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GVAD & BCAD Host: Town Hall on Deaf Housing Accessibility Challenges
Visual description:
Flyer for a virtual Town Hall titled “Deaf Housing Accessibility Challenges” on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 PM, presented by Gary Malkowski. Red and teal design with sections on removing housing barriers (apartments, houses, condos, senior and public housing) and inviting community questions and experiences. Includes Zoom details, a free registration link, a QR code, and the contact email: lisa@gvad.ca. The link to sign up is: https://bit.ly/bcdeafhousingaccess
Town Hall: Deaf Housing Accessibility Challenges
Join us for an important community conversation focused on removing barriers in housing for Deaf communities.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
7:00 – 9:00 PM (PT)
Presented in ASL by: Gary Malkowski
Online via Zoom
We’ll be discussing accessibility across:
• Apartments
• Houses
• Condominiums
• Senior Housing
• Public Housing
Your voice matters.
Ask questions and share your experiences to help shape what builders, landlords, and housing providers need to improve accessibility.
Free to attend – registration required:
https://bit.ly/bcdeafhousingaccess
Questions? Email: lisa@gvad.ca
Let’s work together toward barrier-free housing!
Van Slam FINALS ft. GC Vasquez
GVAD is sharing this information:
Don’t miss this event out in Vancouver, BC. April 6Van Slam Finals ft. GC Vasquez
April 6 | Enabling Arts
Doors 7:30 | Show 8pm
$8 Advance | $10-15 at the door (no one turned away for lack of funds)
Van Slam Finals! This invitational slam will feature 8 poets who have competed all season, collecting points towards their chance to be the Vancouver Poetry Slam Champion! The winner goes on compete at the Canadian Individual Poetry Slam as part of Verses Festival of Words April 23-May 2, 2026.
Van Slam Finals will follow this format:
3 slot Open Mic
Feature Poetry Performance
Slam – 3 rounds: 3 min. × 1min. x 3min. poems*
*only the top 4 scoring poets move on to the third round, which is winner-take-all
ASL Interpreters will be on hand for this eventth at 7pm!
ASL Interpreted: 2026 Black Entrepreneurship and Research Symposium
GVAD is sharing this information:
Join us for the second edition of the Black Entrepreneurship and Research Symposium, presented by RADIUS SFU and the Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC).
When? Wednesday, March 25 | 1 to 5 pm (Doors open at 12 pm)
Where? Surrey City Hall
Cost: Free event
Our Black Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub’s three-year-research report and knowledge gathered at our 2025 symposium highlight the need for greater visibility and mentorship, as well as addressing bias and systemic barriers within policy and funding decisions.
This symposium moves the research recommendations into action.
? Everyone is invited: We need entrepreneurs, government and policymakers, funders, social impact and community organizations, and researchers for real, meaningful economic inclusion.
Join us for:
An exciting community panel with Black leaders across the Lower Mainland, joining voices to advocate for greater space, visibility, and support.
Community marketplace showcasing Black-owned businesses
Community booths supporting entrepreneurs
Workshops for entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and Black community leaders
Networking and community connections
Light lunch from Wazobia Afrique Catering
Live musical performance by Lordnation
And more!
Emergency Alert Project Hearing Focus Group
GVAD is sharing this information:
Are you Deaf or Hard of Hearing? We would like to hear your opinions on whether the current emergency alerts work for you. Do you know when an alert is sent? Can you actually understand the information being shared?
If interested contact Harry Lew at the Neil Squire Society at harryl@neilsquire.ca.
Persons asked to take part in a two-hour focus group before the end of the month will be paid $100.
The Polyphonic Multilingual Creation Residency Showcase
GVAD is sharing this information:
Description: A showcase of excerpts of two new multilingual works-in-progress: “Human Acts” (featuring Mandarin & English) by Irene (Fan) Yi and “Mel & Ari’s Immigration Fund” (featuring Indonesian & English) by Mel Zaini and Ari Anindita, followed by a community discussion.
Date/Time: Saturday March 21st 2026, 7pm-9pm. Doors at 6pm
Where: Progress Labs Studio located at 1422 William Street.
Tickets: Pay what you want, LINK HERE.
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/polyphonic-multilingual-creation-program-2026-showcase
Employment and Social Development Canada: Helping?older Canadians stay safe during?Fraud Prevention?Month
March is Fraud Prevention Month, and this year’s theme is “Fraud: The Hidden Crime.” This theme reminds us how fraud often remains out of sight, because it is under-reported and because it is hidden behind convincing technology, across borders, and within everyday online interactions.
Fraud continues to be one of the leading crimes affecting older adults, and scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods and tactics. Staying alert and supporting one another is therefore essential!
Talking about fraud can be uncomfortable or upsetting, and that’s completely normal. It’s important to remember that fraud can impact anyone regardless of their age, education or background. You are not alone in this fight!
Common scams targeting older adults and how to avoid them
Grandparent scam
Scammers impersonate a grandchild or relative in urgent trouble, claiming an accident, arrest or medical emergency. They pressure victims to send money immediately, while insisting they keep it a secret. Protect yourself by reaching out directly to the family member using a known phone number, and never send money under pressure.
Investment scam
Scammers promise high returns with little or no risk. They often use fake credentials and high-pressure tactics, presenting themselves with professional?looking materials to appear legitimate. Once money is sent, scammers disappear! Cryptocurrency scams have become prevalent, where fraudsters boast of successful investments to persuade victims, and use fake online trading platforms to convince individuals to send money or cryptocurrency.
Always do thorough research, verify registrations with provincial securities regulators, and never rush into an investment decision.
Romance scams
Scammers create fake online profiles on dating sites or social media to forge emotional connections with victims, ultimately requesting money for reasons such as travel expenses or medical emergencies. They may even offer to “coach” you on fake crypto investments. They typically avoid in?person meetings and provide inconsistent personal details. Protect yourself by being cautious?with relationships that move quickly and never send money to someone you?haven’t?met in person.
Bank investigator scams
Impersonating bank staff, law enforcement or security investigators, scammers claim that your account has been compromised and instruct you to withdraw or transfer funds to a “safe” account that belongs to the scammer. Remember, legitimate banks will never ask you to move your money. Always verify directly with your bank!
Recovery scams
Following a fraud incident, scammers may contact victims, pretending to be from police, government, banks or recovery services. They claim they can help recover lost funds for a fee, preying on the victim’s hope and urgency. Some victims may search online for help, but this can lead them to fake recovery company websites that exploit their vulnerability.
Remember that legitimate organizations do not charge for recovery services. Always verify the authenticity of any recovery service and seek assistance from trusted and established sources.
More ways to protect yourself and others
- Watch our short video
Learn about some of the most common scams targeting older Canadians: - Listen to our podcast
Gain insights from experts at the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre in our latest podcast: - Talk to your family and friends
Talking openly and without judgment helps everyone feel more prepared. Encourage loved ones to pause, verify and ask for help if something seems off. - Report fraud or suspicious contact
Report fraud or suspicious contact- Report here: https://reportcyberandfraud.canada.ca/
No matter what new technologies or methods scammers use, your best defence against fraud is to recognize, reject and report!
Stay safe, and share this message with your networks, friends and family.
Thank you for joining the fight against fraud!
Deadline to apply for the position of Specialty Interpreter Interns
As a part of the Pathway to Art and Culture Sign Language Interpreter (PASLI) project, the Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf is working with the Canadian Chinese Museum at 51 East Pender St., Vancouver, BC V6A 1S9. A museum tour will be offered to the Deaf Community.
We are looking for a freelance interpreter in BC to co-interpret with an intern interpreter on:
– March 29, 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
– April 11, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Please contact Maryam Hafizirad and Victoria Meusel to offer your availability, to discuss rates, and for further information: mhafizirad@deafculturecentre.ca and vmeusel@deafculturecentre.ca.
The CCSD Team is looking forward to working with you on this project and other upcoming exciting projects in BC!
IBPOC Virtual Anti-Racism Meetings Registration
GVAD is sharing this information:
IBPOC hosts the meeting to collect your voices for reporting to Anti-Racism legislation and BC government reforms to laws related to anti-racism.
Please sign up the registration for participation.
You receive the participation fee of $50 for participating the meeting and making your voices. The meeting is intended for IBPOC participants only.
The meetings will be held virtually on March 28th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Time) and April 4th from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Pacific Time).
Your name will be fully anonymous and will not be disclosed in any reports.
The meeting will be held twice. If participants attend both meetings, they receive $50.
Otherwise, they receive $25. Registration is limited to 30 participants.
Form link:
ASL Interpreted: Deaf-Friendly Visit to H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
Visual Description:
An event flyer from the Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf for a March 17 visit to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. It features a watercolor illustration of the observatory dome and welcomes the deaf community and CODA families. ASL interpretation is provided. Admission ranges from $14.70 to $20.60 plus tax at the door. Contact media@gvad.ca.
GVAD is excited to announce a Deaf-accessible visit to the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre! We will have an ASL interpreter on site for the entire visit. This is a rare opportunity, as interpretation is typically not available at this venue. Everyone is welcome!
Date & Time:
Tuesday, March 18
10:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location:
H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
1100 Chestnut Street, Vancouver, BC
Who This Is For:
- Deaf children and youth (ages 5–18)
- Deaf adults
- CODA families
- Deaf community members
Admission Fees (+ tax, paid at the door):
- Child under 12: $14.70
- Youth ages 12–18: $19.15
- Adult ages 19–64: $20.60
No pre-order required — pay at the door!
Questions? Contact us at media@gvad.ca
#DeafFriendly #DeafCommunity #GVAD
ACE-BC: Participants needed for a study
GVAD is sharing this information:
Image description: A research poster titled “Participants needed for a study about postsecondary experiences of students/alumni who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing and DeafBlind”. We are looking for more current Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind students from institutions in BC. In appreciation of your time, you will receive a $75 gift card for participation in a focus group. For more info, contact us at: research.postsec@gmail.com
Please join our research study! We need input from Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of hearing students in college/ university in BC.
The study has been ethically reviewed and approved by the Royal Roads University Research Ethics Board (Battalova: 6/27/2025).The study is supported by SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant.
GVAD 100-Year Celebration Gala – Tickets Are BACK!
GVAD 100-Year Celebration Gala – Tickets Are BACK!
Hello everyone! I’m Lisa Anderson, part of the GVAD 100-Year Gala Event Committee, serving in Event Promotions & Fundraising.
From time to time, you’ll see other committee members and me taking turns sharing updates and announcements as we get closer to this historic celebration.
Tickets are now available again!
$150 per ticket
Join us for a formal evening celebrating 100 years of the Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf (1926–2026).
Your ticket includes:
A formal evening of celebration
Live entertainment & music
Trivia & fun activities
A delicious platter dinner
Our first confirmed celebrity entertainers:
Burton “BB” Bird – Indigenous Hoop Dancer
Melissa Elmira Yingst (“MELMIRA”) – Trivia Show Hostess (with surprises!)
Warren “WAWA” Snipe – Bringing his signature rap show for all ages to enjoy
And that’s just the beginning… many more stars will be announced soon! ?
Tickets are limited — secure yours now and be part of this once-in-a-century (history) celebration.
Upcoming vlog teaser:
We’ll share information about hotel accommodations and special group rates for guests coming from across the Lower Mainland and out of town. Stay tuned!
Ticket form link is here: https://form.jotform.com/252353940222046
Questions? E-mail to gvad100@gvad.ca
Visual Description:
Lisa Anderson, with her long blonde hair, is framed from the chest upward, facing forward and making eye contact with the camera as if addressing the audience. She appears to be speaking directly to viewers in a vlog-style announcement. The video preview shows her delivering a friendly message about tickets becoming available for the GVAD Gala celebration.
Ticket Announcement Vlog Transcript:
Hi! I’m Lisa Anderson from the GVAD 100-Year Gala Event Committee. Yes – we’re celebrating 100 years of GVAD! All the way from 1926 until this year, 2026. Wow, 100 years! Calls for a big celebration!
My role with the committee is to do event promotions and fundraising. Fundraising is needed so we can have a fun and successful event. I will be promoting the gala and sharing vlog updates from time to time whenever we have new information and announcements. You will also see other committee members taking turns doing vlog videos. You can look forward to those updates.
We’re thrilled to announce that we’re ready to sell the next round of gala tickets for $150 each! Your ticket includes what?
- A formal evening of celebration. You’ll get to dress up in your formal wear and mingle with all the guests.
- Live entertainment and music.
- Trivia! You’ll get a chance to answer questions about our history. There will also be other fun activities such as a photo booth, 3D booth and more! It’ll be great!
- A delicious plated dinner. Yummy!
You’ll also get to see celebrities! Who??
- Burton “BB” Bird. He is coming to do Indigenous Hoop Dancing for us.
- Melissa Elmira Yingst, a social media personality known as “MELMIRA”. Yes! She’s coming to join us! She’ll be hosting the trivia show plus will have more surprises for us!
- Warren “WAWA” Snipe will be bringing his signature rap show, fit for all ages to dance to! You can boogie in your seat or get on your feet!
And that’s just the beginning – many more stars to be announced soon!
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to celebrate our community’s journey from 1926 to 2026. Tickets are limited – get yours now!
And don’t miss our next vlog, where we’ll share details about hotel accommodations. We invite everyone to come, from the Lower Mainland, across BC and even across Canada – and stay at the gala hotel at a special group rate. If you have questions, please contact us. Come and join our celebration!
How do you get tickets? Check out our flyer and find the QR code. Click on the code and use that to get to the ticket order form and you’re all set.
Are you excited yet?!
ASL Interpreted Theatre: Otosan
GVAD is sharing this information:
You’re invited to this play: Otosan.
In this puppet show for families, a young girl hides in her father’s suitcase and travels with him to the Arctic, which is a dangerous place! In the Arctic they encounter wild animals and have to learn to work together. It’s a beautiful parent-child story with interesting visuals and gestural communication.
ASL/English Interpreters are present for the pre-show speech and talk back afterwards. The show itself does not use language, so no interpreters are needed.
Saturday March 7 at 4pm
Surrey Arts Centre
More info & Buy Tickets:
https://www.surrey.ca/arts-culture/surrey-civic-theatres/surrey-spark-stages
FoodSafe Level 1 — Taught in ASL
Image description: A GVAD promotional flyer with a teal mountain graphic header and the organization logo. A chef hat icon sits beside the bold heading FOODSAFE LEVEL 1 in ASL. Key details list May 2026 as the planned date, a March 31 sign-up deadline, and an estimated cost of $150 per person. A dark teal box titled SHOW YOUR INTEREST explains the plan to bring a non-local ASL FoodSafe instructor to the Lower Mainland. A red footer displays the registration link and email contact info.
We at GVAD are working to bring a FoodSafe Level 1 instructor who teaches in ASL to the Lower Mainland — but first, we need to know you’re interested.
The instructor is not local. Signing up helps us arrange travel, accommodation, and scheduling before we commit.
Details:
- Planned for: May 2026
- Estimated cost: ~$150 per person
- Sign-up deadline: March 31
ASL FoodSafe courses are rare — don’t miss this opportunity. Sign up today!
Sign up: https://forms.office.com/r/7UzMpBshgr
Questions? Contact us at info@gvad.ca
ODF: ASL Research and Resource Development Research Fund
GVAD is sharing this information:
The Ontario Deaf Foundation (ODF) is pleased to announce the launch of the ASL Research and Resource Development Award Competition.
This annual competition is open to only Deaf Canadians, as its goal is to encourage educational research and developing instructional ASL resources in Canada.
The maximum award amount provided by the Foundation is $10,000 per application. This funding is intended to support impactful projects focused on ASL research or the development of educational resources.
The closing date for submitting applications for the upcoming cycle is April 30, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to prepare their submissions well in advance to ensure consideration for this annual award.
Canadian Deaf Women’s Conference: July 15–18
GVAD is sharing this information:
Get ready to be inspired! Welcome to the Canadian Deaf Women Conference: AWE (All Women Empowered). Join us for 4 transformative days, July 15-18, 2026, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, at the Viscount Gort Hotel (1670 Portage Avenue).
We’re offering a FREE combo conference ticket draw on March 8, 2026. Register as a participant before the draw to have your name included.
Please note: This event is for attendees 18 years and older.
Your participation is key to making this conference a success! For any registration support or inquiries, our team is ready to help. Just reach out to the Registration Coordinator at registration@cdwc-cfsc.ca. We can’t wait to connect with you!
Préparez-vous à être inspirée! Bienvenue au Congrès des femmes sourdes du Canada : TFP (Toutes les femmes en pouvoir). Rejoignez-nous pour 4 jours transformateurs, du 15 au 18 juillet 2026, à Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, à l’hôtel Viscount Gort (1670, avenue Portage).
Nous offrons un tirage d’un laissez-passer combo GRATUIT le 8 mars 2026. Inscrivez-vous comme participante avant le tirage pour que votre nom soit inclus.
Veuillez noter : Cet événement est réservé aux participantes âgées de 18 ans et plus.
Votre participation est essentielle au succès de ce congrès! Pour tout soutien à l’inscription ou toute question, notre équipe est prête à vous aider. Contactez simplement la coordinatrice des inscriptions à registration@cdwc-cfsc.ca. Nous avons hâte de vous rencontrer!
