About Us
We believe that the principle of equal rights and self-determination is the cornerstone to living a meaningful and fulfilled existence. It is the path to happiness, growth and independence.
At Sensity we deliver meaningful experiences for people who are deafblind, so they are empowered to make their own choices and to experience life to its fullest.
Sensity provides Intervenor Services for children and adults across Ontario, delivered by our staff of professional intervenors. We also provide intervenor training to ensure our standards meet the needs of the deafblind community. Our headquarters are centrally located in Paris, Ontario with program locations across the province.
Sensity is a member of the Deafblind Network of Ontario and Deafblind International.
Sensity provides services for individuals in any life stage. We offer a broad spectrum of flexible programs and services for each segment of the population including individuals who are deafblind, families, children, adults, other agencies that work with the deafblind community and the general public. Sensity offers Intervenor Services, funding for Children’s Intervenor Services, and comprehensive education, training and consultation opportunities.
Find out how these programs and services can assist you.
Our History
Sensity was originally incorporated in 1991 as the Canadian Deafblind and Rubella Association (Ontario Chapter) Inc.
CDBRA Ontario was formed by parents and professionals with an interest in expanding services to people who are deafblind.
In January 2019, we re-branded and became Sensity Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada (Sensity).
Our new name reflects our commitment to supporting Canadians experiencing a range of sensory losses.
Our rich history and extensive experience in providing services to people who are deafblind positions us well to expand our services to people who are experiencing sensory loss or communication challenges.
Sensity is a registered charity and continues to provide intervenor services, residential services, training and consultation and employment services to all members of the deafblind community and people with a variety of sensory losses.
We are proud to be recognized within Canada and around the world as a leader in the provision of Intervenor Services, the specialized role of those working with people who are deafblind.
Deafblindness
Deafblindness is a distinct disability. Deafblindness is a combined loss of hearing and vision to such an extent that neither the hearing nor vision can be used as a means of accessing information to participate and be included in the community.
What is an Intervenor?
An intervenor facilitates the interaction of the person who is deafblind with other people and their environment. The intervenor provides information using receptive language, assists the individual to communicate using expressive language, provides or develops concepts where necessary, confirms actions, assists with life skills and most importantly, assists the individual to achieve as much independence as possible within their situation. The intervenor takes direction from the individual who is deafblind.
Board of Directors
Sensity is governed by a volunteer board of directors, consisting of members from various professional backgrounds across the province of Ontario. Our governance board is responsible for looking at the strategic direction of the organization and works closely with the Chief Executive Officer to review and establish policy.
Resource Centre
Our Resource Centre in Paris, Ontario provides access to multisensory rooms and technology to assist people who are deafblind. This includes a Snoezelen Room, Music Room, Sensory Garden and our RC Store.
Snoezelen Room
Our Snoezelen Room is a multisensory environment where people with deafblindness can experience a soothing yet stimulating experience. The concept of Snoezelen was defined in the late 1970's. The word "Snoezelen" is a contraction of the Dutch verbs "snuffelen" (to seek out or explore) and "doezelen" (to relax).
For bookings please contact activity@sensity.ca
