Deafblind Services Society of British Columbia

We are governed by a volunteer board of caring individuals. Board members come with a range of experience and expertise, and many have family members who are deafblind. They are responsible for the financial and philosophical oversight or the organization. Our current directors are:

• Eric Durack, Chair
• Alvina Tyler, Vice Chair
• Rebecca Shields, Treasurer
• Stewart Calder, Director
• Ed Champion Jr., Director
• Bonnie Langland, Director
• Alvina Tyler, Director
• Shannon O'Rourke, Director

Deafblind Services has over 70 employees, most direct service providers. Our administration staff are responsible for direct program oversight and all of the operational aspects of the organization:

• Debbi Salmonsen, Executive Director, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Ellen Faustman, Director of Intervention Programs, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Salim Jiwani, Director of Finance, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
• Angie McGregor, Office Manager, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Our Intervenors have a unique complement of intensive intervention training, customized to each client based on their current abilities and communication needs, along with client centred residential care provision. They are supported by deafblind specialists with years of experience. Regular training is provided in areas such as:along with training for high quality client centered residential care provision. Our total communication approach includes:

• Deafblind Intervention Techniques, communication methods, orientation and mobility
• Personalized care that includes the dispensing of medications, hygiene, and home maintenance
• Food safety, First Aid and CPR certification
• Non-violent crisis intervention training

For a copy of the annual report, click here.  For a copy of our last financial statements, click here. For a copy of our organizational chart, click here.