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As Deafblind Awareness Month comes to a close, I hope many have had the opportunity to reflect on how you can be a part of their community. A month isn’t enough to continue bringing awareness and education to the public about Deafblind individuals. Awareness happens 365/7/24 hours a day. If you ever have the chance…

Yesterday, June 27th, was the 2nd annual International Day of Deafblindness, which was recognized by the United Nations last year, to coincide with Helen Keller’s birthday. I have not always been fond of Helen Keller; however, she has paved the wave by graduating with a Bachelor’s of Arts degree at a prestigious university. Her impact…

There are many Deafblind individuals who are role models. One of my favourite person who broke down many barriers is Haben Girma. She is the first Deafblind individual to receive a law degree through Harvard University. If she can do it, then any person who is Deafblind can pursue post-secondary education and chase their dream…

Deafblind individuals need communication gaps filled to participate fully in society and independently with confidence to make their own decisions, such as their health-care needs. As an individual with Deafblindness, awaiting for Intervenor Services through CNIB Deafblind Community Services (DBCS), live in a world of filling in my own gaps in hopes I am visually…

As part of International Deafblind Awareness Month, let’s dispel common myths! 1: All Deafblind individuals experience no sight and no hearing at all? Answer: This is false. I do not fall in this category. Deafblindness is a “spectrum” whereas I have profound hearing loss aided with hearing aids and wear glasses. Another individual may have…

May 31 – June 6 – National AccessAbility week’s theme is “Building a Strong, Accessible Canada”. Here are a few questions to ponder: Are we there yet as far as the built environment? Web- and document accessibility? And, what about emergency mitigation and preparedness for people with disabilities? Will we accessible by 2040? What are…

Sunday marks the first day of Emergency Preparedness Week in Canada. Here are a few highlights to note: Ten years ago, on May 3rd, marks the day when a whole community, Fort McMurray was destroyed by a raging wildfire. Climate-related and man-made disasters are occuring at alarming rate and reminding all of us to prepare…

Lightning Talk – Federal Emergency Measures and Egress Government of Canada. (2026, January 21). CAN-ASC-6.4 – Emergency Measures. https://accessible.canada.ca/creating-accessibility-standards/can-asc-64-emergency-measures. Government of Canada. (2025, November 14). CAN-ASC-2.2 – Emergency Egress (Exit).  https://accessible.canada.ca/creating-accessibility-standards/can-asc-22-emergency-egress-exit/10-emergency-egress-people-disabilities Government of Canada. (2025, April 23). About Us. https://accessible.canada.ca/about-us Government of Canada. (2022, December 13). Summary of the Accessible Canada Act. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/accessible-canada/act-summary.html Fireside Panel…

Tsunamis are prevalent in areas where waves rises after an earthquake, such as British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California. There has been a few “shakes” felt in 2025 causing tsunami warnings along the areas of concern. During an earthquake, sheltering-in-place is suitable if the area is undesirable and / or unsafe to navigate through; however,…

The last three months has been quite busy! First off, Happy International Women’s Day and for residents of British Columbia, happiest of days of no longer turning our clocks for the foreseeable future! Conference and speaking engagements preparations are under-way; in particular, for the Canadian Risk and Hazard Network (CRHNet)’s Symposium held in Edmonton, May…

December 3rd is a day to commemorate the challenges and achievements individuals with disabilities face on a day-to-day basis. This year’s theme from the United Nations is: Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress. Advocating for global inclusiveness for all; in particular, for individuals who are employable. The United Nations emphasizes poverty reduction as…

Welcome to Fall! It has been a whirlwind September and October! After a restful summer, it was time to dive into schooling and resume committee activities. Due to personal events, I did not accept presentation requests in September. In October, I was invited to present to a class at Thompson Rivers University on the needs…

Deafblind Awareness Month was celebrated in June. Due to circumstances, I only participated in a virtual panel facilitating a topic on “Advocacy Fatigue” and “”In Our Own Hands: Deafblind Experience”. The presentation was geared towards the CNIB, CNIB Deafblind Community Services (DBCS) and VLRC (Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada) staff. This session provided insight to the…

Situational Awareness Where ever we live, work and play, we always have to be alert to our surroundings. If you frequent a place often, such as a job or work location, take time to locate all the emergency exits and understand their emergency policies. Even if you visit a place sporadically, such as a movie…

Pets and Guide / Service Dogs Animals are companions to all of us who experience stress or trauma. It is essential that we can’t forget that their needs as just as important in ours in self-care when evacuating due to a disaster. In Canada, there is the Canadian Animal Disaster Response Team (CDART) that is…