Beyond Sight and Sound: Yarn Bombing Brings Deafblind Awareness to Ottawa

June marks ten years since the Senate of Canada officially recognized National Deafblind Awareness Month, a milestone that has helped raise visibility and foster inclusivity across the country.

To celebrate, cities worldwide will be covered in vibrant yarn bombing installations, with trees, fences, and buildings adorned in colourful, textured patterns that symbolize connection and community. The initiative, led by Deafblind International (DbI) since 2020, blends art with advocacy, creating tactile installations that highlight both the contributions and challenges of individuals who are deafblind.

Ottawa took part in this worldwide movement today with a yarn bombing display at First Choice Hair in Place d’Embrun Mall, where representatives from DeafBlind Ontario Services joined community members to unveil a locally crafted ‘yard bomb’ installation. The event, brought to life by the efforts of residents, shows how small, collective actions that are part of a bigger community effort can lead to meaningful and lasting change.

Understanding Deafblindness

Deafblindness is a unique condition that affects more than 602,000 Canadians, including 246,000 individuals in Ontario. It exists on a spectrum, with varying degrees of hearing and vision loss that create significant challenges in communication, mobility, and daily life. While some individuals are born deafblind, often due to genetic conditions such as Usher Syndrome, others acquire it later in life through aging, illness, or injury.

Despite these challenges, people who are deafblind lead full and independent lives, often relying on specialized communication methods such as Tactile American Sign Language (TASL), Braille, and adaptive technologies. National Deafblind Awareness Month plays a vital role in educating the public and celebrating the resilience and achievements of individuals within the deafblind community.

ABOVE: Pickering College in Newmarket, Ontario, and Dorchester Terrace Retirement (right) are two of many groups to participate in Deafblind International’s yarn bombing 2025 initiative. (Photos: DeafBlind Ontario Services via Facebook)

Yarn Bombing as a Symbol of Inclusion

Originally a form of street art, yarn bombing transforms ordinary spaces into vibrant, textured displays, adding character and meaning to the urban landscape. In 2020, Deafblind International adopted this concept as a creative way to foster visibility and spark conversations about accessibility.

Unlike traditional murals or graffiti, yarn bombing is a tactile art form, making it particularly meaningful for individuals who are deafblind. The installations encourage touch and engagement, allowing those with limited vision to experience the artistry firsthand while reinforcing the importance of multisensory accessibility.

More than just decoration, these installations serve as public statements, ensuring that the experiences of the deafblind community are acknowledged and understood.

A Local Celebration with Global Reach

Ottawa’s yarn bombing event at Place d’Embrun Mall is part of a larger movement spanning cities across Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. Each year, support for the initiative grows, with businesses, local governments, and advocacy groups working together to create inclusive public spaces.

ABOVE: Yarn bombers display their creations at the Elgin Centre in St Thomas, Ontario. (Photo: DeafBlind Ontario Services via Facebook)

For DeafBlind Ontario Services, National Deafblind Awareness Month is an opportunity to educate communities while celebrating the individuals they support. The organization provides specialized programs tailored to those who are deafblind, as well as Deaf, hard of hearing, or individuals who use non-traditional communication methods. Their work emphasizes independence, personal growth, and engagement, ensuring that every person can fully participate in society.

Building a More Accessible Future

While National Deafblind Awareness Month has grown significantly over the past decade, there is still work to be done. Advocacy groups continue to push for stronger accessibility policies, ranging from improved public transit accommodations to better employment opportunities for individuals who are deafblind.

Technology has played a critical role in breaking down barriers, with advancements such as haptic feedback devices, speech-to-Braille software, and AI-powered accessibility tools helping people who are deafblind navigate life more effectively.

ABOVE: The Lakeshore Branch of the Innisfil Library was yarn bombed by DeafBlind Ontario Services. (Photo: Innisfil Idealab & Library via Facebook)

However, awareness remains the key to lasting change. Initiatives like Deafblind Awareness Month remind us that inclusion goes beyond technology—it’s about human connection, ensuring that people who are deafblind are recognized, supported, and valued.

Ottawa’s yarn bombing installation is not just an artistic tribute—it’s a statement of solidarity and visibility, highlighting the resilience and contributions of those who are deafblind. In a world that often prioritizes sight and sound, these efforts encourage us all to reimagine communication and inclusivity, not just for the deafblind community, but for everyone.

For more information, visit www.deafblindontario.com and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.

Header Photo: Herbert Bieser, Pixabay