshop |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | The Enriched Communication Approach Journey Workshop |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels11 records
DeafBlind Ontario Services product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DeafBlind Ontario Services provides residential and community-based support services for people who are deafblind, as well as those living with a developmental disability who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or use non-traditional forms of communication. Its core offerings comprise Supported Living Homes (24/7 accessible housing with professional intervenor support), Tremplin day programs, and Supported Independent Living programs, complemented by Bridge Community Training, Organization Partnerships, and Supported Volunteer Placements for external agencies. Services are delivered province-wide across Ontario by Direct Support Professionals, Communication Support Professionals, and Certified Deafblind Intervenor Specialists using the proprietary Enriched Communication Approach.
Product overview
DeafBlind Ontario Services is a not-for-profit service organization offering an integrated portfolio of specialized support services for people who are deafblind and those living with a developmental disability who are Deaf, hard of hearing or use non-traditional forms of communication. The core service offerings include: Supported Living Homes (accessible, barrier-free housing with 24/7 support), Tremplin (day program with return to family home at night), and Supported Independent Living (minimal-support semi-independent living). For organizations, the organization provides Bridge: Community Training (sensory loss communication workshops), Organization Partnerships, and Supported Volunteer Placements. The portfolio is unified by a holistic, person-centered approach with specialized intervenor and communication support teams. Additional programs include the CDBIS Professional Award for professional development and the DeafBlind Virtual Resource Centre for education and research.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Supported Living Homes Accessible, barrier-free, affordable housing with 24/7 support services for people who are deafblind, as well as those living with a developmental disability who are Deaf, hard of hearing or use non-traditional forms of communication. Services are delivered across Ontario in the North (Sudbury), East (Ottawa, Vars, Embrun), Central East (Peterborough, Oshawa), Central (Barrie, Innisfil, Georgina), and West (London, Kitchener, Waterloo, Ayr) regions.
- Tremplin Day program blending supported living and community services, focusing on community involvement during the day while allowing participants to return to their family home on a nightly basis. Originally designed for Centre Jules-Léger Consortium graduates and their families. Offered in both English and French.
- Supported Independent Living (SIL) Program for deafblind individuals and individuals with developmental disabilities who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or use non-traditional communication, living semi-independently with minimal support. Includes assistance with medical/dental appointments, community programs, work/volunteer placements, and technology setup such as computers, Skype, lighting systems, and bed shakers.
- Bridge: Community Training Sensory Loss Communication Training providing workshops to organizations that support individuals with sensory loss or communication challenges. Available in-person or virtually via Zoom, covering Introduction to Sensory Loss, Communication 101, Sensory Loss and Aging, Sensory Integration, Adapting Environments for Sensory Loss, The Enriched Communication Approach Journey, and Experience Tools. Mentorship and coaching services are also available.
- Organization Partnerships Specialized expertise and services for organizations serving individuals who are deafblind, delivered collaboratively with families, community agencies, and healthcare providers. Partnerships are uniquely designed with the Community Services Team and include interactive training on sensory loss and communication, mentorship, and customized sessions.
- Supported Volunteer Placements Volunteer placement program allowing businesses to offer 1-2 hours per week volunteer opportunities for deafblind individuals and individuals with developmental disabilities who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or use non-traditional communication. Each individual is fully supported in their role, with no recruitment costs to the host business.
- CDBIS Professional Award Award program that supports employees in Ontario's deafblind sector in pursuing Certified Deafblind Intervenor Specialist (CDBIS) certification through ACVREP. Provides up to $1,200 CAN per recipient, with 50% upon registration and 50% upon successful certification.
Quantifiable outcome
- 113 people supported with individualized services
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use DeafBlind Ontario Services
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
DeafBlind Ontario Services technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
DeafBlind Ontario Services partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Deafblind International (DbI)coreGlobal not-for-profit membership organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals who are deafblind. DeafBlind Ontario Services actively contributes to DbI's mission by serving on multiple committees and collaborating on research and awareness initiatives. The organization participates in the #CreateAndConnect global awareness initiative.
- World Federation of the Deafblind (WFDB)coreInternational organization aiming to improve the quality of life of persons with deafblindness worldwide, with the objective of achieving their equal rights and equal opportunities. Partnership involves advocacy, research, and support efforts.
- World Federation of the Deaf (WFD)coreInternational organization building an inclusive society where Deaf people thrive with equal rights and opportunities. Partnership involves advocacy and support efforts.
- FORA: Network for ChangeminorPartnership through FORA's 'Rise on Boards' program which places diverse young leaders in governance roles. Meerab Anwar joined DeafBlind Ontario Services' Governance & HR Committee in February 2024 through this program.
- Pickering CollegeminorSchool partnership for National Deafblind Awareness Month yarn bombing initiative. What began with a single class in 2025 has blossomed into a school-wide movement with students across multiple grades participating in creating awareness pieces.
- Community Partner Organizations (28 organizations)minor28 community organizations including Agilec, Alcona Esso, various libraries, restaurants, fire departments, and community organizations accept people supported by DeafBlind Ontario Services as volunteers or employees, providing meaningful work experience and building confidence.
- Tamarack Ottawa Race WeekendminorAnnual fundraising event where participants raise funds for DeafBlind Ontario Foundation. 2026 event raised $13,160.
- Access Intervenor Services (AIS)coreDigital single point of access for the Intervenor Services program in Ontario connecting deafblind individuals and families with available services through a common access mechanism. Primary referral pathway for deafblind individuals.
- Developmental Services Ontario (DSO)core9 locations across Ontario that help individuals with developmental disabilities access the supports available in their community. Primary referral pathway for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
DeafBlind Ontario Services competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Community Living Ontario: Provincial federation supporting people with intellectual disabilities through supported living and community participation — operationally similar to DeafBlind Ontario Services' developmental-disability stream.
- Canadian Hearing Services: National Canadian non-profit providing services to Deaf and hard of hearing people, including Communication Support Professionals — overlapping with DeafBlind Ontario Services' CSP staffing and accessibility offerings.
- March of Dimes Canada: Canadian disability non-profit offering attendant services, employment support, and accessible housing — overlapping with DeafBlind Ontario Services' residential and community support models but with a broader disability focus.
- Surrey Place (Toronto): Ontario-based developmental services agency providing clinical and residential supports for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including those who are Deaf — comparable in supported living and DSO-aligned service delivery.
- CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind): Canada's largest vision-loss service organization, offering rehabilitation, accessibility, and advocacy services that partially overlap with DeafBlind Ontario Services' sensory-loss specialty but on a much broader mandate.
- Perkins School for the Blind: US-based legacy institution serving children and youth with deafblindness and multiple disabilities through school and community programs; comparable in specialized education and family supports.
Others
- Deafblind International (DbI): Global membership organization dedicated to deafblind welfare where DeafBlind Ontario Services holds governance roles — peer-like through shared mission, but functions as an ecosystem coordinator rather than direct service provider.
Direct peers
- Sensity: Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada: Canadian non-profit delivering deafblind-specific intervenor services, supported living, and community programs — the most direct functional peer to DeafBlind Ontario Services, operating mainly in Southwestern Ontario and across Canada.
Regional players
- Sense (UK): UK deafblind charity providing supported living, communicator guides, and bespoke services — functionally analogous in service model but serving a different national jurisdiction.
- Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults: US federally funded national center dedicated to deafblind individuals and their families — directly comparable mission and intervenor/communication support service stack.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
DeafBlind Ontario Services social profiles
Digital presenceDeafBlind Ontario Services financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
DeafBlind Ontario Services leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
DeafBlind Ontario Services funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
DeafBlind Ontario Services M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A1 record
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about DeafBlind Ontario Services
What does DeafBlind Ontario Services do?
DeafBlind Ontario Services provides residential and community-based support services for people who are deafblind, as well as those living with a developmental disability who are Deaf, hard of hearing, or use non-traditional forms of communication. Its core offerings comprise Supported Living Homes (24/7 accessible housing with professional intervenor support), Tremplin day programs, and Supported Independent Living programs, complemented by Bridge Community Training, Organization Partnerships, and Supported Volunteer Placements for external agencies. Services are delivered province-wide across Ontario by Direct Support Professionals, Communication Support Professionals, and Certified Deafblind Intervenor Specialists using the proprietary Enriched Communication Approach.
Is DeafBlind Ontario Services a public or private company?
DeafBlind Ontario Services is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was DeafBlind Ontario Services founded?
DeafBlind Ontario Services was founded in 1989. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is DeafBlind Ontario Services based?
DeafBlind Ontario Services is headquartered in Newmarket, Canada, in the North America region.
How does DeafBlind Ontario Services make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Government-Funded Services are the primary driver. The others are foundation Donations and Fundraising and training and Workshop Fees.
Who are DeafBlind Ontario Services's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Community Living Ontario, Canadian Hearing Services, March of Dimes Canada, Surrey Place (Toronto), CNIB (Canadian National Institute for the Blind) and Perkins School for the Blind. Deafblind International (DbI) is listed as an others. Sensity: Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada is listed as a direct peer. Regional players are Sense (UK) and Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youths and Adults.
Does DeafBlind Ontario Services have an API?
No public API is recorded for DeafBlind Ontario Services.
What industry is DeafBlind Ontario Services in?
DeafBlind Ontario Services's product category is Disability and Sensory Loss Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAEAG, Disability Services & Independent Living Support, with a secondary code of BPAGALAM, Disability Services & Assistive Solutions (Accessibility, Assistive Tech). Its NAICS code is 62412 and its SIC code is 8300.