Kickstart Disability Arts & Culture is thrilled to present the solo exhibition “Constructed Identities” by Persimmon Blackbridge, one of Canada’s most recognized Artists that identifies as living with a disability.
Constructed Identities, a major show of work by Persimmon Blackbridge, uses mixed media wood carving with found objects to question how disability is framed as a fracturing of ordinary life rather than a normal, expected part of it. Her exploration of the figure begins in disability, but necessarily complicates itself as our embodied identities intersect and overlap.
Monday July 26 – Friday August 10, 2021
Pendulum Gallery HSBC Building, 885 West Georgia, Vancouver BC
Admission to Pendulum Gallery is free to the public and wheelchair accessible
The exhibition will be available for in-person viewing, following COVID guidelines set out by the province of British Columbia.
Virtual Opening & Artist Talk Monday July 26, 2021 7pm – 9pm PST
Join us virtually (via Zoom) for an opening reception of Constructed Identities, which will include an Artist Talk by Persimmon Blackbridge and curator Yuri Arajs
Please join and watch the GVAD President’s final speech and introduce the new GVAD co-presidents and directors this Monday, July 12 at 7 PM via Zoom.
Before the speech, we will have a special guest from California, Julie Rems-Smario, who will give a presentation on The Art of Volunteering. She was one of Deaf Hope and LEAD-K founders in California. She will explain how important volunteering in the Deaf community is.
Interpreters (voice and DI) included. Everyone is welcome. You can invite anyone to watch Julie’s presentation for one hour then the final speech & the introduction.
Welcome to the hot summer days. I don’t know about you, but we are so happy to be outside. Now that things are opening up again, make sure to follow all safety protocols and continue to wear a mask to protect our vulnerable communities. We will get through this.
Please note that there will be no regularly scheduled Newsletter in August because the final day of the AGM is on August 1st. We will be back to our regularly Newsletter in September. In the meantime, any news or updates will be shared on our Social Media accounts. Please monitor that until we are back.
#CancelCanadasDay
Check out this video made by some of our board members regarding Canada’s day.
Transcript:
Shawna:
Hello everyone
Today is a tough day for everyone. Minds wandering, should I celebrate ‘Canada Day’? No intentions to upset Indigenous People if I celebrate – Don’t. Show your support – Wear ORANGE shirts.
Proud Canadians are encouraged to read these…
– Truth and Reconciliation of Commission & 94 Calls to Action
– Missing, Murder Indigenous Women and Girls & Calls to Action
– Sixties Scoop
All of us are encouraged to read to understand more. We have the CAD-ASC board and Deaf Indigenous of Canada Committed to showing their feelings and supports…
Enjoy watching…
Thank You/Miigwech
Frank:
Hello everyone.
Indigenous children’s deaths, very heartbreaking. We are to pray, show support to Indigenous Peoples. Deaf Communities, please join to show your support to Indigenous Peoples. My heart is deeply touched.
Paula:
The land is full of grass, digging holes… children are finally found. Now, children can feel free, back home, and reconnect with communities and families. Now they are allowed to be included in cultural ceremonies and share emotions.
We acknowledge that history is horrible – we must acknowledge it constantly.
Will we repeat this history? NEVER again. We are the future. We are the present. It is time to change. To give our support, our love, our emotional feelings, give to the children and protect them and the next generation. Past, present and future. It is time to ACT and LISTEN to the Peoples.
To be aware that this land, Canada, is the only country? No, we are not alone; include the entire world too. Remember that.
Again, please remember – never, never, never to forget the children who did not make it back home. And now, they found a home.
Thank You/Miigwech
Wissam:
I acknowledge life on this land. I thank Indigenous Peoples for allowing us to live, work, and enjoy life on this land. I don’t accept that I can live while Indigenous Peoples’ blood, death, missing, loss, pain, and suffering refuse. It’s my responsibility to protect all people, especially Indigenous Peoples, and I’m responsible to protect all children, especially Indigenous children. You all start now to show you appreciate the generations on this land. I’m accountable to sit, honour, work together, listen, learn from Indigenous Peoples and Elders — my deep condolences for your pain. I think and pray for all children, parents, families and tribes. Pray.
Destiny:
“Happy Canada Day!”
NO. Pride is to be set aside. Time to let them heal from being heartbroken. We all are in shock. Important to take the time to learn about the history, Indigenous Peoples and their relationship with Canada. That will help us to work together.
Healing…
Leanor:
I moved to Canada. I feel conflicted as I love it here. But I don’t love what happened in history. Children went missing, children being taken away, children have died. People are overpowering, bullying… it’s not right.
I am so and very sorry.
Kamil:
Today is Canada Day, but we are not celebrating Canada Day. To celebrate Canada Day is to celebrate:
– 1323 children and counting, found buried near residential schools
– The living trauma of residential school survivors and their families
– The missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2-spirit people
– The lack of access to clean water in Indigenous communities
– The lack of action by the Canadian government
And so many more real examples of oppression towards Indigenous communities to add to this list…
Instead of celebrating Canada Day, here are some of many things we can do:
– Learn more about the land we live on. Check out Native-Land.ca (interactive map)
– Read all 94 Calls to Action in the Truth and Reconciliation report (released in 2015)
– Follow and amplify Indigenous voices on social media
– Donate to Indigenous-led organisations (ie. The Indian Residential School Survivors Society)
– Get educated by taking online courses (ie. “Indigenous Canada” offered by the University of Alberta)
– Wear an orange shirt to spread awareness
– Have real conversations with families and friends
(Repost by DYC-JSC)
If you need help or want to talk, here are some numbers you can contact to:
– Indian Residential School Survivors Society, 1-800-721-0066
– National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, 1-844-413-6649
– Hope for Wellness Help Line, 1-855-242-3310 or online chat at hopeforwellness.ca
– Kids Help Phone, 1-800-668-6868 or text to 686868
– Canada Suicide Prevention Service, 1-833-456-4566 or text to 45645
Wissam’s Message
Transcript:
Hello everyone. First I want to recognize the land we are on. CAD-ASC office is in Ottawa, Ontario. This land is still colonized, it has not been unceded yet. This land belongs to the Indigenous community of Algonquins Anishinaabe. I also want to recognize that in the East is the Mi’kmaq. To the West is Salish. In the North it is Inuit. This land belongs to the Indigenous.
CAD-ASC is heartbroken along with the Indigenous communities. The number of Indigenous children being found is increasing. These children were killed, throw away, and hidden for a long time. Now they’re being found. This is a gut wrenching tragedy. This is not a chapter of history, it is still ongoing. We cannot predict the future. CAD-ASC ask that the settlers support the Indigenous communities. How can you support them? Wear orange. Reflect. Pray. Support. How can you support? Asking many questions to the Indigenous community? What’s the number at? How many more? What happened? What do I Do? Avoid this. This causes them more pain.
Does this mean you just leave them alone? No. Continue to support them, keep watching the news. Watch elders of the community speeches. If there’s any public events, go ahead and join them in person, reflect and pray together. Analyze tousled. Thank you for watching. Please take a few moments today to reflect on this.
Shawna’s Message
Transcript:
Hello everyone, I wanted to let you know about two events that the DIC was hosting. The first one was the Residential school event and the MMIWG, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. We decided to cancel both events, there were a few reasons.
The discovery of the children bodies across Canada was hard, we were very emotional about this. We also didn’t feel right to host the events with the recent discovery and residential survivors. We will postpone the residential school event towards the end of July, more details will be shared soon.
We will postpone the MMIWG event towards the end of August. We want to include a resource support system in the events, so after the event if you need support or someone to talk to, we have one ready. We are looking forwards to these events.
Thank you, Miigwech.
News about our affiliate member
Transcript:
CAD-ASC is thrilled to announce that The Okanagan Valley Association of the Deaf (OVAD) will be a full provincial affiliate representing British Columbia. OVAD has been working tirelessly with us for the benefit of Deaf people who live in Canada.
The Board of Directors looks forward to having amazing work with OVAD represented by Gordon J. Rattray.
Please join us congratulating OVAD for their full provincial affiliation and wish them the best in their journey servicing our community in British Columbia.
Website Renovations
Transcript:
Hello, my name Anna Wren and I am the communication coordinator for CAD-ASC. I wanted to let you know that the website is not clear, hard to use, information is missing. We know this. We recently hired one person who is an expert web master. This person is now focusing on fixing and improving the website.
While he is fixing the website we will not be posting new information on the website. For news or information we will share them via newsletter to our affiliates or on our social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Youtube. Postings on the website is on hold until the website is fixed. Thank you.
Upcoming Events
Transcript:
Upcoming events this month: More information will be released soon. Keep your eye open for events this month on our Facebook page.
Improve access to programs and services for persons with disabilities in your community
We wish to inform you of a funding opportunity that may be of interest to you and/or your network and partners. Through the Government of Canada’s 2021 Call for Proposals (CFP) under the Enabling Accessibility Fund’s mid-sized projects component, not-for-profit, for profit and Indigenous organizations, municipalities and territorial governments could receive up to $1 million for the retrofit, renovation or new construction of accessible facilities or venues.
Until July 29, 2021, ESDC is accepting applications for projects that help improve and make facilities in Canadian communities and workplaces more accessible for persons with disabilities.
Information on the application requirements and process can be found within the Applicant Guide found on the EAF funding webpage. As well, information sessions will be offered to applicants in mid-June and in July. Organizations will be able to participate in the sessions online and by teleconference; details will be posted on the EAF funding page.
If you would like to apply for funding or learn more about this funding opportunity, visit the EAF funding webpage.
We encourage you to share this email with your network, partners and stakeholders so they may also benefit from this funding opportunity.
Enabling Accessibility Fund Team Employment and Social Development Canada
Burnaby is seeking a school-based leader who has a track record of success and experience working in an urban, culturally diverse community. As a member of the district’s leadership team, the BCSD Vice-Principal has the primary responsibility for implementing, managing, and supervising a wide range of educational and support services for students enrolled in the provincial school for the deaf. The Vice-Principal will work closely with the administrative teams at Burnaby South Secondary and South Slope Elementary to share responsibilities for the overall operation of the schools.
Qualifications:
Preference will be given to an applicant who possesses the following qualifications:
graduate level training in an area such as administration, program and curriculum development and supervision of instruction. Candidates must have a Master’s Degree in Education of the Deaf and be fluent in sign language.
eligibility for membership in the B.C. College of Teachers
demonstrated leadership experience, ability, and commitment to working as a member of the district’s instructional leadership team
demonstrated ability in program, curriculum and staff development
demonstrated ability in effective personnel supervision, communications and human relations
demonstrated knowledge of current educational trends, educational methods, and the use of technology to enhance instruction
demonstrated skills in community involvement and public relations, including the ability to work cooperatively with parents, professionals and community service agencies
recent, successful and relevant teaching and leadership experience with a focus on the redesigned curriculum and personalized learning
Duties include:
integrating BCSD programs with other District programs to maximize learning opportunities for students
scheduling integrated programs and monitoring student progress in multiple schools by using administrative tools in MyEducationBC
developing Transition Programs that enable students to explore careers, post-secondary education, and other community services
May include teacher responsibilities
Please provide a detailed résumé including professional credentials, statement of educational philosophy and three current letters of professional reference (2021).We ask that a full application for this position be submitted by 4:00 pm Friday, July 30, 2021 to: https://bit.ly/3wcWBks (SUBJECT: Vice Principal, BCSD).
The Burnaby School District embraces diversity as a privilege and a strength. We strive for accepting, safe, supportive, and inviting communities where the goal is for all members to feel a sense of belonging. Our (schools or worksites) are for everyone and we respect each person’s contributions.
an offering to people who are Deaf & Hard of Hearing. Taught in ASL. CHAKRA YOGA (aka: The Yoga of Lady Niguma) Lead by Certified Yoga Instructor Leonarda Ehl
When: Thursdays
July 15
July 22
July 29
Aug 5
Aug12
Aug19
Aug26
Sept 2—no class
September 9
Time: 4pm—5:15pm
Where: ZOOM
Only 8 spots available!
What you will learn:
Lady Niguma Sun Salutation as part of the series
Yoga poses for each chakra that help untie the knots at each chakra
Short Vinaysan flow between each chakra
Chakra breathing
Key themes for each chakra
A bit of yoga philosophy to better appreciate the teachings.
How to become happy and let go of chakra blocks to your own personal happiness
Deadline to register: Thursday, July 8
Only for BC residents. Attend all 8 classes, you will get FREE YOGA PAH! DVD!!!
Need More Information or Register? Contact Bonnie at:
Canada Revenue Agency is pleased to host the following live webinars in July and August:
Persons with Disabilities Presentation on July 6 and August 5, 2021 from 1:30PM – 2:30pm PST
Benefits and credits available to you! If you live with a disability or have a dependent with a disability, there are benefits and tax credits available to you and the people who support you. Some of the benefits and credits to which you may be eligible for are the Disability tax credit, medical expenses, Canada caregiver credit, and the Child disability benefit. During the webinar we will be able to answer your questions live.
Benefits & Credits for Caregivers Presentation on June 24, July 8 and August 10, 2021 from 1:30PM – 2:30pm PST
As a caregiver for an individual with a physical or mental impairment there may be benefits and tax credits available to you! Join our webinar to obtain more information about the following topics. Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), Canada Caregiver Credit, Medical Expenses, Slam the scam. During the webinar we will be able to answer your questions live.
Scam awareness – Be scam smart Presentation on July 19 and August 18, 2021 from 1:30 – 2:15pm PST
Help protect yourself and others against fraud – Taxpayers should be vigilant when they receive, either by telephone, mail, text message or email, a fraudulent communication that claims to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requesting personal information such as a social insurance number, credit card number, bank account number, or passport number. Learn to recognize common types of scams and to identify legitimate communications from the CRA.
You can register for any of the above webinars by going to the below link and clicking on the link associated with the date of your choice.
My name is Sunny and I am a nursing student in Toronto. I am currently conducting a survey for deaf or hard of hearing mothers who were challenged with breastfeeding, along with my nursing colleagues (this is an external, individual project i.e. NOT affiliated with University of Toronto). I hope to gather data and make informative channel for deaf and hard of hearing mothers. The survey link: https://forms.gle/V4SLTEQL1Yg8gDUr5
The survey is completely anonymous, and it has a link to YouTube videos that transcribed the questions into ASL (French/LSQ to be updated).
Today, the CRTC published new regulations that will help make more information available to Canadians about the accessibility of broadcasting and telecommunications services.
Under the Accessible Canada Act, broadcasters and television and telecommunications service providers are required to publish accessibility plans and progress reports. They must also create a process to receive feedback about accessibility issues from members of the public.
The CRTC Accessibility Reporting Regulations ensure that these requirements will be implemented in a timely and effective way. The regulations set out rules on the timing, manner and form of the accessibility plans, feedback processes and progress reports of broadcasting and telecom companies.
To find more information about these important regulations, visit our website.
Start Date: to begin August 1, 2021 with a couple of training days the last week of July 2021.
Job Description:
Looking for someone to assist a deafblind senior lady “start her day”, each morning (7 days a week). Schedule is typically 2-3 hours per day, usually 7am-9:30am, with some variation, depending on additional tasks and appointments. Total hours per month ~80. The senior lady is Burnaby based. The client prefers Hearing but professional qualifications are the most important so qualified Deaf please apply.
Wages to be determined, based on skills and experience.
Required Skills:
-Fluency in ASL, using hands-on communication.
– Familiarity with assisting/guiding a Deafblind senior
-Ability to assist the client in her health and medication regime.
– A vehicle to transport the client (and walker) to and from doctor/dentist appointments, etc..
– Liason between staff in the assisted living home, client and client’s family.
– Discretion, and the ability to keep confidentiality.
– Knowledge of how the aging process and deteriorating vision affect a person’s personality would be an asset.
If interested, please contact Kerry I by text/phone at 604-240-9075
Disabled Community Connection Network (DCCN) is a monthly communication and information group for people of all ages (16+) with any disability. This group is hosted by the North Shore Disability Resource Centre. This group is facilitated by and for people with disabilities.
INTERPRETED FIRST AID COURSES FROM ST. JOHN AMBULANCE!!
This is exciting news as the interpreters are paid for!
August 12, 2021 from 8:30AM – 5:30PM @ SJA Vancouver Branch – 6111 Cambie St. Vancouver, BC.
September 20, 2021 from 8:00AM – 5:00PM @ SJA Kamloops Branch – 627 Victoria St. Kamloops, BC.
November 15, 2021 from 8:30AM – 5:30PM @ SJA Vancouver Branch – 6111 Cambie St. Vancouver, BC.
The Emergency First Aid – Community Care course is a 9 hour class with 2 x 15 minute breaks and 1 x 30 minute lunch, for a total of 8 hours of in class instruction.
Your cost will be $100 plus $14.55 for the SJA mask totals $114.55 for your course. Please register by contacting Alex at alex.burry@sja.ca or Teresa at vancouver@sja.ca for your course, both Kamloops and Vancouver. Register by July 5 to ensure a spot for you as the class will open to hearing after July 5.
American Sign Language Specialist – Contract Position
American Sign Language (ASL) Specialist – Contract Position
The focus of the Provincial Outreach Program Deaf and Hard of Hearing (POPDHH) is to collaborate with school districts in meeting the needs of all Deaf and Hard of Hearing learners.
Through collaborative consultation POPDHH supports educational teams in addressing the unique communication and learning styles of individual Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. To reach every
student’s potential, POPDHH promotes goals of and develops programs to increase language development, literacy, numeracy, cognitive development, self-advocacy, and self-confidence in
becoming responsible, global citizens.
The third and final of accessibility standards webinars, the CAD-ASC welcomes a panel of guest speakers to discuss how the built-in work environment presents solutions and barriers for the Deaf and Deafblind communities in Canada.
Grant to support inclusive employment led by Small Business BC and Presidents Group
Just announced in a Social Development and Poverty Reduction press release: Employers in BC are receiving support to create inclusive work environments for people with disabilities through a $4.8-million grant from the Province.
Over the next two years, Small Business BC will work with the Presidents Group on the Employer Supports for Persons with Disabilities project.
