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ASL: 5 ICBC locations offer ASL-interpreters

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Accessibility Features for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games flyer

GVAD is sharing this information:
Deaf customers in B.C. can now access live, on-demand sign language at five ICBC driver licensing offices.
 
Deaf and hard of hearing customers now have better access to ICBC driver licensing services with the launch of B.C.’s first virtual, on-demand American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation service at five driver licensing offices throughout the province.
 
This new interpretation service is available for common driver licensing needs, such as:
Renewing or replacing a driver’s licence or piece of ID
Paying or disputing a ticket
Getting a copy of your driving record
 
The service is currently available at five of our driver licensing offices:
Burnaby, 232-4820 Kingsway (Metrotown)
Kamloops, 937 Concordia Way
Kelowna, 1720 Springfield Road
Surrey, 10470 152 Street (Guildford)
Victoria, 1-1150 McKenzie Avenue
 

Accessibility Features for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games

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Accessibility Features for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games flyer

GVAD is sharing this information:
As Canada’s Olympic and Paralympic Network, CBC is dedicated to making the Milano Cortina 2026 Games accessible for people in Canada.
 
Olympic Winter Games (Feb 6–22,2026):
• American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, along with daily ASL segments on the CBC Sports YouTube channel.
• Described Video (DV) will be available for both ceremonies, as well as for all Daytime and Prime Time content (12:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily) across our television and digital platforms.
• Closed captioning will be provided for all televised broadcasts and all digital content featuring commentary.
 
Paralympic Winter Games (March 6–15):
• ASL for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and daily ASL updates on YouTube.
• Described Video will be available for the ceremonies and all televised and digital coverage airing before midnight.
• All content with commentary, both on TV and digital, will be fully closed-captioned.

OVAD: 3rd Annual D/HH Winter Festival – RSVP by Feb 25th & Deaf Night Out

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GVAD is sharing this information:
OVAD hosts our 3rd annual Deaf and Hard of Hearing winter festival!
 
Where: West Kelowna at Telemark Nordic!
4425 Glenrosa Road, West Kelowna
When: March 1st 2026
Time: 1pm to 4pm
 
Please arrive by 12:30pm if you’re renting any equipment for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Rental and Cost information – check out the Telemark Nordic website!
www.telemarknordic.com
 
*Register/RSVP to lschulte6@hotmail.com, or text 250-485-7735
 
?Deaf Night Out at Kelly O Brian’s in West Kelowna on Feb 28th (the night before!).
Register/RSVP for Deaf Night Out to Linda, due by Feb 25th (we need to know numbers so we can reserve tables).
 
The hotel (Fairfield Inn and Suites) is in the same parking lot for those who live out of town!
Check out both flyers for all the fun details!
 
Spread the word, near and far!

GVAD Community Fundraising Pancake Brunch

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GVAD Community Fundraising Pancake Brunch flyer

Visual Description:
The GVAD brunch flyer features a mountain logo and dark blue title on a textured beige background. On the left side, event details and a red-bordered ticket price box are displayed. Below the price box, a boy lies on the ground with a large thought bubble above him showing various breakfast items. A red footer at the bottom includes a link and contact email.

Join us for our Community Fundraising Pancake Brunch! Eat great food, reconnect with friends, and support Deaf community programs.

When: Saturday, February 28
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Where: Cranley Hall
2141 Cranley Dr, Surrey, BC V4A 5K3

What’s included:

  • Fresh pancakes and waffles
  • Fruit platters and toppings
  • Coffee, tea, and juice
  • A warm, welcoming community atmosphere

Full menu: https://bit.ly/gvad_menu

Ticket options:

Special price for GVAD members, $10 less for our members!

  • Community Ticket – $25 ($15 for members)
    2 pancakes, fruit, drink
  • Supporter Ticket – $40 ($30 for members)
    all-you-can-eat pancakes, drink, fruit + supports GVAD programs
  • Kids Ticket – $20 ($10 for members)
    2 pancakes/waffles, fruit, drink
  • Family Ticket – $55 ($45 for members)
    up to 4 people: 2 adults and 2 children; adults receive 2 pancakes, fruit, and a drink each; children receive 2 pancakes or waffles, fruit, and a drink each

Supporter tickets help fund Deaf community programs, accessibility, and events.

Why come?

  • Family-friendly and affordable
  • Reconnect with the Deaf community
  • Great food for a great cause

Come hungry. Leave happy. Support your community.

GVAD Community Workshops

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GVAD Flyer Community Workshops

Visual Description:
GVAD workshop announcement poster with teal and red branding. Header shows “Community Workshops:” with red banner reading “SIGN UP BY FEBRUARY 28 TO JOIN!” Two workshop boxes are displayed side-by-side. Silvery Clay Ring workshop shows $200 price tag, 3 hours duration, with illustration of hands crafting a ring. Oasis Terrarium workshop shows $140 price tag, 2 hours duration, with illustration of a glass terrarium. Bottom states “Link in the description” and “ALL MATERIALS AND TOOLS ARE PROVIDED. CONTACT: media@gvad.ca”

The Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf is looking to host new workshops and events for the community. Please note that we will host these workshops only if we receive enough registrations.

Silvery Clay Ring Workshop
You will learn how to make a ring. The instructor will guide you through the process of making a ring.

  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Cost: $200 per person
  • Includes: Silver clay, unlimited gemstones, all tools, light snacks, finished ring, administrative fees
  • Requirements: Minimum 10 people, maximum 15 people

Oasis Terrarium Workshop
You will learn how to build your own unique terrarium. You will be given step by step guidance throughout the session, making it a fun and creative way to build your own unique terrarium. At the end of the workshop, you can take home your little ecosystem that’s super easy to care for, for years to come.

  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Cost: $140 per person
  • Includes: Glass container, soil, planting tools, all materials, administrative fees
  • Requirements: Minimum 11 people

Please submit your response by February 28

If there is sufficient interest, we will schedule the events.

Register: https://forms.office.com/r/VPfiaeFTRh

Contact: media@gvad.ca

ASL interpreted: A Celebration of Migrant Leadership

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Roots and Futures A Celebration of Migrant Leadership. Thursday February 12. Register now. RADIUS" A photo of a person wearing a hijab smiling. Two people hugging. A person with curly hair writing on the white board smiling at the camera.Visual description:
Text says, “Roots and Futures A Celebration of Migrant Leadership. Thursday February 12. Register now. RADIUS” A photo of a person wearing a hijab smiling. Two people hugging. A person with curly hair writing on the white board smiling at the camera.

GVAD is sharing this information:
In a time shaped by complex challenges and resistance, migrant communities continue to reimagine what justice, belonging, and community care can look like. Join the RADIUS Refugee Livelihood Lab community for an evening dedicated to celebrating our collective visions.

On February 12, we will uplift the stories, strategies, and futures that emerge when migrant communities lead systems change. Let’s honour the growing relationships we’ve nurtured over the years and come together for:

  • Celebrating our 2025 Migrant Systems Change Leadership certificate (MSCL) program participants
  • Project showcase from our MSCL participants
  • A fireside dialogue with past and present participants of the Refugee Livelihood Lab (RLL)
  • Reflections from special guest speakers
  • Music
  • Free food and drinks
  • Connections with current and past participants, alumni, partners, faculty, and supporters
  • ASL interpreters will be onsite
  • Child-friendly space

Register at: http://rootsandfutures.eventbrite.com

Valentine’s Bingo 2026 – Food Pre-Order

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Hungry already? We’ve got you covered — pre-order your Subway meal for Valentine’s Bingo Night and skip the line! Choose from six sandwich options, each available as a standalone ($6) or as a bundle with chips and a pop of your choice ($8).

Please note: This event is for ages 19+.

Menu link: https://form.jotform.com/260285030441042

Menu:

  • Tuna — $6.00
  • Black Forest Ham — $6.00
  • Veggie — $6.00
  • Turkey Breast — $6.00
  • Italian BMT — $6.00
  • Cold Cut Combo — $6.00

For just $2 more ($8.00 total), upgrade any sandwich to a bundle with chips and a pop of your choice.

Important: To receive food, pre-order is required. No sales at the event.

When:
Friday, February 13th, 2026
Doors open at 5:00 PM
Games run 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Where:
Bonsor Recreation Complex
6550 Bonsor Ave
Burnaby, BC V5H 3G4

Admission:
Members: $10
Non-members: $20

What to expect:
Bingo: $20 for 10 game sheets
Raffle: 50/50 tickets (cash or tap)
Treats: Free Valentine candies
Fundraiser: Valentine’s cupcakes for sale (GVAD fundraiser)

Volunteers needed!
If you can help out, please let us know.

Questions?
Email: info@gvad.ca
Bingo Chairperson: Alexander Muñoz

ASL-interpreted performance: TESTO at PuSh Festival

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GVAD is sharing this information:
A drag performance art show that explores the chaos of transition and testosterone! Note that the performance includes flashing lights, haze, nudity, sexually explicit content, and references to transphobia.

Name: TESTO by Wet Mess
When: ASL Performance on Saturday, February 7 at 8pm
Where: Performance Works, 1218 Cartwright St, Vancouver

Free ticket opportunity for d/Deaf patrons:
For a free ticket, accessibility concerns, or if you have questions, email Andrea at access@pushfestival.ca

Regular tickets:
Tickets can be booked through the PuSh Festival website using promo code DEAF50 for a 50% discount.
If regular tickets appear sold out online, please contact Andrea to request a free ticket.

More information about the performance:
https://pushfestival.ca/shows/testo/

CASTING: NETFLIX SERIES – OPEN CALL FOR DEAF/HOH ATHLETES

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GVAD is sharing this information:
Clark & Page Casting is holding an open casting call for a new Netflix/21 Laps series ‘UNTITLED HOCKEY PROJECT’. We are seeking a Deaf/hard of hearing hockey player, 18+ to play 16–17 years old for the role of RHETT. Character description and link to our open call below.

RHETT – This character is male, any ethnicity. He is team captain of the high school hockey team, The Grizzlies. After an accident, he is left completely deaf…SERIES REGULAR. ACTORS WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. HOCKEY EXPERIENCE PREFERRED BUT NOT MANDATORY. TALENT MUST BE 18+.

Submission and details link:
https://castittalent.com/Unt_Hockey_Project_S1_Canada_Open_Call

Announcement: Deaf Community Foundation 2025 AGM

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GVAD is sharing this information:
The Deaf Community Foundation of British Columbia invites community members to its 2025 Annual General Meeting.

Themed “It’s Your Money,” the meeting will cover approved grants for 2026, the President’s Report, and the 2024 Financial Statements and Auditor’s Report.

Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026,
Time: 10:00 to 11:00 AM
Where: Zoom

To attend: Request the Zoom link from Gordon J. Rattray, President & CEO, via president@deafbcfoundation.ca

PuSh Festival 2026 Jan 22 – Feb 8 and ASL-interpreted performance TESTO

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GVAD is sharing this information:
PuSh Festival 2026 | Jan 22 – Feb 8

An ASL welcome video by Ladan Sahraei explains how Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences can access the PuSh Festival, including ASL-interpreted performances, highly visual DHH-friendly shows, and productions with surtitles or captions.
 
Use promo code DEAF50 for 50% off eligible shows.
Access questions: access@pushfestival.ca
 
 
ASL-interpreted performance at PuSh:
TESTO by Wet Mess
Sat, Feb 7 | 8:00 PM
Performance Works, Granville Island
A drag performance exploring transition, testosterone, and the chaos of becoming.
Content advisory: flashing lights, haze, nudity, sexually explicit content, references to transphobia.
 

ASL interpreted performance: The Golden Anniversaries

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GVAD is sharing this information:
In the video Ladan Sahraei explains everything Deaf and Hard of Hearing audiences need to know about our upcoming ASL shadow interpretation performance of THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARIES.

  • Sun, Feb 8, 2 PM
  • Granville Island Stage
  • We are offering accessible pricing for the Deaf/HoH community. Contact aamantea@artsclub.com for more details.
Professional ASL interpreters will be sharing the stage with our performers to convey the dialogue, sound effects, and emotional tone of the performance in real time.

 

Announcement: BCCSD Town Hall Meeting

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GVAD is sharing this information:
Save the Date: January 24th 2026 @ 1pm
Join us for a community town hall focused on bylaw review, a proposed budget, and open dialogue.
The Slido link for questions is currently open: https://app.sli.do/event/dg4qKkgUV6wYDHUPTd1y3V
 
Visual Description
A textured, black-and-white poster with bold, modern typography. “SAVE THE DATE” is prominent, with Jan 24th angled across the layout. A hand holding a megaphone emphasizes community voice, accented with red highlights. The BCCSD banner sits at the top, and a QR code appears at the bottom for easy access to the Slido link”

Upcoming Workshops – Language Deprivation

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GVAD is sharing this information:
Join Dr. Sanjay Gulati for two essential workshops on Language Deprivation Syndrome in Deaf and Hard of Hearing children and youth.

For Professionals: Friday, February 27, 2026 | 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM Learn how lack of accessible language affects development and what you can do about it. Certificate provided. Register: https://form.jotform.com/260076406442048

For Parents & Guardians: Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Discover how to support your child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development. Register: https://form.jotform.com/260076303287253

Both workshops are free via Zoom with ASL-English interpretation and captioning provided.

Questions: fndc@fndc.ca

Valentine Bingo 2026

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Visual Description:
Festive Valentine’s-themed flyer with red and pink hearts bordering a white paper-style center. Features the GVAD mountain logo at the top. “February 13th” appears on a pink brush stroke, with “Valentine’s Bingo” in large pink letters below. Event details are listed in black text. A pink ticket icon accompanies the menu section. A ribbon in the bottom-left corner reads “Volunteers needed.” Row of small hearts decorates the bottom.

VALENTINE’S BINGO NIGHT
Join us for a fun evening at GVAD’s Valentine’s Bingo Night!

When:
Friday, February 13th, 2026
Doors open at 5:00 PM
Games run 6:00 – 9:00 PM

Where:
Bonsor Recreation Complex,
(6550 Bonsor Ave, Burnaby, BC V5H 3G4)

Admission:
Members: $10
Non-members: $20

What to expect:
Bingo: $20 for 10 game sheets
Raffle: 50/50 tickets (cash or tap)
Treats: Free Valentine candies
Fundraiser: Valentine’s cupcakes for sale (GVAD fundraiser)
Food: Subway subs, chips, pops, and water bottles

Volunteers needed!
If you can help out, please let us know.

Questions?
Email: info@gvad.ca
Bingo Chairperson: Alexander Muñoz