Donate to Help Relocation of Four Local Deaf Organizations to One Roof
The Greater Vancouver Association of Deaf (GVAD), BC Deaf Sports Federation (BCDSF), the BC Association of the Deaf (BCAD), and the Deaf-Blind Planning Committee (DBPC) are moving to a new location to serve Deaf communities in the Metro Vancouver and beyond.
Our new address after February 01, 2025 will be:
4445 Norfolk Street, Burnaby, BC V5G 0A7
Learn more about our move: https://deafbc.ca/archives/25734
Donate to us to help us to cover the costs associated with the relation. Donations of $20 or above will receive tax receipts.
GVAD Donations:
CanadaHelps: https://bit.ly/gvadcanadahelpsdonate
E-Transfer: treasurer@gvad.ca
BCDSF Donations:
E-Transfer: info@bcdeafsports.bc.ca
Please write “New office move” on the cheque or e-transfer note to allocate the donation and issue a tax receipt.
Any questions? Email info@gvad.ca
Vlog:
Four Presidents stand in line: Terri (DBPC), Lisa (GVAD), Mohlin (BCDSF) and Cameron (BCAD) smiling.. Lisa looks at the other Presidents…Lisa asks all if they are excited about the move… everyone looks at her and nods smiling and in excitement [Terri (DBPC) on her left, Mohlin (BCDSF) on her right, and then next to him Cameron (BCAD)
Do you in the Deaf community want to support all of us? Come on, donate to support us! Lisa turns to Mohlin and asks him “how?”
Mohlin: How you can donate is by sending an email to our organizations’ email address see it here below: info@bcdeafsports.bc.ca Mohlin explains further the reason why we can donate is that the two organizations (including GVAD) have a charitable number and that means tax receipts can be issued If community members donate
Lisa: You can donate to GVAD by a link as seen below: https://bit.ly/gvadcanadahelpsdonate
Terri, Lisa, Mohlin and Cameron synchronically all say “Thank you!” at the same time!
End screen shows the text: GVAD Donations https://bit.ly/gvadcanadahelpsdonate treasurer@gvad.ca
BCDSF Donations info@bcdeafsports.bc.ca
Tax donations for over $20.00 donations
GVAD is Moving! – Feb 1, 2025
On December 25th, GVAD President Lisa Anderson announced the relocation of GVAD Head Office on February 1, 2025.
The new GVAD office after February 1, 2025 will be:
4445 Norfolk Street, Burnaby, BC V5G 0A7
The location is accessible by public transportation.
BC Deaf Sports Federation (BCDSF), the BC Association of the Deaf (BCAD), and the Deaf-Blind Planning Committee (DBPC) will also operate from the same location.
Video description: Video opens with the top of a Christmas tree, and pans down the tree, and once get under the tree zooms in on one singular boxed present, with tree wrapping paper, and zooms to a label To: GVAD members & the Deaf community From: GVAD Board 2024-2026. Lisa unwraps the present, ripping some of the wrapping paper, opening a box, and with her delight pulls out a piece of paper that shows GVAD logo at the top centre with words in bold GVAD is M O V I N G! Next, Lisa opens a folded piece of paper, says OK, we’re moving? Now where, what’s the address? and the next paper says GVAD new office: 4445 Norfolk Street, Burnaby, BC V5G 0A7. Below in red font it says “February 1, 2025” and video fades out…
Video description & transcript:Video opens up with unwrapped Christmas Present with a piece of paper that has following text: GVAD New building address: 4445 Norfolk Street Burnaby, BC V5G 0A7 February 1, 2025 Video pans from left to right to an office building and zooms in on the entrance door with sign that says 4445 Norfolk SPARC BC Video zooms in to GVAD President Lisa standing in lobby of building in front of a Christmas tree and the following is all signed in American Sign Language (ASL): Hello my name is Lisa Anderson, remember you saw a cute video of the GVAD President opening up the present and it showed an announcement on piece of paper that GVAD is moving, well this is Part 2 video as we have even bigger news to share! As you know the Deaf community has long dreamed for a place of its own where Deaf organizations could have their offices and services could be provided at a one-stop place, well.. baby steps, this could soon become a reality! President aises her arms and says come with both hands, and two males walk into the scene and Lisa asks the man to her right to introduce himself. Mohlin PIllay, President of BC Deaf Sports Federation (BCDSF) introduces himself and says we support those who live in BC, with a focus on sports, fitness and health, we support athletes in BC, across Canada and at the international level. Mohlin looks to his left and passes the dialogue to the other male. Cameron Epp, interim President of the BC Association of the Deaf (BCAD) which has its goal to support organizations around the province of British Columbia, Deaf organizations advocate and support for their needs for their project and advocate to ensure that those community members who live here in BC voices are heard by the government. GVAD President Lisa adds so this means that the two organizations pointing to Mohlin and Cameron for BCDSF and BCAD will join the GVAD in having their own offices and sharing the office space here. Lisa then adds, checking in with Cameron, that there will be a 4th organization joining in with BCAD in their office space? BCAD interim President answers, and affirms yes that they are in discussions with details being worked on, so yes there will be a 4th organization joining us! GVAD President claps in excitement and is thrilled then looks to BCDSF President and asks if he is excited… BCDSF President Mohlin says yes, I am very excited and looking forward to it. With gold confetti effects, in unison the 3 Presidents say “Happy New Year!” and then Lisa in the middle steps forward and says “See You in 2025!” End screen has pixie dust text “Happy New Year 2025!” and the screen fades away.
Media History of Video Calling – Survey DDBHH, CODA, Interpreter, or Family Members for a PhD Project
My name is Sabrina Ward-Kimola, I am a CODA from Vancouver and Vancouver Island. I am currently seeking volunteers for interviews as well as formal and informal archival databases of videoconferencing technologies used for early video-calling.
ASL YT video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oncFLILbRI4&feature=youtu.be
English and visual description of video:
My name is Sabrina Ward-Kimola, I am a woman with light brown hair, glasses and in this video, I am wearing a pink sweater. I am a CODA from Vancouver and Vancouver Island currently living in Montreal, and I am doing a project for my PhD about the media history of video calling in Vancouver’s Deaf community.
I am seeking volunteers for research interviews, from any of the following groups of people:
– a Deaf, Hard of Hearing or Deaf-Blind media user/historian or CODA/Interpreter/family member fluent in ASL (or ASL PT) who used the webcam in the 1990’s or early 2000’s?
– Interested in contributing to Deaf history from a CODA perspective?
The details are:
– All interviews will be video recorded in ASL;
– Interviewer will ask questions related to your early memories of webcam use;
– Location is flexible (Zoom preferred)
– If you do not want to be identified, the interview can be made anonymous;
– Final project will be made available in both ASL and English;
– You are free to end your participation anytime;
Sign up at this Google form link: https://forms.gle/KKKhxwdkCtLioukF9
Contact:
– email: sbrnwrd@gmail.com
– phone for texting/facetime: 250-709-7506
Qualicum School District – Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Assignment: Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The assignment may change due to the itinerant nature of the position, or to meet the needs of the school’s educational program, grade organization, and/or enrolment.
0.40 FTE CONTINUING
Commencing as soon as possible.
The successful candidate will be expected to:
Collaborative Planning, Teaching and Coordination:
- Assist classroom teachers with the design and implementation of an appropriate educational program complete with universal and essential supports as required to meet the individual needs of students;
- Support the development, implementation, communication, monitoring and evaluation of support plans (Class Support Plans, IEP, behaviour plans, safety plans) for students who require additional supports;
- Work to support the needs of students in classroom and/or small group settings;
- Support staff and students in the use of compensatory strategies such as assistive technology to build success and independence;
- Integrate use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to support teaching and learning, manage information, and carry out professional communication;
- Participate as a member of the School-based Team (as required), coordinate district referrals, and attend the district Screening Committee meetings as required;
- Work collaboratively with parents, district staff, outside professionals and community agencies while also maintaining healthy boundaries;
- Attend Learning Support staff meetings.
Consultation:
- Communicate effectively with students, parents, staff and outside professionals;
- Support the work of the school toward enhancing student achievement;
- Provide UDL focused classroom-based support for teachers and their students;
- Advise teachers about universal and essential supports for classroom environments;
- Consult with students and families regarding support strategies;
- Create an engaging, respectful and inclusive learning environment for students;
- Support classroom teachers in providing direction and support to Educational Assistants.
Assessment and Evaluation:
- Completes criterion-references or norm-references assessment as appropriate to answer questions about how to best provide instruction or support;
- Provides observation and collection of behavioural data to establish baseline/progress data or describe functional behaviours;
- Synthesizes information from students, families, student records, outside professionals/agencies and health related information to inform the assessment process.
The successful candidate will have the following qualifications:
- A valid BC Teaching Certificate and familiarity with BC curriculum;
- A Diploma of Deaf Education;
- Training and the ability to communicate using sign language;
- Training and experience in teaching students with a variety of needs;
- Training and experience in teaching specialized instructional methodologies;
- Training and experience in using technological adaptations and programs to enhance the individual learning needs of students, including working with SET BC;
- Training and experience in modifying and adapting curriculum to meet the individual needs of the learner;
- Training and experience in providing strategies and materials for classroom teacher(s);
- Experience working collaboratively with classroom teachers to develop and implement comprehensive IEPs.
Salary Grid:
$59,711-$109,520 with placement on the range based on length of service and qualifications in accordance with the collective agreement.
Salary Grid Link: https://shorturl.at/nwO86
Qualified applicants are invited to apply online on Make a Future at https://bit.ly/4gKk8BC.
Sign Language Interpreter – 2 positions
SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER
Gold River Worksite of School District 84
Under the instructional direction of the teacher and/or Special Education teacher, and the supervision and evaluation of the Principal, the Sign Language Interpreter provides sign language interpreting services in the school and in the community. The Sign Language Interpreter also reinforces the educational program.
The Gold River Worksite is within the Village of Gold River, located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, 90 km from Campbell River. Nestled among snow-capped mountain peaks, surrounded by the Pacific Rain Forest and open to the waters of the Historic Nootka Sound, it is an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. With its beautiful rivers, breathtaking scenery, clean air, excellent water, and affordable living, Gold River provides the foundation for healthy living. The schools are well-equipped with quality services and many creative learning opportunities for students, including the Nootka Sound Outdoor Program.
This appointment is effective September 3, 2024 on days when students are in regular attendance, and has a flexible work schedule equal to 30 hours per week.
Note: School District 84 engages in preferential hiring of self-identified First Nations applicants in all positions in accordance with section 42 (Special Programs) of BC’s Human Rights Code.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Duties
·Facilitates communication between deaf, hard of hearing and hearing students, staff and other personnel in the school(s) by providing interpreting services in and out of the classroom in settings which may include, but not restricted to: field trips, conferences, interviews, specialist appointments (occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, medical training), and meetings with students, parents, staff, and community groups;
·Adjusts the sign language mode and provides an equivalent message to meet the educational and communication level as required;
·Researches and prepares, as necessary, for interpreting assignment whether in the classroom or in another educational setting by reviewing the course materials, vocabulary, concepts, teaching goals, and learning styles, and assists in the acquisition of life and social skills;
·Interprets in extra-curricular activities, which support the attainment of health and wellness goals including work experience and recreational activities;
·Works in collaboration with the educational team in a mutually supportive manner that reinforces the educational program goals by adapting or modifying the language mode as well as classroom materials to meet the specific needs of students;
·Demonstrates professional boundaries and interpersonal skills;
·Works independently as well as in a team, and displays initiative and resourcefulness in an environment where diverse approaches are used;
·Familiar with a wide range of equipment including adaptive technology; examples may include but are not limited to computers, iPads, closed captioning, computer software, and Smart Boards;
·Explain the interpreter’s role to administrators, teachers and students;
·Provide orientations as to the proper use of interpreting services for the deaf, hard of hearing and hearing students and staff, and/or other in-service training;
·Participates, as a para-professional, in educational team meetings and provides input to the IEP process as required;
·Monitors, observes and reports to the classroom teacher on student’s progress;
·Supervises students during brief absences of teaching staff but does not assume whole class instructional responsibilities;
·Modifies classroom and curriculum materials to meet student’s and/or group’s specific needs as directed;
·Assists student(s) in developing problem solving, socializing and peer interaction skills;
·Assists with implementation of behavior modification techniques/conflict resolution strategies, problem solving models and with general classroom management;
·Assists in the implementation of particular speech and language activities and lessons;
·Assists with assessment of student’s progress by compiling information regarding behavior and recording progress (i.e. journals, observation sheets).
·Possesses a strong understanding of child/teen development and demonstrates a strong ability to work with children with diverse needs and challenges;
·Displays a professional and impartial attitude; is knowledgeable about deaf culture and community resources; has the ability to establish and maintain trust and rapport with students and staff;
·Works in collaboration with parents, health care professionals and school and district staff and other agencies under the direction of the teacher and other related professionals to foster and develop the individual student’s potential;
·Prepares and gathers materials, equipment and supplies as directed by the classroom teacher (i.e. worksheets handouts, flash cards, charts);
·Reads to students or listens to students read, encourages students with work tasks, reinforces overall teacher expectations of students;
·Actively pursues professional development;
·Operates standard office and classroom equipment;
·Performs all duties with a level of interpersonal skills appropriate to the position;
·Maintains the confidentiality of sensitive information seen or heard;
·May be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
·Grade 12 education or the equivalent including fluent proficiency in written and spoken English;
·Two-year post-secondary diploma from a recognized American Sign Language English Interpreting Program;
·Up to six months’ experience in a variety of settings, including educational and community interpreting;
·Active membership in The Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters and the Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI or similar)
·Fluent in American Sign Language including the ability to adjust to the signing, educational and communication levels required;
·Working knowledge of adaptive technology related to work performed including smart phones, computers and related software;
·Physical capability to perform the job duties; and,
·Valid BC Driver’s License.
The rate of pay is $33.37 per hour. Employment is subject to an approved Criminal Record Check.
Call for Applications: Non-Verbal Co-Learning Engagement at grunt gallery
grunt gallery invites Deaf, Hard of Hearing, deaf non-verbal artists across British Columbia to participate in a six-week Non-Verbal Co-Learning Engagement during Winter/Spring 2025. This program centers non-verbal creative practices and explores collaborative ways of learning and sharing.
Deadline (to apply): January 10, 2025
About the Program
- Program Focus: Non-verbal communication, including text, gesture, drawing, and signed languages in artist-run centres and contemporary artist practices.
- Timeline: A six-week program fostering shared learning between the artist(s), grunt gallery staff, and the community.
- Goals: To explore non-verbal forms of artistic engagement, prioritize accessibility, and challenge traditional, ocular-centric approaches to art.
- Free Information Session: Jan 8, 2025 – Register by email, aep@grunt.ca, or using google forms. *ASL Interpreters booked
Who Should Apply
This call is open to Deaf/d/HOH and others who identify as non-verbal or engage in non-verbal artistic practices. Applications from artists of diverse Deaf and disabled communities, and/or people of the global majority (BIPOC) are highly encouraged. Local artists with an address in Metro Vancouver/Lower Mainland only.
Program Details
- Duration: 6 weeks – February 7th – March 14th, 2025.
- Format: Weekly silent meetings (via text, gesture, drawing, signed languages), grunt staff meeting participation, community roundtable discussions, and media response/video interview.
- Support:
- Artist Fee: $2,000 (CARFAC-aligned)
- Local travel expenses covered (if applicable)
- ASL interpretation, CART captioning, and other accessibility supports are provided.
How to Apply:
Deadline: January 10, 2025
Application Options (pick one):
- Use Google Forms application
- Download plain text application OR watch question video and film your answers. (send to email – aep@grunt.ca)
For more information on grunt gallery’s Accessible Engagement Project, visit:
grunt.ca/non-verbal-co-learning-engagement
We look forward to learning and growing with you.
This program takes place on the unceded territories of the x?m??k??y??m (Musqueam), S?wx?wú7mesh (Squamish), and s?lilw?ta? (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
2024-2026 GVAD Board and Email Communication
The Greater Vancouver Association of Deaf Board for 2024-2026
BIG THANK YOU to those who attended and volunteered at our AGM on October 18th. We have a new board for 2024-2026. Please join us to welcome our new and returning board members. Thank you and much gratitude to our departing board members (Imran Hakamali, Cameron Epp, and Raakhee Pillay).
E-mail Communication Addresses
We are also working on strengthening our communication channels. Please use applicable email addresses listed below to reach out to us.
- General inquires and feedbacks: info@gvad.ca
- Post Deaf/ASL related events and announcements on Facebook and DeafBC.ca: media@gvad.ca
- Membership inquires and questions about your membership: membership@gvad.ca
- Donate to us or make payments for tickets for GVAD events and workshops: treasurer@gvad.ca
- Questions about GVAD events, tickets, volunteering, and other questions: events@gvad.ca
- Deaf Interpreter (DI) and accessibility requests for events and workshops: DI@gvad.ca
- If your emails to the above addresses are not responded within 5 business days, please reach out or forward to vicepresident@gvad.ca. This will ensure accountability and transparency.
Please don’t reach out board member’s by their personal accounts, email addresses, or at their professional or personal spaces without their permission.
PDF version of the post available at: https://deafbc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/03-Nov-2024-New-GVAD-Board-2024-2026-IG-FB.pdf
Program Implementation Coordinator for ACE-BC
2024 Vancouver Writers Fest — ASL Interpreted Events
Five events at the 2024 Vancouver Writers Fest will include ASL interpretation. Join us for the following events!
Standard tickets are $27. If the cost of tickets presents a barrier to attending, you can also request $10 or $0 tickets. Please call our box office at 778-658-0462 or email boxoffice@writersfest.bc.ca to request these ticket prices, as well as to reserve seating within sightline of the ASL interpreters.
- Scarily Brilliant: An Evening of Literary Horror
https://writersfest.bc.ca/festival-event-2024/14
October 22 at 7:30 PM — The NEST
Horror authors Elliott Gish, Yeji Y. Ham, and Adam Pottle will discuss the process of craft: honouring and breaking from tradition; probing what is truly scary, on and off the page; and using fear to explore our shared humanity. Moderated by Jen Sookfong Lee.
- What I’ve Done For Writing
https://writersfest.bc.ca/festival-event-2024/42
October 24 at 5:30 PM — Performance Works
The creation of art inevitably encroaches on life—whether through family schisms, professional divides, or controversy. Authors Heather O’Neill, Brandon Taylor, and Jenny Heijun Wills join Guest Curator Kim Thúy to discuss what it means to write honestly—and what they have sacrificed in order to do so.
- The City of Vancouver Book Award Ceremony
https://writersfest.bc.ca/festival-event-2024/56
October 25 at 1:00 PM — Revue Stage
Once again, this year’s Vancouver Book Award will be hosted at the Festival, and you won’t want to miss this afternoon of literary wonder. This FREE event will include live readings from the shortlisted authors, and the announcement of the 2024 Book Award Winner. Thanks to the City of Vancouver for providing ASL interpretation for this event.
- The Knowing, with Tanya Talaga
https://writersfest.bc.ca/festival-event-2024/60
October 25 at 7:30 PM — Granville Island Stage
The Knowing is another essential read from Tanya Talaga: the unfolding of Canadian history unlike anything we have read before. It is the history of the country through an Indigenous lens, and Church-sanctioned disenfranchisement and genocide. Talaga speaks with Candis Callison.
- Rebuilding Pillars of Society
https://writersfest.bc.ca/festival-event-2024/69
October 26 at 1:30 PM — Granville Island Stage
The issues of healthcare and housing are always top of mind for Canadians, and key issues in this year’s provincial election. Gregor Craigie and Jane Philpott offer practical and politically savvy solutions to ensure these basic human rights are available to all. Moderated by André Picard.
Job Posting: Provincial Outreach Program – Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Literacy Specialist
The focus of the Provincial Outreach Program Deaf and Hard of Hearing (POPDHH) is to collaborate with school districts in meeting the needs of all Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners. Through collaborative consultation POPDHH supports educational teams in addressing the unique communication and learning styles of individual Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. To reach every student’s potential POPDHH promotes goals of language development, literacy, numeracy, cognitive development, self-advocacy, and self-confidence in becoming responsible, global citizens.
The Provincial Outreach Program: Deaf and Hard of Hearing is seeking a Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing – Literacy Specialist.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Early Literacy
- Responsible for adapting or modifying existing materials, and creating new materials that specifically address the unique needs of learners
- Works together with an ASL Specialist to create materials in ASL and model visual tactile strategies
Educational Consultation
- Provides ongoing educational consultation and technical assistance to professionals working with children who are deaf or hard of hearing in public and private schools throughout British Columbia
- Writes Student Observation / Recommendation Summary reports
- Provides some temporary consultation itinerant services depending on staffing availability and caseload
- Working with the school-based team, assists with the identification and needs of students requiring POPDHH services (assessments, interviews, observations, team meetings, etc.)
- Administers and interprets assessments with School Based Team
- prepares reports and maintains records related to work performed
- Working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing students in person and through video conferencing with an emphasis on ASL acquisition
- Administers and interprets speech language assessments (receptive and expressive)
Professionals
- Works collaboratively with TDHHs across the province to build capacity, invite collaboration and answer questions
- Provides ongoing technical support and researches new technology that will benefit TDHHs and their students
- Mentorship for teachers and educational assistants
- Coordinates the organization of Provincial events such as video conferences, conferences, media and technology services
- Collaborates with partner agencies to provide seamless services in the community
Parents
- Works collaboratively with parents and professionals to develop positive and successful educational programs for students
- Provides workshops for parents in the area of IEPs, role of TDHHs, etc.
Webinars and conferences
- Develop educational webinars
- Provide support and specialized on-line training and/or workshops to the TDHHs, EAs, support staff and SLPs in the province on a regular basis in many areas related to deafness and hearing loss such as Assessments, goal development and Individualized Educational Plans, technology, etc.
Communication
- Serves students in school settings using all communication modalities
- Communicates regularly with a broad variety of professionals
- Facilitates communication between POPDHH, partner agencies and school staff
- Communication with students and Educational Teams in English and American Sign Language, and sharing knowledge of ASL, Deaf culture and history
- Performs related duties as required
Required Qualifications:
- A valid BC teaching certificate
- A Master’s degree or diploma in the education of the deaf and hard of hearing or certification by the Canadian Association of Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CAEDHH)
- Native fluency in ASL (i.e., Level 4 or higher on the ASL Proficiency Interview, as assessed by the Sign Language Institute of Canada)
- Strong knowledge base in language and literacy development
- Understanding and applying adaptations for a deaf learner, i.e. environmental cueing
- Experience with essential reading routines
- Demonstrated ability to work on a team to adapt strategies for deaf learners
- Prior teaching experience with children who are deaf or hard of hearing, in both Classroom and Itinerant roles
- Knowledge of hearing assistive technology such as cochlear implants, hearing aids, and remote microphone systems
- Knowledge of the variety of communication modalities used by students who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Experience in providing inservices and developing online training tools
- Thorough knowledge of computer operation and software applications related to work performed.
- Ability to communicate effectively at the level required for the job
- Demonstrated ability to work at the level of independence and with the degree of initiative appropriate to the position
- Ability and willingness to travel throughout the province of British Columbia
Job Posting: Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resource Teacher – School District #41 (Burnaby)
We have a dynamic group of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resource Teachers who work collaboratively with classroom teachers and school teams to support students and provide them with the best possible learning experience. We offer mentoring and collaboration with experienced team members.
We are now seeking a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Resource Teacher.
Required:
- A Bachelor of Education degree or academic equivalent
- Master’s Degree of Diploma in the education of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing or Certification by the Canadian Association of Educators of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CAEDHH)
- Teacher Regulation Branch Certificate
- Previous classroom teaching experience
- Expertise in provision of alternate format instructional materials and specialized equipment, together with knowledge of technology and its application for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
- A valid driver’s license
Application Details:
Your application should include your cover letter, resume, professional credentials, supporting documents, and a minimum of three reference.
Media Release for IDSL/IWD
International Day of Sign Languages and Official Deaf Flag Recognized in British Columbia
(Surrey, British Columbia) — The British Columbia Association of the Deaf (BCAD), Greater
Vancouver Association of the Deaf (GVAD), South Vancouver Island Association of the Deaf
(SVIAD), and Mid-Island Deaf Association (MIDA) proudly announce a historic Deaf Flag raising ceremony at the Provincial Legislature in Victoria, B.C. on Monday, September 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. This event marks the first time the Deaf Flag will be raised in the Provincial Capital.
Additionally, on the same day at 11:00 a.m., the Deaf Flag will be raised at City Hall, 511 Royal Ave, New Westminster, B.C., with local Deaf representatives attending.
According to the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), over 70 million Deaf people worldwide use more than 300 sign languages. In British Columbia, with a population of 5.6 million, approximately 5,600 people are Deaf.
International Day of Sign Languages
On December 19, 2017, the United Nations designated September 23 as the International Day of Sign Languages to promote the preservation of sign languages and Deaf culture globally. This day coincides with the founding of the WFD in 1951 and is part of the International Week of Deaf People, which raises awareness of the human rights and cultural significance of sign languages.
The Deaf Flag
Approved at the WFD’s 20th General Assembly in July 2023, the Deaf Flag symbolizes Deaf unity and strength. The flag’s three colours hold special meanings:
? Turquoise Blue: Sign language, pride, and unity.
? Yellow: Enlightened spirit and life.
? Dark Blue: Humanity and the Deaf community’s global connection.
These colours represent the diversity and inclusion of Deaf people as part of the rich fabric of humanity.
Shine a Blue Light on Sign Languages
On the International Day of Sign Languages, Deaf communities worldwide will celebrate by
lighting key buildings and landmarks in blue—a symbol of unity.
The World Federation of the Deaf encourages communities, governments, and organizations to shine blue lights on landmarks, showing collective support for Deaf communities and national sign languages. In British Columbia, the BC Association of the Deaf and GVAD proudly support this campaign, which will occur at provincial landmarks.
We support this effort to raise awareness about the rights of sign language communities and the ongoing human rights issues around accessibility. Deaf and Deaf-Blind organizations in B.C. face several key challenges:
? Funding & Personnel: There is insufficient support to prevent language deprivation among
Deaf children and ensure communication accessibility. Recent cuts in the Surrey School
District affect 50 Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and hard-of-hearing students lacking language
acquisition support.
? Intervenor Services: Provincial funding for Deaf-Blind adults’ intervenor services is at risk, threatening their communication and quality of life.
? Language Monitoring: Sign language milestones, crucial for deaf children’s
neurodevelopment, are not tracked. Additionally, funding cuts to services like the Deaf
Children’s Society of British Columbia worsen a lack of trained specialists and role models.
The following Lower Mainland landmarks will be lit in blue on the evening of Monday, September 23, 2024, with Deaf organization representatives and community members gathering to view them:
? Surrey Civic Plaza, located at 13450 104 Ave, Surrey, B.C. (8:30 p.m.)
? New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, B.C. (9:00 p.m.)
? BC Place & Science World, 1455 Quebec Street, Vancouver, B.C. (9:40 p.m.)
? The Sails at Canada Place, 999 Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C. (10:15 p.m.)
The Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf has created a flyer with all the landmarks that will be shone in Blue on Monday evening. Members of the Board of Directors and the Deaf community will stop at the above locations at certain times to create photo opportunities.
The Province of British Columbia has proclaimed and declared that September 23 to 29, 2024, shall be known as “International Week of Deaf People” and September 23, 2024, shall be known as “International Day of Sign Languages” in the Province of British Columbia, as seen in this link.
Please reference the Canadian Association of the Deaf-Association des Sourds du Canada
(CAD-ASC) press release for a complete list of locations nationwide participating in these events.
For more information, please contact:
Regarding Provincial Legislature Flag-Raising:
Lisa Anderson: President@gvad.ca or Text message: 778-688-3656
Regarding the New Westminster Flag-Raising:
Leanor Vlug: leanorvlug@bcadeaf.ca or Text message: 672-515-9308
Additional Resources
The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD):
https://wfdeaf.org/who-we-are/our-story/
International Day of Sign Language WFD Press release:
https://wfdeaf.org/news/un-23-sept-as-international-day-of-sign-languages/
Blue Lights for Sign Language WFD Information Sheet:
Information Sheet
Deaf Flag as part of 19th WFD Congress Resolutions:
https://wfdeaf.org/news/wfd-congress-resolutions/
Deaf Flag Information on the WFD Website:
About the Deaf Flag
Blog post about the Deaf Flag:
https://www.deafumbrella.com/post/deaf-flag
Canadian Association of the Deaf-Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC):
https://cad-asc.ca/
British Columbia Association of the Deaf:
Facebook Page
Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf – Facebook Page:
Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf | Surrey, BC
Deaf-Blind Planning Committee:
Information Sheet
Deaf Children’s Society of BC (DCS):
Website
Regarding Early Intervention and Language Development:
Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center – https://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu
Early Intervention at Clerc Center – Language Access for All:
https://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/earlyintervention/
California EDHI – Lead-K Family Services:
https://leadkfamilyservices.org
Boston University –
Research on Language Milestones
Raise the Deaf Flag – New Westminster
Just CONFIRMED!
CITY HALL in NEW WESTMINSTER, BC will raise the Deaf Flag
Time: 11:00am.
Come join
British Columbia Association of the Deaf representative Leanor Vlug
and
Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf representative Alexander Muñoz
at: City of New Westminster City Hall, 511 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC
Celebrate International Day of Sign Languages #IDSL #IWDeaf #deafflag
Check out website: https://wfdeaf.org/deaf-flag/….
Handwaving Deaf Flag for SALE!
We know you have been waiting… here it is!
You CAN get your own handwaving DEAF FLAG!
We are excited to announce that the Deaf Flag is available for purchase through GVAD/BCAD as a fundraiser.
Fundraising goes to World Federation of the Deaf, Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf and British Columbia Association of the Deaf
Cost: $10.00
https://deafbc.ca/product/handwaving-flag-deaf-flag
We are controlling the number of flags sold, as we anticipate the popularity, so you can only buy one at a time, if you want more, you need to purchase multiple times.
We will NOT deliver, it is for locals only.
If you order online, you can pick up your Flag at the Car Rally event at any of the 5 stops
on Monday September 23:
Surrey Civic Plaza (8:30pm.)
New Westminster City Hall (9:00pm.)
Science World (9:40pm.)
Canada Place (10:15pm.)
OR at:
The 43rd GVAD Corn Party
If you want your own flag but can’t pay credit card, please email to deaf_flag@gvad.ca and we will hold your flag for you to pay cash at pick up.
If you live in Victoria, contact SVIAD (South Vancouver Island Association of the Deaf), or Nanaimo, contact MIDA (Mid-Island Deaf Association), and if you live in the Okanagan, contact Okanagan Valley Association of the Deaf (OVAD).