Transcript of the Vlog:
As we work to improve services for the deaf community at the same time, we are committed to keeping the community informed of our work. We continue to work through how to improve services. We are extending the contract with the WIDHH – Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. While we work through this process, a request for proposal for future service delivery will start in January 2019 which will be open to all ASL interpreting service providers.
In follow-up to our engagement sessions this spring and winter across the province in Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna and Prince George, the community came together for engagement sessions. During the sessions, the report that was collected is available on the PLS website and video log of the summary report will be shared on various deaf media channels for example DEAFBC.CA. This report has also been sent directly to everyone who attended these sessions.
The next step in our engagement work is establishing a deaf-lead community advisory committee. Their role is to advise PLS – Provincial Language Service and the PHSA – Provincial Health Services Authority about service delivery. Advice on how to provide services to the community, draft criteria for advisory members will be reviewed by deaf community members that have been involved in our engagement work in the past for feedback, then a call for participation will be shared.
