Visual Description:
Two people are seated behind a brown wooden table against a plain white background. The man on the left has short reddish-blonde hair, a beard, and glasses, and he is wearing a black t-shirt. The woman on the right has long, dark, wavy hair and wears a black long-sleeved shirt. Both individuals look directly at the camera in a neutrally lit indoor environment.
Video Transcript:
M: Hi everyone, I’m Megan. I’m the current President of GVAD. And this is…
C: My name is Cameron, the current President of BC Association of the Deaf (BCAD).
M: What is BCAD?
C: BCAD is an organization that focuses on advocating at the provincial level for the Deaf community across BC. We also partner with different organizations in North Vancouver, Kelowna, on Vancouver Island. We collaborate with a variety of other organizations and support each other so we can host workshops and events. Together we succeed and grow!
M: When was BCAD reestablished?
C: BCAD was established in 2024, only two years ago! BCAD existed before, from 1998 to 2000, but it shut down shortly after.
M: So GVAD took responsibility for the Deaf community for many, many years until BCAD came back! Now BCAD can focus on the whole province, while GVAD can focus on serving the Greater Vancouver area, right?
C: That’s right! Now that BCAD is here, we need to figure out how to define the different roles and responsibilities of each organization here in British Columbia! A special thank you to GVAD for 100 years of significant support of the Deaf community.
M: Now GVAD’s bylaws will focus on the Greater Vancouver area, meaning those who live between Whistler and Hope. Those who live outside the Greater Vancouver Area cannot rely on our support. That’s why BCAD is here now! If you want to host or join other Deaf events, contact BCAD. Cameron, how can people contact BCAD?
C: People can contact us through email: info@bcadeaf.ca
C: So far BCAD has partnered with GVAD, but everyone across BC is welcome to partner with us too! We can provide support, resources, and service to support the success of your workshop or event. Not only organizations, but individuals too can contact us! If you have an idea for a workshop or event that can benefit the Deaf community across BC, contact us! We will try our best to support your idea! However, when you email us, please keep in mind that BCAD is led only by volunteers, which means we might not reply to your emails in a timely manner. Please be patient with us.
M: Wow! So that means BCAD services will support the whole Deaf community across BC, so people don’t need to depend solely on GVAD anymore?
C: That’s right.
M: I’m looking forward to seeing how BCAD grows moving forward. If you have any questions, please contact BCAD. However, if you live in Vancouver, go ahead and contact GVAD. I hope that was clear! I know there has been a long-standing confusion, and I hope it is clear now!
C: Yes, and if you have any other questions to help make the distinction clearer, feel free to email BCAD or GVAD and we will do our best to answer!
M: I’m looking forward to all the future collaborations across BC!
C: Yes! I’m so excited to support the provincial Deaf community! I know BCAD is new to you, but we are here to stay! I’m looking forward to seeing you around at different events and workshops.
C and M: Thank you!
