DEAFBC

  
Hello,
I am writing to share some important information with you about our progress on the implementation of Canada’s Video Relay Service.

CAV-ACS is a brand new organization so we are still working to get our administrative resources in place, while at the same time, making progress in the development of VRS.

With regard to VRS, we are involved in a two-step process which includes:

– Acquiring the technology platform that will power our VRS system.

– Selecting the video interpreter providers who will provide call centres and ASL and LSQ interpreting services. 

We are well advanced in the process to select the platform, but we are in the beginning stages with the video interpreting providers. The system will also include mobile apps and apps for PCs, MACs and tablets. More information about the start date for Canada’s new VRS will be available after the contracts are in place.

We’re also developing a website for CAV so we can begin communicating with you more frequently in English and French, ASL and LSQ. Our goal is to launch the website before the end of this year.

Every step that CAV takes is planned with great care and meets high quality expectations. VRS involves complex technologies, and we cannot rush the process. We are bringing due diligence to every activity we are undertaking to ensure we launch a service that is reliable and effective, and delivers the kind of service Canadians want and deserve.

We’re all in this together. We’re writing history and we’re looking forward to VRS coming in 2016. Personally, I can’t wait to add my VRS phone number to my business card.

Sincerely,

Sue Decker

Executive Director, CAV-ACS

The Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf and the Deaf Wireless Canada Committee Co-Host the following event:

Joel Barish – No Barriers – a video about Deaf People in Havana.
Details in the Flyer.

Donations to the Co-Hosts will be greatly appreciated.

Map to the hall

Add this comment, if any questions or concerns, feel free to contact kimberly at susanbrowneyed2@gmail.com

GVAD’s 37th Annual Cornfest 2nd early bird Draws with the winners! 

Media Release
September 15, 2015 For Immediate Release

Canadians with Disabilities: Getting Beyond Being a Population in Waiting

Many people with disabilities, when seeking employment, struggle endlessly against discriminatory barriers in the job market.

“People with disabilities have been a population in waiting: waiting for governments to develop proactive policies inclusive of job seekers with disabilities and waiting to contribute to the economy through employment and paying taxes,” states Tony Dolan, Chairperson of the Council of Canadians with Disabilities (CCD).

“A signal that major changes need to be made is the fact that approximately 50% of persons with disabilities are currently unemployed or out of the labour market (the rate is higher for people with severe disabilities), which is unacceptable in a G8 country like Canada,” adds Dolan.

In Article 27, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities requires ratifying countries, like Canada, to “safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work” by people with disabilities. “To this end, CCD has called on all Federal Parties to share their plans to improve employment outcomes for persons with disabilities,” states John Rae, a CCD Vice Chair.  

“People with disabilities, who become employed, are more likely than others to be in short-term or part-time jobs, self-employment, and the ‘informal economy’,” continues Rae.

Due to their experience of multiple barriers, women with disabilities encounter additional disadvantages in the labour market. For example, Yves Gingras, HRSDC Senior Director Economic Policy Directorate (Labour Market Analysis), appearing before a parliamentary committee, testified that, “the average total [annual] income for persons with a disability is about $27,000, compared to nearly $38,000 for those without a disability. Women with disabilities earn even less, an average of about $22,000, compared to $31,000 for men with disabilities.” Thus, CCD is particularly interested in Federal Parties’ plans to improve labour market outcomes for women with disabilities.

Canadians with disabilities are seeking equality in employment. To this end, CCD has repeatedly recommended to federal parties that they commit to increased investment in the Labour Market Agreements for Persons with Disabilities. For example, new investments could be focused on youth with disabilities (aged 18-30) transitioning from school to work, including trades, with support for proactive measures such as co-operative placements, summer job programs, supported employment and job retention measures. 

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For more information contact:

Tony Dolan, CCD Chairperson, Tel: 902-626-1752 (cell).

John Rae, CCD Second Vice Chair, Tel: 416-941-1547.

James Hicks, National Coordinator, Tel: 343-291-1118.
About CCD – CCD is a national organization of people with disabilities that works for an accessible and inclusive Canada.
Head Office/Siège social: 909-294 Portage Avenue Winnipeg MB R3C 0B9 Tel/Tél: 204-947-0303 Fax/Téléc: 204-942-4625

TTY/ATS: 204-943-4757 Toll Free/Sans frais: 1-877-947-0303 E-mail/Courriel: ccd@ccdonline.ca

Please forward all correspondence to the Head Office./Prière d’envoyer les correspondances au siège social.

Ottawa Office/Bureau d’Ottawa: 1118-343 Preston St Ottawa ON K1S 1N4 Tel/Tél: 343-291-1118 E-mail/Courriel: james@ccdonline.ca

Web www.ccdonline.ca

Facebook www.facebook.com/ccdonline

Twitter www.twitter.com/ccdonline

Youtube www.youtube.com/user/ccdonline

  
www.pickfordfilmcenter.org/programs/pickford/the-tribe/