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GVAD: Gary Malkowski Film Screening, September 22
Join GVAD and the British Columbia Association of the Deaf for a limited time private screening of Gary Malkowski: A Deaf Legacy in Ontario, winner of Best Feature at the Clin d’Oeil Festival in Reims, France. This screening is part of International Week of Deaf People, celebrating Deaf culture, leadership, and history.
Date: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Douglas College, New Westminster Campus,
700 Royal Avenue, New Westminster, BC
Admission: $10
? Tickets: https://bit.ly/garymfilm-gvad
BCCSD: Letter from Mark Carney
The Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, sent a letter extending his warmest greetings to everyone marking the International Day of Sign Languages. In it, he reflected on the many contributions Deaf Canadians make to society, thanked the British Columbia Cultural Society of the Deaf for their commitment to advocating for Deaf Canadians, and wished everyone a memorable event.
?Join BCCSD at SignSpark to celebrate!
Date: September 23, 2026, 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location: UBC Robson Square, 800 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
?GVAD’s Director at Large, Lisa Anderson, will take the stage at 3:30 PM to present “What is IDSL?” as part of the Spark Lab workshop in the room C100. Come to learn why this day matters!
The evening showcase features performances by Deaf and Hearing artists, including a reading of the Prime Minister’s letter by Gregory Desrosiers.
More details: https://idslvancouver.carrd.co/
DWBP: Indigenous Deaf Gathering – Oct 1
GVAD is sharing this information:
Image Description:
This is a promotional flyer titled “Indigenous Deaf Gathering: Orange Shirt Day.”
The top section’s graphic features a smooth gradient transitioning from deep crimson red at the top to a warm, glowing amber orange at the base. Centered in the lower half is a stylized Indigenous emblem rendered in delicate, semi-translucent tones. The motif portrays two adult figures facing inward, gently embracing two small children in their arms, flanked by arching tree branches and seed-like dots beneath. Above the figures rests a circular medallion depicting an eagle feather and cultural symbols set over an evergreen bough. The monochromatic palette and protective composition evoke a solemn, reflective, and nurturing mood of cultural remembrance. Bold white headline text is on bottom of the graphic.
The middle section has a white background with blue and black text detailing an event recognizing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
A teal footer at the bottom includes the Vancouver Coastal Health logo and sign-language hands illustration spelling out “WBP”.
Text version:
Indigenous Deaf Gathering: Orange Shirt Day
Activity in recognition of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Indigenous Deaf community member Andrea Wilson will provide a beading activity to make Orange Shirt Day pins.
This activity is for Indigenous Deaf and Hard of Hearing community members age 13+. We will learn about beading and talk about National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The activity will be in ASL.
When: Thursday, October 1st – 4 to 6 pm
Where: Deaf Well Being Program at 300-4211 Kingsway in Burnaby.
Registration is required so we can have enough beads for everyone.
Email: alison.nutt@vch.ca
Text/Video: 778-987-4162
INFO SESSION on Oct 1st, 2026: Learn about the new patient online booking system
GVAD is sharing this information:
(ASL VERSION: Watch here https://vimeo.com/1227502456/d3eff94d43)
INFO SESSION
Learn about the new patient online booking system
Provincial Language Services (PLS) has launched Communication Access Services (CAS), a new online booking system that makes it easier for patients to request services such as sign language interpreting, intervenor services, and Communication Access Real-time Translation.
What’s new?
Appointment reminders by email and text message
Ability to track service requests
Centralized provincial coordination of services
Starting October 5, 2026, all service requests will be coordinated through PLS.
Event details:
Join our hybrid information session to learn about CAS, ask questions, and meet the PLS team.
When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (doors open at 5:30 pm)
Where: 1795 Willingdon Avenue, Burnaby, BC or online via Zoom
RSVP online by September 29:
For more information, contact:
Job Posting: Registered Visual Language Interpreter – SD 69
GVAD is sharing this information:
Qualicum School District #69 is hiring for a Registered Visual Language Interpreter at Springwood Elementary School. This role is 30 hours per week, 10 months per year, school days only, commencing September 8, 2026.
Under the general supervision of the Principal, with a functional reporting role to the District Principal, Learning, the Registered Visual Language Interpreter will provide interpreting for deaf and hard of hearing students, classmates and educational staff in order to support students in their school activities and their Individual Education Plans. The RVLI will also act, as an interpreter for School or District staff and other allied professionals providing and receiving relevant student information.
Deadline to apply: September 30, 2026 12:00 PM PST/PDT
Link to apply: https://buff.ly/3mg4bCh
CHHA Vancouver Walk2Hear 2026, September 20
GVAD is sharing this information:
Join CHHA Vancouver for Walk2Hear on Sunday, September 20th! Connect with our community and support local accessibility, education, and advocacy.
Walkers will enjoy a 2.2 km loop on wide trails and runners will do two laps for a total of 4.5 km.
Registration will take place from 1:00-1:30 pm. The walk/run will start at 1:30 pm after some very important stretches, of course!
Funds raised support the work of the Vancouver Branch of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, and donations over $10 will receive a tax receipt.
Link to Register (individual or team) or Donate:
CHHA Vancouver Branch is a non-profit, self-help organization dedicated to reducing isolation and removing barriers for hard of hearing individuals and their support networks. CHHA provides supportive environments, education, resources, referrals, and advocacy while collaborating with professionals, service providers, and government bodies to deliver practical solutions.
Location: Jericho Beach Park – Meet at the grassy area by the Jericho East parking lot and Jericho pond.
Accessibility: CART captioning and American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters will be present. There is an accessible washroom in the concession building. *Note that the event takes place on grassy areas / dirt paths.
Bring: Your own water bottle, walking/running shoes, weather appropriate clothing (rain or shine) and a spirit of fun!
Getting There:
Driving – Parking available at the Jericho East EasyPark paid lot, access off 4th Ave. or Point Grey Road. Some street parking in the area – check the street signage.
Cycling – Bike rack near the concession/washrooms building.
Transit – Type “Jericho East EasyPark” into Translink’s Trip Planner to find the best route from your location. The closest bus stop is a 5 minute walk away, at 4th Ave. and Wallace St. on the number 4 route. There are various other stops within a 10 minute walk.
Questions: Contact the organizers at chhavancouver@gmail.com
We look forward to seeing you there!
BCCSD volunteer recruitment for Signspark
GVAD is sharing this information:
Join the team behind Signspark 2026!
We’re celebrating the International Day ofSign Languages at UBC Robson Square, and we need your help to make it an unforgettable experience for our community! If you love connecting with people and want to get involved behind the scenes, we’d love to have you.
Event Details:
Date: September 23, 2026
Location: UBC Robson Square, Vancouver
Volunteer Shift: 12:45 PM – 8:30 PM (Event runs 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
How You Can Help:
– Welcoming guests and artists
– Path and wayfinding support
– Set-up and takedown
– Supporting our team as a runner for artists and coordinators
To apply scan the QR code or apply via this link: https://forms.gle/AgAufGuD3a5btcgh6
Registration Deadline: September 21, 2026
OVAD: International Week of Sign Languages/Deaf Awareness Day Flag Ceremony – Sept 26th
GVAD is sharing this information:
OVAD inviting you to join them on Saturday, September 26 for a special event in honour of International Sign Language Week and International Deaf Awareness Day.
Deaf Flag Ceremony 1:30–2:30 PM · Rutland Lions Park
Film Screening: A Deaf Legacy in Ontario 3–5 PM · Rutland Library Snacks and cake included.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online: https://bit.ly/garymfilm-ovad
Or email us to reserve your spot! OVADEvents@gmail.com
We hope you can join us!
Please note: The address on the EventBrite website is incorrect, the flyer has the correct address.
Ryga Arts Festival – Chris Dodd (known as Deafy) is back for more!
GVAD is sharing this information:
After a challenging season for our community, the Summerland’s Ryga Arts Festival is proceeding this year in a smaller, revised form. We are offering all remaining events completely free of charge to provide welcoming spaces for people to gather and connect.
We are proud to feature Order of Canada recipient and award-winning Deaf actor, playwright, and advocate Chris Dodd in two upcoming events. Please note that ASL interpretation will be provided at both events.
About the Artist:
Chris Dodd CM is a Treaty 6 based (Edmonton) award-winning Deaf actor, playwright, accessibility advocate, and Governor General’s Innovation Award finalist. He is the founder and artistic director of SOUND OFF, Canada’s national festival devoted to Deaf performance, which has been running annually since 2017. Chris holds a degree from the University of Alberta’s Drama program and has been working within Edmonton’s theatre community, and across Canada, for over 25 years. His play, Deafy, has been touring across Canada and internationally since 2021, and has been published by Playwrights Canada Press. In 2025, he was a recipient of the Order of Canada.
Upcoming Events:
“Nineteen Eighty Eight” – A Workshopped Reading in ASL
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: ABD Centre (Formerly IOOF Hall, 9536 Main St, Summerland, BC)
About: Join Chris Dodd as he presents a deeply personal and funny reading of his latest work-in-progress. The play is a recollection of life during 1988 as the remainder of his hearing disappeared, exploring loss, music, memory, and getting your groove back.
Cost: Free (by donation)
“Language of the Body” w/ Chris Dodd
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM
Location: Summerland Rec Board Room (13205 Kelly Avenue Box 159, Summerland, BC)
About: Experience the expressive power of the body as Chris shares techniques inspired by Deaf aesthetics and performance. This session focuses on expressing ideas, concepts, and stories without dialogue.
Cost: Free (by donation)
Reserve Your Tickets: https://rygafest.tickit.ca/events/35857-language-of-the-body-w-chris-dodd
BCCSD SIGN SPARK Event Merchandise Pre-Order Interest Form
GVAD is sharing this information:
BCCSD are excited to share that we’re exploring SIGN SPARK event merchandise for Sept 23rd at UBC Robson Square and would love your input!
We’re planning to offer a limited run of SIGN SPARK T-shirts, with hoodies and potentially tote bags depending on interest. The final design will be revealed on September 14, 2026 or sooner!
To help us estimate quantities and plan logistics, please complete our interest form:
Tentative Pricing:
Youth T-Shirt: $20
Adult T-Shirt: $25
Hoodie: $45
Tote Bag: $15
Please note:
Submitting the form does not guarantee an order.
The final design will be shared on September 14 or sooner!
Orders will need to be finalized by September 17, 2026 to help ensure availability for the SIGN SPARK event on September 23, 2026.
We’re looking forward to celebrating our community and hope you’ll help us make this merchandise initiative a success!
Thank you for your support.
ASL Workshop: Bike Repair Basics
GVAD is sharing this information:
“Our Community Bikes” is hosting for deaf people a Bike Repair Basics Workshop at VCC.
Date: Friday, September 25th
Time: 6:30 – 9:00pm
Location: Vancouver Community College – East Broadway Campus
Multilingual Workshop series website – includes an ASL video at the bottom of page.
The workshop will be taught by a deaf mechanic and supported by a mechanic who will do ASL interpretation.
Workshops are free, registration required due to limited capacity.
Link to the full information page: https://ourcommunitybikes.org/multilingual-workshops/
ASL Performance: Live in Hell
GVAD is sharing this information:
Name: LIVE IN HELL
Date/Time: ASL Performance on Monday, September 14 at 5pm
Location: Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright St, Vancouver
Description: LIVE IN HELL is your next problematic fave – a comitragedy featuring a self-obsessed and definitely not sexy She-Devil who welcomes the audience into her own personal hell. LIVE IN HELL confronts the evil of the everyday through original songs, joyful transgressions, and puppet therapy.
Tickets: Book tickets through the Vancouver Fringe Festival at https://www.vancouverfringe.com/events/live-in-hell/
BCDSF Burger and Beer Fundraiser
GVAD is sharing this information:
I would like to invite anyone who is interested to purchase a $30 ticket for a special dining-out fundraiser supporting the Canadian Deaf Darts Championship.
The ticket includes your choice of:
Hamburger, veggie burger, or chicken burger
Fries
One beverage, including a Canadian, Coors Light, or Pilsner glass, a glass of wine, a bar highball, pop, or juice
Please take a look at the attached ticket for your review and consideration.
I will be at the Happy Hands Club this Tuesday selling tickets during these times:
9:00–9:50 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
? Rusty’s Pub, 101–17770 Highway #10, Cloverdale, BC
? October 17
? 5:00 p.m.
Your support will help us with fundraising for the Canadian Deaf Darts Championship, and we truly appreciate your support!
I look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you, and cheers,
Mark Tarchuk and Gregory Desrosiers
PS Hurry to buy before it sold out… 50 percent sold
BCCSD Film Screening IDSL
GVAD is sharing this information:
Folks, visiting BC in September?
Don’t miss the exciting lineup for International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) and International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL)!
BCCSD is proud to host a documentary film screening on September 23rd at UBC Robson Square, in celebration of IWDP.
Free admission!
Thank you for celebrating Sign Languages with us this September!
Deaf Bodies in Digital Media Retreat
GVAD is sharing this information:
COMING SOON: DARAS 2027 / BIENTÔT : DARAS 2027
(French below / Français ci-dessous)
Deaf Bodies in Digital Media
June 20 – July 3, 2027
British Columbia, Canada
Deadline: Sept 28.
Open to artists in Canada and International artists.
Two weeks. A private retreat surrounded by nature. A community of Deaf artists with the time and space to experiment, create, connect, and take artistic risks.
DARAS 2027 will explore the relationships between Deaf bodies, signed languages, movement, visual storytelling, and digital media.
No finished project required. Come with questions. Come with curiosity. Come ready to experiment.
– $2,500 Artist Fee
– Travel covered
– Accommodation covered
– Meals provided
Applications are now open!
Application link: https://forms.gle/8GBmEqFausA91yodA
Corps sourds et médias numériques
20 juin – 3 juillet 2027
Colombie-Britannique, Canada
Date limite : 28 septembre
Ouvert aux artistes sourds du Canada et aux artistes sourds internationaux.Deux semaines. Une retraite privée en pleine nature. Une communauté d’artistes sourds avec le temps et l’espace nécessaires pour expérimenter, créer, échanger et prendre des risques artistiques.
DARAS 2027 explorera les relations entre les corps sourds, les langues des signes, le mouvement, la narration visuelle et les médias numériques.
Aucun projet finalisé n’est requis. Venez avec vos questions. Votre curiosité. Et l’envie d’expérimenter.
– Cachet d’artiste : 2 500 $
– Transport pris en charge
– Hébergement pris en charge
– Repas fournis
Les candidatures sont maintenant ouvertes !
Formulaire de candidature: https://forms.gle/QktqMd8j4xiWX3WW8
