The ASL and Deaf Studies Department and the Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults has partnered with the Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf to host activities to celebrate the International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Language.
The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) first launched International Day of the Deaf in 1958; the “day” was later extended to “week.” The International Week of the Deaf (IWD) is observed annually during the last full week of September. The week culminates with International Day of the Deaf on the last Sunday of the week. The 1st World Congress of the WFD took place in September 1951, and the choice of September to celebrate the International Week and Day of the Deaf is a commemoration of this historical event.
Each member country of the WFD can choose a specific theme for its focus. In Canada, the Canadian Association of the Deaf has suggested a spotlight on the rights of Deaf people to access quality education. As Vancouver Community College has been educating Deaf adults for almost 40 years, it is very appropriate we celebrate IWD 2011 from September 19 to 23.
We hope you will join us in the various activities that are planned.
Contact persons: Vincent Chauvet (vchauvet@vcc.ca) for Art Show
and Leanor Vlug (lvlug@vcc.ca) for other events on campus.
International Week of the Deaf – Tentative Schedule of Events
The purpose of IWD 2011 is to recognize the BC Deaf community, celebrate and support Deaf culture, Sign Language, and achievements of Deaf people locally, nationally, and internationally.
The IWD events at Vancouver Community College will raise awareness and educate the College community about Deaf culture and VCC students and programs
ASL and Deaf Studies Department and Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults in partnership with the Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf (GVAD), will host the following activities:
Monday, September 19, 2011 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. – IWD “Kick-Off”
Event Space
1. Introduction of Special Guests and reading of the Proclamation (15 min)
2. Brief background of VCC’s Programs – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults and ASL & Deaf Studies (5-10 minutes)
3. Recent achievements of the BC Deaf Community and awards (10 minutes)
4. Performance – ASL poet or Deaf dancer
5. Mini Reception
Tuesday, September 20 & Wednesday, September 21 – Deaf Art Exhibit
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Room 5025 (Boardroom)
Thursday, September 22 – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
International Day of Sign Language Kick Off
Event Space
1. Proclamation of the International Day of Sign Language (IDSL)
2. Announcement of other events connected to IDSL
3. Game Show hosted by DHH and ASL & Deaf Studies – proceeds to the Japan Federation of the Deaf.
There will be a Week-long Fund-raising activity to “Support the Global Deaf Community”
“Waving Hands” Display
– at lunch time Monday through Thursday, and during the Deaf Art Show, people can donate a Loonie ($1) or Toonie ($2) and get a paper “post-it” hand display in certain areas. These “waving hands” signify support for a specific global Deaf community project – this year’s proceeds will be donated to the Japan Federation of the Deaf to provide interpreting and other support for Deaf survivors of the March earthquake and tsunami.
Saturday, Sept. 24 – 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Picnic hosted by BC Cultural Society of the Deaf – at Queen’s Park, New Westminster. Presentation / Display related to the Deaf Community and ICED 2010 Committee in developing the “New Era Document.”
