DEAFBC

JOB POSTING!
We seek a Deaf or Hard of Hearing candidate for a temporary part-time position. This
job is up until June 30, with the possibility of continuing in the fall.

Who are we?
Language Acquisition Support Worker (LASW) provides a program to Deaf and
Hard of Hearing K-12 students for the school year to support students with
enhanced ASL exposure and cultural and linguistic opportunities for growth. We
are creating an inclusive and supportive environment that can facilitate these
students’ academic and personal development.

What is the job?
The LASW will play a critical role in helping Deaf & Hard of Hearing K-12
students acquire and develop their language skills in ASL and gain cultural
understanding in one-on-one and small groups. In addition, the LASW will
develop resources supporting students’ language acquisition. Anita Lehman will
oversee the program and work together as a team to provide the best experience
for Deaf and Hard of Hearing K-12 students. The ideal candidate desires to learn
and grow in their skills, positively impacting youth and serving a thriving
community of students, parents, and faculty. We seek passion, purpose, and a
motivated self-starter with creative ideas.

Our vision for the role:

• Communicate professionally and appropriately with the coordinator,
  assistant teachers, students and parents
• Build rapport and relationship with every student
• Language Modelling
• Language coaching (supporting Deaf students with expressive ASL using
  strategies to pull out language)
• Resource development (Videotaping and editing ASL version of print (e.g.
  children’s books), information (world knowledge, non-fiction)
• Lesson plan development that is inclusive of diverse learners.
• Documentation & reporting back to the supervisors
• Advocate for students and their needs
• Maintain confidentiality
  Skills Required
• Native user of ASL
• Basic English (emails, texting, planning and reports, reading children’s
  books and educational texts)
• Ability to develop, follow, and reflect on (modify) lesson plans
• Demonstrates ability to model ASL
• Demonstrates ability to coach students in ASL expression and reception
• Demonstrates ability to change language modelling and coaching
  depending on the age and knowledge of a student
• Have a driver’s license and vehicle to travel to various schools.
  BONUS SKILL-Ability to edit videos, add captioning and technology skills
  Please note this job schedule will vary.
  Posting will be up until filled.
  Please send your cover letter and resume to alehman@surreyschools.ca

You are invited to join a focus group examining how interpreting services could be improved in BC.

ASL Version: https://youtu.be/dHpEmfLlEyE

We are looking for people who:

Are deaf, Hard of Hearing, or DeafBlind

Use sign language interpreters regularly

Are 18 years of age or older

What: You are invited to participate in one of two online focus groups. Of those who express interest, the researchers conducting the two focus groups will select up to 10 participants for each group; This will ensure as wide a range of experiences and perspectives as possible. The focus group will be an online private ZOOM meeting conducted in ASL.

When:

Monday March 13th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm (PDT)

OR

Wednesday March 15th from 5:30pm to 6:30pm (PDT)

About the Research Project:

WAVLI has provided funding for this pilot research project. The goal of this research is to find themes and systemic causes of both satisfaction and discontent with the current quality of interpreting services and experiences of working as an interpreter in BC.

We are holding separate focus groups with: Deaf community members, interpreters, and those who hire interpreters. By understanding all perspectives, we hope to better understand the challenges and opportunities in the current interpreting systems in British Columbia. You could be a part of this important preliminary work!

Research Team: WAVLI has hired a team of researchers, Dr. Debra Russell and Dr. Joe McLaughlin; one Deaf and one hearing interpreter. Both are experienced researchers and have links to the Deaf and hard of hearing communities and sign language interpreters, and are fluent in ASL.

About Focus Groups:

Dr. Debra Russell and Dr. Joe McLaughlin will be hosting 5 separate focus groups, which include: 2 interpreter groups, 2 deaf groups, and 1 employer group. The focus group will be held in a private ZOOM meeting. There will be a minimum of 5 people, and a maximum of 10 per group. See the attached “Information letter and Consent” document.

Honorariums: Each selected focus group participant will be given a $50.00 honorarium, in recognition of their time and knowledge.

How to Join: If you want to attend a focus group or have any questions, please contact Dr. Debra Russell and Dr. Joe McLaughlin at: debrarussell2022@gmail.com and joe5mclaughlin@gmail.com

Deadline to respond: Tuesday March 7th, 2023.