Our History

Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada (Sensity) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing services for individuals who are deafblind or experiencing sensory loss. Recognized both nationally and internationally, Sensity is a leader in delivering Intervenor Services—a specialized support role for individuals who are deafblind.

Founded in 1990 as the Canadian Deafblind and Rubella Association (Ontario Chapter) Inc., the organization was established by a group of parents and professionals concerned about the future of their students and loved ones after they transitioned out of the school system.

With the success of Rubella immunization programs, the incidence of Rubella-related deafblindness declined significantly. As a result, “Rubella” was removed from the organization’s name to better reflect its commitment to supporting all individuals with deafblindness, regardless of cause.

Over the years, Sensity has expanded its services across Ontario, offering both community-based and supported living programs. Our person-centred philosophy continues to guide the delivery of these programs, ensuring that services are tailored to each individual’s unique needs and goals.

A key milestone in our growth was the opening of our Resource Centre in Paris, Ontario, in 2012, followed by the addition of adjacent apartments within three years. The Resource Centre was established as a direct result of a Study Group that explored deafblind services both in Canada and Europe, identifying best practices and areas for innovation.

In January 2019, the organization adopted its current name—Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada (Sensity)—to better reflect its broader commitment to serving Canadians with a range of sensory impairments.

At Sensity, we bring decades of knowledge, experience, and specialized training to support individuals who are deafblind and their families in living full, self-directed lives.