Sensity, Red Sox partnership brings deafblind awareness to the ballpark

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

Baseball became a platform for education and inclusion as Sensity partnered with the Brantford Red Sox for a special Deafblind Awareness at the Ballpark event on June 26, marking National Deafblind Awareness Month with an evening dedicated to raising awareness and celebrating the deafblind community.

The event, held for the second consecutive year, featured a ceremonial first pitch, interactive activities and opportunities for fans to learn more about the experiences of people who are deafblind. A portion of ticket proceeds and proceeds from baseball bingo sales supported Sensity's programs. Organizers said they were pleased with both the turnout and the number of people who stopped to learn more throughout the evening.

The evening opened with remarks from Frances Graham, Sensity's director of fund development, before Ameer, an individual supported by Sensity, took the field alongside his intervenor, Lisa, to throw the ceremonial first pitch.

Fans also took part in a Blindfold Base Run Challenge, designed to demonstrate how intervenors help people who are deafblind navigate their surroundings and communicate with others. Later in the game, the stadium participated in a Silent Inning, encouraging spectators to reflect on communicating without sound while gaining a greater appreciation for the experiences of individuals who are deafblind. Trivia contests and baseball bingo rounded out the awareness activities.

Sensity is a registered non-profit organization that supports individuals who are deafblind and those requiring sensory supports through specialized intervenor services, accessible housing, family supports and life-skills programming. The organization also has a local presence in Paris, operating a location on Main Street that supports individuals within the community. For more than 50 years, Sensity has provided services to children, youth, adults and seniors across Ontario.

Deafblindness combines varying degrees of both vision and hearing loss, affecting how people access information, communicate and interact with the world around them. While every individual's experience is different, many rely on intervenors — specially trained professionals who act as their "eyes and ears," providing environmental information, communication support and greater independence.

June is recognized as National Deafblind Awareness Month, and Noelle Austin, communications and event coordinator with Sensity, said community events like the Red Sox game play an important role in building understanding.

"Deafblind Awareness at the Ballpark is an important opportunity to champion inclusion, build understanding, and celebrate people who are deafblind in our community," Austin said. "Hosting this event at a Brantford Red Sox game creates a welcoming space where people can come together, connect, and take part in a shared experience."

She said participating in activities such as attending the game or throwing the ceremonial first pitch helps build confidence, participation and a sense of belonging for the people Sensity supports.

Austin noted that many people who are deafblind face barriers communicating, accessing information and navigating public spaces independently. Because the disability is often misunderstood, community education remains an important part of Sensity's work.

"We hope attendees leave with a deeper understanding of deafblindness and the importance of accessibility and inclusion," she said. "We also hope they feel inspired to take action."

Austin added that support from fundraising events helps ensure Sensity can continue providing intervenor services while expanding affordable, accessible housing opportunities that promote greater independence and dignity for people who are deafblind.

The evening was a win all around, with the Brantford Red Sox capping off the night by treating fans to a thrilling 14-13 victory over the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers, sending the hometown crowd home with another reason to celebrate.