Your Stories - Kim

The following story is shared by Kim, the mother of a child who is deafblind.

"I became a member in 2004. Being a single mom with a child who is deafblind, it's important to belong somewhere

CDBA Ontario's annual Parent Conference fills that need. When I went to my first Parent Conference, I thought "I'm finally home". Having access to workshops and support from other parents is very important. Every day that you are at the Conference you learn something new and important. I've learned how to communicate with Jessica.

I get the opportunity meet parents with kids older than Jessica and I receive feedback from them about what they've gone through. You meet a really diverse group of parents who support one another. You really feel like you belong.

I really look forward to it every year. I'm at a different place now that I've been at the conference. I get to spend valuable time with a group of parents who understand. We all have children who have something in common and they talk from their heart. These parents understand what I'm going through. I open up to complete strangers each year.

Each year I leave the conference saying 'Kim it's great that you went to that conference'.

I belong here. They get it."

Help Kim and other parents of individuals who are deafblind by donating to CDBA Ontario today.