DeafBlind Ontario Services
Background
DeafBlind Ontario Services (DBOS) and Participation House Support Services (PHSS) are two accredited not-for-profit agencies providing community-based support services for Ontarians with complex needs. They created a strategic partnership based on their unique expertise in providing specialized services in order to meet the current government’s vision and priorities for accessing continued public funding.
The Ask
The organizations have three objectives: to drive awareness and publicly demonstrate their proactive integration efforts across operations; communicate to government officials and the public about the need for their services; and support and showcase the value they bring to Ontarians while being diligent with public funding.
The Result
A phased, integrated public relations and government relations campaign that included outreach to more than 40 MPPs across Ontario was implemented to engage, educate and raise awareness among the community. BlueSky developed initial communications material including key messages and a press release to announce the unique partnership, as well as extensive content and executed proactive outreach to mass media outlets in target markets offering interviews with DBOS and PHSS. As a result, BlueSky secured earned media coverage in six outlets across key cities where services are located (London, Toronto, Sudbury, Kitchener, Ottawa, Belleville), including CTV News and NewsTalk 1290, with a reach of over 352,000 impressions.