Deafblind Coalition of Ontario
Functional Identification Development Group
Position Paper
Belief
Deafblindness is a unique and complex disability, and therefore an identification
process needs to take into account the nuances and functioning levels of a wide
spectrum of individuals who are deafblind. Deafblindness is not the simple addition of
deafness to blindness nor blindness to deafness. For the identification process to be
valid, vision and hearing losses should not be assessed in isolation from each other.
Deafblind Coalition of Ontario (DBCO)
The Deafblind Coalition of Ontario formed in 2003 after a series of meetings with
stakeholders and consumers from Ontario and other provinces. Today, the Coalition is
representative of service providers, educators, and some consumer groups who all
work together with the shared vision of improving the services available to Ontarians
who are deafblind.
The Deafblind Coalition of Ontario believes that:
 a comprehensive identification process and framework needs to be developed to
meet the specific needs of this unique population;
 a consistent approach is necessary across the sector and the spectrum of
individuals who are deafblind;
 correct / incorrect identification has significant and lasting quality of life
ramifications for the individual who is deafblind;
 standardized hearing and vision tests do not adequately indentify many
individuals who are deafblind and do not sufficiently inform about their
functioning level; and
 by working collaboratively with the Ontario government, we can develop a
functional identification process.
Purpose of Position Paper
As a coalition, we acknowledge the difficulty in developing an identification process for
individuals who are deafblind. We also recognize the lack of Canadian researchers in
the field of deafblindness and have therefore conferred with our international partners
who have already embarked on this journey. All members of DBCO, and our partners in
education from Centre Jules-Léger and W. Ross Macdonald school, would like to work
collaboratively with the government as they move forward into Phase Two in developing
a model for Ontario.
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Guiding Principles
The DBCO has established a Functional Identification Development Group to create a
consistent and equitable process for identifying individuals who may be functionally
deafblind.
While there are some identification processes in place, the DBCO, Centre Jules-Léger,
and W. Ross Macdonald School agree that there is a need to develop them further.
An ideal identification process would include:
 a holistic process that may incorporate multiple sensory systems, medical,
physical, motor, social, communication, orientation and mobility, as well as
behavioural characteristics;
 a process that is tailored to the individual and is adaptable for individuals of
all ages and across the functional spectrum;
 working transparently across all sectors to develop a seamless process that
is available throughout the lifespan;
 multiple sessions which are conducted in a variety of contexts and
environments due to the time-consuming and complex nature of the
identification process;
 a minimum of two assessors to ensure an interactive process that includes
proficient communication, observation, and consultation. This consultation
may involve people who play a relevant role in the individual’s life;
 qualified assessors who can demonstrate substantial relevant and current
experience, as well as assessment training in the field of deafblindness,
and an extensive training program for future assessors;
 highly trained assessors with experience in the field, are required to ensure
valid implementation and delivery of this identification process.
Methodology
Phase One: Collection of Information
 The DBCO Functional Identification Development Group collected
assessment information from international organizations specializing in
deafblindness. In consultation with these professionals, it became apparent
that the development of a comprehensive identification process can take a
significant amount of time. DBCO hopes that the government will allow the
requisite pace and time for this project to ensure the development of a
reliable, high quality identification process.
 The DBCO Functional Identification Development Group has to date
reviewed relevant documentation from fourteen sources and has extracted
the most valuable information to be used as a starting point for functional
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identification process discussions. The DBCO is in the process of obtaining
copyright approval for these resources.
Phase Two: Development of Identification Process
 The DBCO Functional Identification Development Group will integrate their
expertise with relevant research in deafblindness and work collaboratively
with the government to develop a specialized framework and identification
process.
Phase Three: Training
 In order to support the identification process, it is critical to develop a
training program to ensure that assessors have the required skills and
expertise.
Phase Four: Reliability Testing
 The identification process should be piloted to demonstrate its reliability.
Phase Five: Implementation
 Based on our research, development of the identification process will take a
significant amount of time, and working together with the government we
will create workable timelines for the rollout of the project.
 In order to ensure a seamless transition into adult services, the Functional
Identification Development Group would like to extend this process to the
assessors working in educational systems who are identifying students that
may be deafblind.
Conclusion
Given that deafblindness is a unique disability, and there is no consistent identification
process currently in the province, the time has come for the government, DBCO, Centre
Jules-Léger and W. Ross Macdonald to work collaboratively to develop a functional
identification process that would optimally serve the people of Ontario who may be
identified as deafblind.
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