Home Blog Page 10

Announcement: BCCSD Town Hall Meeting and AGM

Dorner
-
0
Announcement: BCCSD Town Hall Meeting and AGM

GVAD is sharing this information:
The British Columbia Cultural Society of the Deaf (BCCSD) is currently not an active organization, following its dissolution in 2020. Since the February 2025 AGM, the Board has been working to restore BCCSD and return it to good standing under the BC Societies Act.

As part of this process, we are committed to transparency and community engagement. Community sessions were previously held in Burnaby (May 4) and Surrey (October 4), and we now invite the community to participate in two upcoming in-person meetings.
 
Community Town Hall – January 24, 2026
This session will focus on bylaw review, a proposed budget, and open community dialogue.
A Slido link will be open January 9–16, 2026 for advance questions. Meeting materials will be shared by email prior to the session.
 
Annual General Meeting (AGM) – February 28, 2026
The AGM will address required society business in accordance with BCCSD bylaws and the BC Societies Act.
Only members may vote. The public is welcome to attend as observers.
Membership fee: $10. RSVP deadline: February 20, 2026.
Questions
Please email: bccsdteam@outlook.com
 
BCCSD is not able to respond to inquiries through social media at this time.
 
Thank you for your continued patience and support as we work toward restoring BCCSD for the Deaf community in British Columbia.
 
BCCSD Community Announcement by President Christian Vasquez:
Flyer visual Description:
A blue and yellow flyer titled “2 In-Person Meetings” from the British Columbia Cultural Society of the Deaf (BCCSD). The flyer announces two events at Tommy Douglas Library in Burnaby. A Community Town Hall will be held on January 24, 2026 (1:00–3:00 PM), and an Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on February 28, 2026 (10:00 AM–12:00 PM). The flyer includes RSVP deadlines, an email contact (bccsdteam@outlook.com), and a QR code for submitting questions in advance. For the AGM, the flyer notes that only members may vote, the public may attend as observers, the membership fee is $10, and the RSVP deadline is February 20, 2026.

Polar Bear Swim with GVAD

Dorner
-
0
Polar Bear Swim with GVAD

 

POLAR BEAR SWIM WITH GVAD
January 1, 2026 | English Bay, Vancouver

RSVP REQUIRED FOR FREE HOT CHOCOLATE:
Fill out form: https://forms.office.com/r/MLC7EexQAg

EVENT DETAILS:
Date: Wednesday, January 1, 2026
Meet Time: 1:00 PM
Group Swim: 2:30 PM
Location: English Bay, Vancouver
Cost: FREE

DEAF-ACCESSIBLE EVENT
Leonarda is fluent in ASL and has done polar swims many times. She’ll guide and support the group. Communication will be in ASL – no interpreter needed.

IMPORTANT HEALTH NOTE:
This event is not recommended for anyone with heart conditions or serious medical concerns. Please listen to your body and only do what feels safe for you.

WHAT TO BRING:
• Warm clothes & layers
• 1-2 towels
• Extra bathing suit (optional)
• Water shoes or thermo boots (optional)
• Warm jacket or parka
• Bath robe (optional)
• Mug for hot chocolate

WHY JOIN?
• Start the new year fresh
• Build courage & confidence
• Connect with Deaf community
• Try something new together
• Free hot chocolate after (RSVP required)

WHAT IS A POLAR SWIM?
A short dip in cold ocean water. You don’t need to swim far – just walk in, dip, and come out. You can swim, watch, cheer, or just connect with the community.

ALL WELCOME:
Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and signing allies – come for the swim or come for the community!

Visual description:
A woman with voluminous, curly brown hair wearing a black long-sleeved top and a delicate gold necklace, standing against a white paneled wall background in well-lit indoor lighting.

Video transcript:

Hello! My name is Leonarda and I’m hearing. I have a Deaf cousin.

I’ve done many cold water swims before, so I’m excited to join the Polar Bear Swim – or just walk in and back out – on January 1st, 2026.

Here’s what to bring:

A bag. Any bag works to put your items in.

Towels – bring one or two towels.

Come wearing your bathing suit already. This is my bathing suit. I bring two bathing suits because it’s easier to change after you come out of the water. Don’t stay in your wet bathing suit – you’ll get cold fast!

For shoes, I suggest three options: Flipflops – but don’t wear them in the water, you may lose them. Wear them before. Go in barefoot, or wear water shoes like these.

Another option – fancy, more expensive, high-quality water shoes called thermo boots. Nice! These will keep you warm.

Bring a warm jacket! If you’re lucky to have a daughter or son who swims competitively, bring their parka. I use my daughter’s parka. Warm! It’s easy to change clothes with this parka.

If not, maybe you have a bath robe at home?

Bring layers – t-shirts, sweaters. It’s important to keep yourself warm.

Also, if you have a mug, bring hot chocolate to enjoy afterwards. You deserve it after your hard work!

I will join you in the water – it’ll be fun! See you soon!

Holiday Break Notice

Dorner
-
0
Holiday Break Notice

Visual Description:
A square, festive digital graphic set against a snowy white background. The four corners are framed by green pine branches decorated with glowing warm yellow string lights. The organization’s logo is positioned at the top center. Below it, text sections use varied font styles and colors. Social media icons are located at the bottom.

Holiday Break Notice
Wishing you a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year!
Please note:
Our office is on holiday break from Dec 23 to Jan 5.
Responses may be delayed during this time.

Sincerely, the GVAD Team

Contact Information:
Email: media@gvad.ca
Facebook: GreaterVancouverAssociationoftheDeaf
Instagram: gvadvancouver

POLAR BEAR SWIM with GVAD

Dorner
-
0
POLAR BEAR SWIM with GVAD

Visual description:
A colorful event poster featuring people swimming in the ocean near a snow-capped mountain range and city skyline.

POLAR BEAR SWIM with GVAD
ENGLISH BAY – VANCOUVER
January 1

Meet: 1:00 PM
Group Swim: 2:30 PM
Free Event

DEAF-ACCESSIBLE EVENT
With Leonarda, who will interpret in ASL, support you with tips before the event, and go in the ocean too.

IMPORTANT HEA

LTH NOTE
Not advised for heart conditions or serious medical concerns. Please listen to your body.

WHAT IS A POLAR SWIM?
A quick dip in cold water — walk in, dip, and out.

WHAT TO BRING:
Warm clothes, a towel, and water shoes (optional).

WHY JOIN?
Start the New Year fresh, build courage and confidence, connect with the Deaf community, and enjoy hot chocolate after for swimmers.

ALL DEAF, HARD OF HEARING & SIGNING ALLIES WELCOME!
Come for the swim. Or come for the community.

STAY TUNED — VIDEO WILL COME WITH DETAILS.

Holiday Message from GVAD

Dorner
-
0
Holiday Message from GVAD


Visual Description:
Two women stand in front of a decorated Christmas tree. On the left, a woman with long brown hair and glasses wears a blue-grey sweater. On the right, a woman with dark hair pulled back in a ponytail wears a grey cardigan over a navy blue top. The Christmas tree behind them is adorned with red and gold ornaments and warm lights. The background has a golden, warm tone with snowflake overlay effects.
Transcript:
Megan: Hello Deaf community! It’s the holiday season now and we represent GVAD.
Tammy: We have had many ups and downs this year, with both tough and good moments.
Megan: We have navigated through these moments with the support and connections we’ve had.
Tammy: The Deaf community is strong! The culture we share together is so strong!
Megan: We stand together with our hearts connected. Our love is so clear for each other, we don’t need to hear to feel it.
Tammy: We at GVAD are so grateful for your trust and for the support from the community.
Megan: This holiday we wish you peaceful rest. Enjoy the connection with your community!
Tammy: We at GVAD give our love.
Both: Happy Holidays!

Grunt Gallery’s 2026 Call for Artists with a Non-verbal Practice

Dorner
-
0
Grunt Gallery’s 2026 Call for Artists with a Non-verbal Practice

GVAD is sharing this information:
The Non-verbal Co-Learning Engagement is a 6-week program designed to explore non-verbal (not spoken) communication approaches in contemporary art spaces. This program supports artists whose practices prioritize gesture, text, sign language, or silence as creative tools. Participants work collaboratively with grunt gallery staff to deepen their understanding of access challenges and possibilities for non-verbal contemporary art practices. 2 non-verbal artists will be selected to participate in the program that runs from February to mid-March 2026.

Continue

CASTING CALL: “Albatross” — ASL-Fluent Actors Wanted

Dorner
-
0
CASTING CALL: “Albatross” — ASL-Fluent Actors Wanted

GVAD is sharing this information:
Capilano University’s 4th-year thesis film is seeking D/deaf, hard of hearing, and non-speaking performers for three principal roles.
Filming: February 27 – March 1, 2026
Location: Vancouver, BC
Union/Non-Union

About the Film:
“Albatross,” directed by Matey Enchevich, follows Evgeni, a non-speaking little boy living in Russia who is told his abusive father is going to be killed. Despite having a chance to save him, he lets his father die to end his torment. 19 years later, Evgeni is put in a position to save another man’s life, though it will cost him his freedom.

The production team welcomes submissions from community members who may not have formal acting experience.

Roles Available:
Young Evgeni (Lead, 9 years old)
Actor must be fluent in sign language.
A non-speaking boy living under the control of his abusive father. When given a chance to free himself and his mother, he takes it, changing both of their lives forever.
D/deaf, hard of hearing, and non-speaking actors are strongly encouraged to submit.

Adult Evgeni (Lead, 28 years old)
Actor must be fluent in sign language.
Still haunted by his father, Evgeni now lives under a government that denies its authoritarianism. Determined to uncover the truth, he risks his freedom in the process.
D/deaf, hard of hearing, and non-speaking actors encouraged to submit.

Svetlana (Supporting, 40 years old)
Actor must be fluent in sign language and able to deliver spoken dialogue.
Evgeni’s mother, fearful for her son’s safety as he digs deeper into dangerous truths, desperate to protect him.

Please send headshots, résumés, and demo reels (if available) to:
Vlada Hayvoronska, Casting Director
Email: albatross.filmprod@gmail.com
Phone: (306) 241-7726

Job opportunity: Wavefront – Community Outreach Services

Dorner
-
0
Job opportunity: Wavefront – Community Outreach Services

 

GVAD is sharing this information:
Manager, Community Outreach Services – Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility

Title: Manager, Community Outreach Services
Location: Vancouver, BC (Quebec Street Office)
Position Status: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Reports to: Director, Programs & Community Engagement
Salary Range: $60,060 – $80,080 annually

Requirements: Master’s degree in Community Development, Social Work, Counselling Psychology, or related field; Minimum five years’ supervisory and counselling or employment-related experience
How to Apply: Please email your cover letter, resume (PDF), and list of references with the job title in the subject line to: careers@wavefrontcentre.ca

 

Wavefront Centre is currently advertising for the full-time role of Manager, Community Outreach Services
This role helps guide a passionate team delivering employment services, seniors’ outreach, DeafBlind supports and community-based programs.
Wavefront Centre is a bilingual environment (ASL/English), and fluency in American Sign Language (ASL) is preferred 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/

Job opportunity: BCDSF – Operation Coordinator and Bookkeeper

Dorner
-
0
Job opportunity: BCDSF – Operation Coordinator and Bookkeeper

GVAD is sharing this information:
BC Deaf Sports Federation (BCDSF) – Now Hiring!

Operations Coordinator (Part-Time – Up to 20 hrs/week)
Location: Burnaby + Remote
Reports to: BCDSF Board

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support day-to-day operations and office activities
  • Schedule meetings, organize documents, prepare agendas/minutes
  • Assist with budgeting, billing, and working with the bookkeeper
  • Support grant writing and coordination with sport partners
  • Communicate with athletes, parents, community groups, and interpreting agencies
  • Organize travel and sport event logistics

What We’re Looking For:

  • Strong communication and organizational skills
  • Experience with admin or operations work
  • Able to work independently and with the Deaf community
  • Knowledge of ASL or willingness to learn

Bookkeeper (Part-Time – Up to 10 hrs/week)
Location: Burnaby + Remote
Reports to: BCDSF Board

Key Responsibilities:

  • Maintain financial records and prepare monthly statements
  • Manage accounts payable/receivable
  • Process payroll, invoices, and reimbursements
  • Support annual budgeting and audits
  • Ensure accuracy and compliance with nonprofit accounting standards

What We’re Looking For:

  • Bookkeeping/accounting experience (nonprofit an asset)
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently
  • Familiarity with accounting software (QuickBooks or similar)

Paid opportunity for Deaf youth

Dorner
-
0
Paid opportunity for Deaf youth

GVAD is sharing this information: 
Are you excited about live performance like theatre, circus or dance?
Are you Deaf or hard of hearing?
Are you between 8 – 25 years old?

The Vancouver International Children’s festival wants to hear from you!
We are organising a Deaf / hard of hearing Youth Council.
What will they do?
They will meet before in Early January and decide:
What shows are Deaf / hard of hearing friendly
What show will have ASL-interpretation or integration and how.
Those who want to will also be part of planning meetings for the ASL integration.
Then they attend shows at the Festival (May 25-31)
After the festival we have meetings for feedback.
In September or October we organise a training session for people working in Theatre and you, the youth, will be teaching! Only if you want to of course.

This is a paid work. You will be paid for every meeting and show you attend. If you want to teach at the training you will also be paid for that.
We will cover any transit costs or other expenses.
You will get free tickets to show for you and a friend as well.

Click here if you want to know more or are ready to apply:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeayBiJMiK4zc3zs_K-UQ7rjOVij51IUYLeYfJSLD3oz2fDAw/viewform

We look forward to meeting you!

ASL Interpreted (Dec 6): The Perelandra Project

Dorner
-
0
ASL Interpreted (Dec 6): The Perelandra Project

GVAD is sharing this information:
ASL Interpreted Performance(Dec 6): Two ASL interpreters and a post-show talk back!

The show is called The Perelandra Project and is inspired by the science fiction novel “Perelandra” by CS Lewis. I was named after this novel but have noticed some misogynistic and colonial themes that I find troubling as a 2 Spirit Métis queer person. Because of this conflict I have chosen to re-tell the story through the perspective of the Indigenous woman character in the story.
It features unique visual art backdrops, traditional and contemporary Métis jigging, gorgeous dialogue and we will be selling handmade baked goods and artwork in the lobby.

Schedule:
Friday, December 6 @ 7:00 pm
Saturday, December 7 @ 7:00 pm (ASL + Talk Back)
Sunday, December 8 @ 2:00 pm

Location:
Performance Works
1218 Cartwright Street
Vancouver, BC V6H 3R8

Tickets link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-perelandra-project-tickets-1849522634989

Year-End Holiday Seniors Social Meal Event

Dorner
-
0
Year-End Holiday Seniors Social Meal Event

We are delighted to host the Year End Holiday Seniors Social Meals Event.If you have any seniors on your list who are 55+ and are earning low income, they are invited to come to the event.

Date: Wednesday December 17, 2025

Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Location: Holiday Inn Express Metrotown, 4405 Central Boulevard, Burnaby, BC

There will be a festive meal featuring roast turkey with all the trimmings, cheerful holiday décor and great company. We will also be offering halal, gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options to ensure everyone can celebrate comfortably.

As space is limited, we encourage you to spread the word and have guests RSVP using this link to secure their spot: https://forms.office.com/r/DXFNAC69zS

If you’re having trouble with the registration link or email, please visit WBP or Wavefront Centre to sign up.

RSVP DEADLINE: Friday December 5, 2025 at 5:00 pm

ASL & Deaf Culture virtual workshop

Dorner
-
0
ASL & Deaf Culture virtual workshop

Deaf Community – We Need YOUR Help – Spread the word!
 
GVAD is hosting an ASL & Deaf Culture virtual workshop on December 1, 2025, and it’s designed especially for hearing people who want to learn more about our beautiful language, culture, and community.
 
This is a fantastic chance for your family, friends, co-workers, teachers, service providers, and anyone who interacts with Deaf people to understand more and build stronger communication and relationships.
 
Monday, December 1, 2025
6:00–7:30 PM Pacific
$30.00
ASL & English interpreters provided
All proceeds support the GVAD 100th Anniversary Gala.
 
Please share this link with them: https://bit.ly/gvadaslworkshop
 
Let’s work together to grow awareness, build connections, and strengthen Deaf–hearing relationships in our community.
Any questions you may e-mail to gvad100@gvad.ca
 
Thank you for your support! 
 
GVAD 100th Anniversary Gala Committee
P. 1 Visual Description:
A bright blue promotional poster announces a virtual workshop called “ASL & Deaf Culture?” in bold yellow text.
The top banner text, in bold white, says it is for hearing family and friends with no prior experience. A red badge on the left says, “New Date Rescheduled.”
On the lower left, there is a photo of a man with short, salt-and-pepper grey hair, wearing large yellow glasses and looking upward. Yellow and white text around him introduces him as Imran Hakamali, Deaf Presenter.
Details on the right list: Date: Monday, December 1, 2025, Time: 6:00–7:30 PM Pacific, Cost: $30, and a registration link. The poster includes the GVAD 100-year celebration logo.
The bottom notes that ASL and English interpreters are provided and that proceeds support the Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf 100 Year Anniversary Gala Committee.
P. 2 Visual Description:
A blue background poster with two main sections. On the left, bold yellow text at the top reads “IMRAN.”
Below it, white paragraphs describe Imran’s background: over 25 years of teaching, his Master of Social Work studies at Gallaudet University, his love of travel, memories of his late dog Sophie, and life with his energetic 4-year-old dog Chico. Additional text explains that he enjoys meaningful conversations about culture, current events, and everyday life.

On the right side, a yellow header reads “TO REGISTER.” Beneath it is a short link to register, followed by instructions to scan a QR code.

A large blue-and-white QR code is centered on the right.

At the bottom, yellow text provides a contact email for questions: GVAD100@gvad.ca.

Performance with ASL: Faye’s Room

Dorner
-
0
Performance with ASL: Faye’s Room


GVAD is sharing this information: 
Performance with ASL Date: Thurs, Nov 20, 7:30pm
Location: Vancity Culture Lab, The Cultch (1895 Venables Street, Vancouver)
Tickets: $25, available at https://thecultch.com/event/fayes-room/

Glitch Theatre (previously known as Realwheels Theatre) presents Faye’s Room by Alex K. Masse — a moving, magical exploration of neurodivergence and belonging. ??

Faye Murphy is an autistic lesbian who works at a queer cafe… and happens to have the power to summon and hide in a magical sensory room at will. When she becomes trapped in this room with her least favourite co-worker, son of the founder and token heterosexual Chase McLure, an unlikely bond forms and the two find themselves with a bit more in common than they had thought.

ASL provided by ASL Interpreting Inc.

Fa La La La…Ugh: An Evening of Music and Stories Featuring Robyn Jacob and JJ Lee

Dorner
-
0
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

 

1...91011...300Page 10 of 300