Home Blog
Fa La La La…Ugh: An Evening of Music and Stories Featuring Robyn Jacob and JJ Lee
GVAD is sharing this information:
ASL interpretation is provided.
Doors open at 6:30pm
Registration is required, seating is general admission
Books will be available for sale
ASL interpretation will be provided by Leah Weiss
Join us for an evening of music, stories, and holiday mishaps! Hosted by award winning author, JJ Lee, featuring acclaimed musician Robyn Jacob, this final volume of Better This Year: More Tales from Christmas Survivors, comes to life.
The evening will begin with a Traditional Welcome offered by Chepximiya Siyam’ Chief Dr. Janice George.
More information and registration: https://westvanlibrary.ca/event/fa-la-la-la-ugh-an-evening-of-music-and-stories-featuring-robyn-jacob-and-jj-lee/
If you have any accessibility requirements, contact ksakamoto@westvanlibrary.ca
Video: ASL Drop is Coming!
Get ready for a fun night of stories, poetry, and performances — all in ASL!
Where: Vancouver Community College (VCC)
When: November 22
Doors open: 6:00 PM | Showtime: 7:00 PM
Fundraiser for GVAD’s 100 Year Gala Celebration Committee
Tickets
$25.00 Adults
$5.00 Children Under 12
Click here to pay for your tickets: https://bit.ly/asldrop2025
E-mail us
1) if you can’t pay online and prefer to buy ticket at the door (seniors, Deaf-Blind)
2) Deaf-Blind and request interpreters
gvad100@gvad.ca
Join us for a night of creativity, laughter, and connection — whether you’re performing or cheering from the audience!
Image Description (for accessibility):
A promotional image shows two people standing side by side in front of a bright green background framed by red stage curtains. Both appear to be mid-conversation in American Sign Language (ASL), smiling and expressive.
The person on the left, wearing a shirt patterned with the British flag (red, white, and blue), is looking toward the person on the right with hands clasped together in a cheerful pose. The person on the right has shoulder-length dark hair, glasses, and is dressed in a dark purple top and black undershirt. She is signing with her hands extended forward, index fingers touching, and smiling warmly.
At the top of the image, white text on a purple banner reads:
“FUNDRAISER FOR GVAD 100 YEAR ANNIVERSARY GALA COMMITTEE”
Below that, bold white text centered over the curtain backdrop reads:
“ASL DROP”
On the left curtain, there is a logo for the Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf featuring teal mountains over a red background. On the right curtain, another circular logo reads “GVAD 100 Years” with a green and red color scheme.
The overall theme of the image feels festive and theatrical, promoting a fun ASL-based fundraising event.
Transcript:
ASHLEY: ASL Drop soon… Hey
John pops up from the bottom of the video so excitedly, scaring Ashley unexpectedly.
Ashley exasperates and pulls John back slightly with a sarcastic smile.
John rubs his hands so excitedly.
ASHLEY: Ok, ASL Drop. Coming up soon… When? Nov 22
JOHN: (2 hands) Y-E-S!
ASHLEY: Where?
JOHN and ASHLEY: VCC, VCC that!
John and Ashley pause for a second, smiling.
ASHLEY: Starts at 6:00 pm
JOHN: Yes, people gathering, socializing and sitting in the auditorium.
ASHLEY: Show time
JOHN: 7:00 pm! What do I sign? What does it look like? (Ashley smiles).
ASHLEY: A list of various genres of signings… people will come to the stage… different ways like two groups signing back and forth… like completing… Ok John, for example: Handshape: 1, 5, 9, S.
John moves to the front of the video pushing Ashley aside a little bit, bragging.
JOHN: I can. I am expert! Ok, 1 (John nods), 5, (John figures momentarily), 9 (John giggles), S (head rolling around)
Ashley holds on John’s shoulder and exasperatedly negates no no no. Ashley pulls John back with her look embarrassingly.
ASHLEY: No no… Story! (Ashley embarrassingly smiles, holding her hands. John is developing ideas for a handshape story using 1, 5, 9, and S).
JOHN: Oh right! (pondering) Oh yes I am expert. (John puts his hand on Ashley’s shoulder to move her back). Watch me! 1 (person walking on beach), 5 (waving water), 5 (wind blowing against trees), 9 (sunrise), S (head movement a little by wind), 5 (waving water), 1 (person walking), 9 (rolling eyes around the sky), 5 (so sensational). Is that what you mean?
ASHLEY: Yep (Ashley pulls John back and taps on John’s shoulder) John is so excited. (Ashley is thinking of something…)
JOHN: Now, non-facial expression? Remember we did discuss that?
ASHLEY: (Ashley nods yes) No facial expression, yes… a list of style of acting… No facial expression! Show them.
John moves forward slightly and pulls his collar to prepare the story.
JOHN: No facial expression allowed, right? (John looks at Ashley to clarify, and Ashley nods yep)
John moves forward to prepare a non-facial expression story. In the back Ashley looks at John’s story
JOHN: Fish story (non-facial expression). Fishing pole… throw a hook in a far distance… hook lands on water and fish gets hooked… pull the fishing pole… (Ashley giggles) I am so scared… other is laughing at me so hard… I still am scared… (Ashley gently taps on John’s shoulder to cut my story off).
ASHLEY: That! Save that story for this event. Save it Ok. (Ashley taps on John’s shoulder to relax John)
JOHN: Oh right… I babble too much oh right… (Ashley exasperatedly smiles, tapping on John’s shoulder).
ASHLEY: And… (John interrupts Ashley)
JOHN: More poetry, right?
ASHLEY: (Ashley clarifies) Stoorrry pooeeetryy
JOHN: Oh yes… humm… what about two teams… something like that… back and forth in signing?
ASHLEY: One sentence… word to word… Two persons come up on the stage… they sign back and forth…
John overlaps Ashley’s instruction. John gesturally stops his moving hip like dancing back and forth.
ASHLEY: (so patiently with John’s annoying interruption). Two persons move to the side of the stage to let others come to do the signing back and forth… three persons then two persons… competition!
JOHN: (Jaw dropping so amazingly) WOW! What about Road Runner and Bugs Bunny? What will we do with them?
ASHLEY: humm… acting (ASL Classifiers) two legs to increase the speed, (ASL Classifiers) two moving hands under her face showing that RR runs so fast on the ground.
John’s face expresses disturbed by the dust from the RR’s running.
JOHN: Zoooooooom! (Ashley giggles) facial expression (over exaggerated) … Classifiers! Pro sign-ASL (egoistically)… facial expression… Beyond-Excellent…
Ashley taps on John’s shoulder to relax John.
ASHLEY: Save again (Ashley exasperatedly taps on John’s shoulder again to relax him)
JOHN: Someone inform me that there are few pro-ASL people… Expert…I know them… Am I right?
ASHLEY: Yep yes!
JOHN: Should I name them?
ASHLEY: humm.. No (hand waving no, head negates no)
John and Ashley pause and giggle together. Ashley taps on John’s shoulder)
JOHN: SO exciting… Now I am practicing signing…
ASHLEY: Ok (head nods ok)
JOHN: See you… (pause for Ashley to respond)
ASHLEY: Later
JOHN: There
John and Ashley are fanatically exciting, hands slapping. John dances a little bit and taps on his head then takes off out of the video quickly. Ashley giggles and is embarrassed then follows him, waving.
JOB Opportunity: Wavefront Employment Placement Specialist
GVAD is sharing this information:
Title: Employment Placement Specialist
Location: Vancouver, BC (Quebec Street Office)
Position Status: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Reports to: Manager, Community Outreach Services
Salary: $46,410–$54,600 per year
ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:
Wavefront Centre is currently advertising for the full-time role of Employment Placement Specialist.
- This role assists unemployed individuals who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing to prepare for, obtain and maintain sustainable employment.
- Wavefront Centre is a bilingual environment (ASL/English), and fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is required for this position.
- Please see more information in the job ad posted here, or please visit Wavefront Centre’s website: https://wavefrontcentre.ca/contact/careers/
2025 Festival Schedule – November 7-22
GVAD is sharing this information:
ASL interpretation is provided.
One of our continuing goals at FORM is to expand our engagement with artistic communities exploring movement and film. And specifically, we are making efforts to reach more folks within the d/Deaf community. As we continue learning and being inspired by the vast range of artistic approaches and ideas our communities have shared, we hope to learn and share space with organizations and folks like yourself, who are passionate about championing filmmaking and artmaking in this city.
Once you have your pass, make sure you register for these events via Eventive ( https://form2025.eventive.org/schedule ) as there is limited capacity to some of them, so please make sure you sign up so we can know that you are accounted for!
Community Tickets: If there are others within your community who might also be interested in attending some of these events, please feel free to send them the code COMMUNITYFORM which can be applied at our boxoffice ( https://form2025.eventive.org/welcome ) for a FREE ticket to any event.
Tracing the FORM: An Anniversary Celebration
Friday, November 7, 2025
6:00-10:30 PM
VIVO Media Arts Centre
Link: https://www.f-o-r-m.ca/schedule-2025/tracing-the-form-anniversary-celebration
Present Revolutions: Film Screening & Stepping Workshop
Thursday, November 20, 2025
6:00-9:00 PM
The Polygon Gallery
Link: https://www.f-o-r-m.ca/schedule-2025/present-revolutions
Commissioned Artists’ World Premiers
Saturday, November 22, 2025
7:00-9:00 PM
6:30 PM
SFU – Djavad Mowafaghian Theatre
Link: https://www.f-o-r-m.ca/schedule-2025/commissioned-artist-world-premieres
VCC Game Night
GVAD is sharing this information:
GAME NIGHT!
The first-year interpreting students are hosting a game night and YOU are invited!
Date: Thursday, November 13th
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Vancouver Community College – Broadway Campus, Building B, Room 1228
Join us for an evening of games, activities and fun!
This is a family-friendly voice-off/Deaf event. All ages welcome!
Hope to see you there!
Organized by VCC Interpreting Program 1st year Students.
Video Description:
The video starts with two young women, Kiana and Chloe, sitting in front of a grey wall in the VCC broadway library. Kiana has wavy brown hair and glasses and is wearing a black sweater. Chloe also has long brown hair that is braided over her shoulder, glasses and wearing a black sweater and black pants.
Video Transcript:
Both Kiana & Chloe: Hello!
Kiana: My name is Kiana
Chloe: My name is Chloe! We are interpreting students.
Kiana: We have a Question for you Games, crafts, meeting people, socializing,
chatting, You enjoy?
Chloe: Exciting NEWS, we first year interpreter class host what? Game Night! When?
Thursday Nov. 13th from 6pm-8pm.
Kiana: Where? VCC School. Address: 1155 East Broadway (Broadway sign name).
Building B, you know, enter event space just to the left room B1228. This event is family
friendly, which means kids are welcome!
Chloe: ADD Deaf Space, Voice OFF, Signing Socializing! or Signing Social
Kiana: See you Nov. 13th for game night!
Chloe & Kiana: Thank you! Bye!
Chloe: Thank you!
Kiana & Chloe: BYE! BYE!
Poster Description:
Poster for Game Night hosted by the VCC first year interpreter students.
Light green base background.
Centered at the very top in black text: “ASL Event (Voices Off)”
Below that, in blocky white pixel-style letters with a black outline: “YOU ARE INVITED TO”
Below that, very large bold neon-style letters, outlined in black: “GAME NIGHT”
The poster is styled like a Monopoly game board background. The game board border
surrounds the bottom section of the poster, showing colorful property squares and Monopoly icons like “Chance,” “Community Chest,” houses, trains, and the “Go to Jail” square. Most property spaces have small cartoon icons above their text. In the centre of the board is the main details of the event.
Nevaeh North (ON EDGE READING SERIES: FALL 2025)
GVAD is sharing this information:
Free Zoom and ASL interpretation is provided.
Author Bio:
Nevaeh Emily North is 36 years old and a proud member of the Carrier Nation, born in Kelowna and raised in Prince George, British Columbia. Her journey hasn’t been easy — she spent almost 16 years incarcerated. Those years shaped her in deep and lasting ways. They were some of the hardest of her life, but they also gave her strength, perspective, and a powerful sense of purpose. Today, Nevaeh stands rooted in her culture and identity. She carries forward the teachings of her ancestors and the lessons learned through both pain and resilience. She passionate about healing, growth, and giving back to her community — especially to others who feel forgotten or silenced. Navaeh’s story is still unfolding, but she walks forward with honesty, pride, and hope.
Zoom Link:
https://emilycarru.zoom.us/meeting/register/bWOS9MLyR9iqMz987Jbciw
OVAD: All Aboard the Polar Express! Christmas Lunch Party for Youth & Children
GVAD is sharing this information:
Christmas is around the corner!
Let’s celebrate together on the Polar Express!
Come join us for a fun Christmas Lunch Party for Youth and Children.
There will be:
- Arts, crafts, and games
- Christmas storytelling
- A visit from Santa
- Lunch for children
Wear your favorite pajamas and come have fun with friends!
Date: Saturday, November 29
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Place: 1696 Cary Road, Kelowna, BC
Cost:
$10 per child (OVAD member)
$12 per child (non-member)
Children under 3 are free
RSVP by November 21
Contact: Monika – 780-667-6147
E-transfer to: accounts@ovad.ca
Note: Parents, please bring your own lunch and drink.
Let’s make this a magical Christmas day for the kids!
Spread the word, and share away!
OVAD: Deaf Night Out & Gordon’s 75th – Nov 8 in Kelowna
GVAD is sharing this information:
Are you feeling lonely and tired of the cold weather already?
Well, guess what?!
OVAD is hosting Deaf Night Out, and Gordon Rattray’s 75th birthday!
Come out and enjoy some good food, drinks and socialize!
If you come, you can enter a draw for a chance to win TWO BC Lions Home Game Tickets!
WHEN: Saturday November 8 2025 @ 5pm
WHERE: 97 Street Pub, 2402 Highway 97 North, Kelowna.
Any questions or concerns?
Contact Gordon or Linda.
Hajer Mirwali (ON EDGE READING SERIES: FALL 2025)
GVAD is sharing this information:
All readings are FREE and open to the public. ASL interpretation is provided.
Author bio: Hajer Mirwali is a Palestinian and Iraqi writer living in Toronto. Her first book, Revolutions(Talonbooks, 2025), is a collection of poetry on shame, pleasure, and Arab Muslim girlhood. Two poems from the collection also appear in an anthology of Palestinian poetry called Heaven Looks Like Us (Haymarket Books, 2025). Hajer’s work has been published in The Ex-Puritan, Brick Magazine, Room Magazine, and Joyland. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Guelph.
Attached is the poster for the online reading on Oct 23 at 5:30-6:30pm.
Zoom link to register:
https://emilycarru.zoom.us/meeting/register/f7TPNA51RA-7ShKqfoyWnw
Free ASL classes for newcomers with Permanent Residence
GVAD is sharing this information:Learn to communicate in a powerful, inclusive way!
Join ISSofBC’s American Sign Language (ASL) LINC Classes and open doors to meaningful connections within the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. These classes combine language learning with cultural understanding, helping you build confidence in everyday communication.
? Beginner-friendly and supportive environment
? Practical skills for real-life situations
? Free for eligible newcomers to Canada
Start your journey today! Explore ASL LINC Classes on Free American Sign Language (ASL) LINC classes at ISSofBC
More information:
Eligibility:
• Be Deaf or hard of hearing.
• Be a permanent resident of Canada residing in Vancouver, BC.
• Be 17 years of age or older.
• Take a writing language assessment to start classes (our team can assist you in scheduling the assessment)
• Obtain your Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) level after the assessment.
Descriptor of the ASL promotional image:
The image shows a young woman standing indoors in front of a bright, softly blurred background with large windows. The person is wearing a light-colored, long-sleeved button-up shirt. Their hair is curly and pulled back. The individual is using American Sign Language (ASL): one hand is held horizontally, palm facing upward, while the other forms a thumbs-up gesture and rests on top of the open palm. This gesture represents the ASL sign for “help.” The lighting is natural and bright, giving the scene a clean and professional appearance.
AUDITION NOTICE: A Call for Performers!
AUDITION NOTICE: A Call For Performers!
AUDITION NOTICE FOR IMAGO THEATRE’S 2026/27 SEASON
A Co-Production with The Sound of Dogs Collective
World Premiere
THE SOUND OF DOGS
By Jennifer Roberts
Directed by Micheline Chevrier & Pamela Witcher
To apply, please take a look into this website for more information: https://www.imagotheatre.ca/sound-of-dogs-auditions
REMOTE WORK OPPORTUNITY: News Writer DeafDots
REMOTE WORK OPPORTUNITY
DeafDots is seeking a News Writer
Work remote at home.
Paid position.
We are seeking Deaf Canadian who is passionate,
a member of the Deaf Community and has research
and writing skills.
Deadline: Until Filled
For more details: news@deafdots.ca
ASL interpreted event: North Delta Community Safety / FireSmart Forum
GVAD is sharing this information:
Enhance your safety and resilience at our free Community Safety / FireSmart™ forum. ASL interpretations will be provided!
This FREE event brings together experts to share information on:
- Neighbourhood Security with Block Watch Programs
- Fraud/Scam Awareness and Prevention
- Protecting Your Home & Property with FireSmart™ Principles
- Emergency Preparedness
Date: Oct 18th, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Address: North Delta Centre for the Arts, 11425 84 Ave, Delta, BC
Information booths & Presentations from:
Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers
FireSmartBC™
PreparedBC
Survive-it.ca
GlobalScamWatch.org
and more.
More event info:
North Delta Community Safety / FireSmart Forum | Sunshine Woods BlockWatch
Free tickets:
North Delta Community Safety & FireSmart Forum
Job Opportunity: Game Tester (Persons with Disabilities – PwDs) Bellevue, WA, USA
GVAD is sharing this information:
Company: C2S Technologies Inc
Location: Leading Gaming Company in Redmond, WA
Job Type: Part-time
Pay Rate: USD 22.00/Hr
Schedule: 09:00 AM 05:45 PM (Half day shifts available on special request)
Job Description:
We are seeking talented and passionate individuals who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing, or who use screen readers to navigate websites/games to join our team as Game Testers. As a Game Tester, you will be asked to play games of various genres, styles, and scope. You will contribute to a more accessible gaming industry by providing feedback of your experiences playing games and how game design decisions affect you with your disabilities. Work on a team with other PwDs and trained accessibility Test Leads to provide game developers with accurate, up-to-date accessibility information.
Full job description:
Game Tester (Persons with Disabilities – PwDs) – C2S Technologies Inc – Bellevue, WA
