Newmarket, ON – For over 25 years, DeafBlind Ontario Services has been enriching the lives of individuals who are both deaf and blind, through Intervenor and other specialized services.
DeafBlind Ontario Services recently conducted an accessibility review of all its residential locations across Ontario, which resulted in the development of an important resource guide called Accessibility Guidelines for Sensory Loss. Based on these guidelines, the not-for-profit organization has committed to making all of the necessary accessibility upgrades in their residential locations as funding becomes available.
The Cowan Foundation has stepped up and provided $26,000 in funding which will be directed towards accessibility upgrades at a group home located in Waterloo Region. This donation will help fund the installation of power doors, lighting, stroboscopic smoke alarms, and grab bars, which in turn will increase the residents’ independence and quality of life.
Quotes:
“Our business is helping clients manage risk. When we heard that group home upgrades were needed at DeafBlind Ontario’s Waterloo Region location in order to meet accessbility standards, we felt it was important to support this initiative,” explained Jerry McDougall, Regional Branch Manager at Cowan Insurance Group. “By donating approximately $26,000, we are helping to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.“
“DeafBlind Ontario Services is thrilled to have the support of The Cowan Foundation. Their gift will help with accessibility upgrades to our homes in the Kitchener-Waterloo Region”, said Roxanna Spruyt-Rocks, Chief Executive Officer. “It is because of our generous donors, like The Cowan Foundation, that we are able to deliver specialized services to our clients who are deafblind, allowing them to live more independently and enrich their lives.”
DeafBlind Ontario Services is a not-for-profit organization that helps individuals who are deafblind increase their independence and improve their quality of life through specialized services. With residential locations and community services programs across the province, their services extend into a wide range of communities in Ontario, including Waterloo Region. www.deafblindontario.com
The Cowan Foundation was started in 1995 in honour of Frank Cowan, the founder of Frank Cowan Company and Cowan Insurance Group. The Foundation is sustained by the ongoing success of the Princeton Holdings group of companies including Cowan Insurance Group (and its subsidiaries: The Williamson Group, Millennium CreditRisk Management, Wentworth Financial Services and Cowan Financial Solutions), Frank Cowan Company, The Guarantee Company of North America, Cowan Asset Management and Fountain Street Finance. Together they provide insurance and risk management products and services for individuals, businesses, organizations and public entities as well as assist employers with their group benefits, retirement and health and disability management plans. The goal of The Cowan Foundation is to make a positive difference in the lives of Canadians and the broader well-being of our communities. www.cowanfoundation.ca
For more information, please contact:
Susan Manahan
Director of Development & Communications
DeafBlind Ontario Services
Phone: 1-855-340-3267 x228
Email: ddc@deafblindontario.com
Jessica Kropf
Project Manager, Communications & Community Relations
The Cowan Foundation/Princeton Holdings Limited
Phone: (519) 650-6363 ext. 31214
Email: jessica.kropf@princetonholdings.com