DEAFBC

The ASL and Deaf Studies Department and the Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults has partnered with the Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf to host activities to celebrate the International Week of the Deaf and the International Day of Sign Language.

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) first launched International Day of the Deaf in 1958; the “day” was later extended to “week.” The International Week of the Deaf (IWD) is observed annually during the last full week of September. The week culminates with International Day of the Deaf on the last Sunday of the week. The 1^st World Congress of the WFD took place in September 1951, and the choice of September to celebrate the International Week and Day of the Deaf is a commemoration of this historical event.

Each member country of the WFD can choose a specific theme for its focus.  In Canada, the Canadian Association of the Deaf has suggested a spotlight on the rights of Deaf people to access quality education. As Vancouver Community College has been educating Deaf adults for almost 40 years, it is very appropriate we celebrate IWD 2011 from September 19 to 23.

We hope you will join us in the various activities that are planned.

Contact persons:  Vincent Chauvet (vchauvet@vcc.ca) for Art Show

and Leanor Vlug (lvlug@vcc.ca) for other events on campus.

International Week of the Deaf – Tentative Schedule of Events

The purpose of IWD 2011 is to recognize  the BC Deaf community, celebrate and support Deaf culture, Sign Language, and achievements of Deaf people locally, nationally, and internationally.

The IWD events at Vancouver Community College will raise awareness and educate the College community about Deaf culture and VCC students and programs

ASL and Deaf Studies Department and Program for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults in partnership with the Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf (GVAD), will host the following activities:

Monday, September 19, 2011 12:00 noon – 1:00 p.m. – IWD “Kick-Off”

Event Space

1. Introduction of Special Guests and reading of the Proclamation (15 min)

2. Brief background of VCC’s Programs – Deaf and Hard of Hearing Adults and ASL & Deaf Studies (5-10 minutes)

3. Recent achievements of the BC Deaf Community and awards (10 minutes)

4. Performance – ASL poet or Deaf dancer
5. Mini Reception

Tuesday, September 20 & Wednesday, September 21 – Deaf Art Exhibit

9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.  Room 5025 (Boardroom)

Thursday, September 22 – 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
International Day of Sign Language Kick Off

Event Space

1. Proclamation of the International Day of Sign Language (IDSL)

2. Announcement of other events connected to IDSL

3. Game Show hosted by DHH and ASL & Deaf Studies – proceeds to the Japan Federation of the Deaf.

There will be a Week-long Fund-raising activity to “Support the Global Deaf Community”
“Waving Hands” Display
– at lunch time Monday through Thursday, and during the Deaf Art Show,  people can donate a Loonie ($1) or Toonie ($2) and get a paper “post-it” hand display in certain areas. These “waving hands” signify support for a specific global Deaf community project – this year’s proceeds will be donated to the Japan Federation of the Deaf to provide interpreting and other support for Deaf survivors of the March earthquake and tsunami.

Saturday, Sept. 24 – 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Picnic hosted by BC Cultural Society of the Deaf – at Queen’s Park, New Westminster.  Presentation / Display related to the Deaf Community and ICED 2010 Committee in developing the “New Era Document.”

Dear Deaf Organizations,

I am very pleased to welcome you from across Canada and maybe from other countries to attend our 10th Deaf Canada Conference in Toronto, Ontario, Canada which will be held on July 20 – 23, 2012.

Our theme is DEAF: Dare, Express Act and Flourish.
Dare is something we do every day, we believe and stand up for our rights
Express is something we do and use face expression daily with ASL (American Sign Language)
Act is something we must do
Flourish is something where we try to grow and be more successful.

I am asking every organization to let your members know that the website of the Deaf Canada Conference is up and running. We are looking for speakers for the workshop which is due in October 30, 2012. Please send it to us as soon as possible.

If you know anyone who can give a good presentation, we the committee will be happy to hear from you. You can send us the name of the person and the email and we will contact them. We need your support to make this workshop successful.

In the website, we have registration forms, sponsorship and call for paper. We also have blog in the website. Our website is www.dcctoronto2012.com.

There will be several of workshops, information booths, wine and cheese, Entertainment, Keynote speakers, Award Banquet and much more.
We have several of committees and the website set up since July 2011. The workshops and meeting will take place at Westin Harbour Castle near the beautiful Lake Ontario. It has a very fabulous view and there are a lot of attractions.
Please check out at Facebook event or page (Deaf Canada Conference Toronto 2012), YouTube account: DCCtoronto2012 and Twitter Account: DCCToronto2012. In case of any inquiries, please contact Katarina at logistics@dcctoronto2012.com for call for paper, contact Christine Nelson at treasurer@dcctoronto2012.com for registration and please do not hesitate to ask questions, contact me at chair@dcctoronto2012.com. Please come to the DCC Toronto 2012 and celebrate the 10th anniversary of the DCC.
Regards,
Marc Noble?Chairperson of DCC 2012

Interested volunteers contact Chairperson Roger Desmarais at rowenger@gmail.com