On Saturday, September 27th OVAD is hosting a workshop from 11am – 12:30pm at the Winfield United Church(3751 Woodsdale Rd) in Lake Country
Lunch will be provided!
Our Annual General Meeting will be held after the workshop from 1pm – 3pm at the same location.
Are you interested in supporting OVAD and the Deaf community, or do you want to be a part of the board? Here’s your chance!
See you all there!
Free Film Screening + Panel
Join Story Money Impact for a special screening of Who the Hell Is Nigel? — a short
documentary that takes you behind the scenes of BC’s COVID-19 briefings, where Deaf ASL
interpreter Nigel Howard unexpectedly captured public attention. His dynamic style highlights
broader issues of underrepresentation in the Deaf community.
With panelists Ladan Sahraei & Jasper Vaillant
Moderated by Amy Amantea
Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Progress Lab 1422 · 1422 William Street, Vancouver
Reserve your free tickets: Story Money Impact Presents FREE Screening of Who the Hell Is Nigel?
Story Money Impact presents a screening of the documentary Who the Hell Is Nigel?, plus a panel discussion about disability justice and how it intersects with filmmaking.
During the BC COVID-19 news briefings, an unwitting hero is made of Nigel Howard, a Deaf ASL interpreter who became an overnight sensation due to his dynamic interpretation style. Through his rise to fame, the underrepresentation of the Deaf community becomes glaringly evident.
Who the Hell Is Nigel? is a Deaf-friendly film that spotlights the needs of the Deaf community and models how to fully include them. The film uses split screens to prioritize ASL over captioning, and interpreters’ facial expressions are visible to communicate emotional tone. These are just some of the small ways to prioritize the full inclusion and participation of Deaf people in every facet of society and its joys.
Ladan Sahraei
Ladan Sahraei is a pioneering Iranian-Canadian Deaf female filmmaker. As the first Deaf filmmaker in Iran, she has crafted numerous short films and directed two feature documentaries in Canada. Ladan’s exceptional work has garnered awards and recognition. With a deep passion for filmmaking, she actively supports the visual and performing arts, painting, and disability representation in film. Ladan’s love for creating films and documentaries is boundless. She revels in globetrotting, exploring diverse cultures, and connecting with people from around the world.
Jasper Vaillant
Jasper Vaillant is a passionate filmmaker, writer, and director dedicated to authentic storytelling that amplifies underrepresented voices. As a proud member of the disabled community, Jasper is deeply committed to fostering meaningful disabled representation on screen—an aspect of storytelling that is profoundly personal to him. With a strong focus on character-driven narratives, Jasper brings fresh perspectives rarely seen in mainstream media, aiming to challenge stereotypes and push the boundaries of inclusive storytelling. He believes in the power of film to foster empathy, create social change, and celebrate the richness of human experience in all its forms.
Amy Amantea (she/her)
Amy Amantea identifies as a white settler living on the traditional and stolen lands of the Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh Peoples. Living with multiple intersections of disability—including blindness, neurodiversity, chronic pain, and chronic illness—Amy has come to view her sight loss as a “gift” that shapes her artistic and professional practice. For almost two decades, Amy has worked at the intersection of arts, accessibility, and systemic change, championing Disability Justice and the principle of “nothing about us without us.”
At present, Amy is the Associate Director of VocalEye Descriptive Arts Society, Accessibility Coordinator at the Arts Club Theatre Company, and an artist currently touring her theatre show, Through My Lens, co-written and directed by James Long.
Her work has connected her with artists and organizations locally and internationally, advocating and advancing authentic representation in the arts and supporting the creation of ground-up approaches to creative access. In recognition of her leadership, advocacy, and innovation, Amy has received the CNIB Century of Change Award (2018), the News 1130 Unsung Hero Award (2018), and the Canadian Council of the Blind Book of Honour Award (2019).
Amy is delighted to have been invited to facilitate the panel discussion on Disability Justice following the screening of Who the Hell Is Nigel?.
Understanding wills, trusts, and estate planning can help secure your financial future or the financial future of a loved one with a disability. This ASL Interpreted webinar covers topics including considerations when creating a will, tips for protecting your loved ones when family passes, types of trusts, and more.Please note that registration is limited to 60 people, therefore early registration is encouraged.
Location: Virtual event
Date and time: Thu, Sep 25, 2025 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PT
This event is free of charge and no payment information is needed.
Registration link: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/3dbsdvt
Saturday, September 20th
Edward (James McArdle), a talented novelist on the cusp of literary success, is juggling his work with the responsibility of caring for his elderly mother, Alma (Fionnula Flanagan).
As the excitement of a US book tour builds, he is suddenly faced with an unexpected twist as his three friends decide to take an impromptu Pride getaway to Spain, leaving their mothers in his care.
Winner of the BFI London Film Festival Audience Award, this uplifting comedy-drama follows an unlikely found family on an emotionally charged journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
This film is only screening in person!
Get tickets: https://outonscreen.com/vqff-event/closing-presentation-four-mothers/
PLAN (Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network) is looking for a Community Connector to support a Deaf community member living in Richmond, BC, who communicates using ASL. Applicants must also communicate in ASL. This role is about building meaningful relationships and strengthening connections that help individuals with disabilities live good lives in community.
This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference by fostering inclusion and belonging.
Apply: Community Connector: East Vancouver (ASL) – Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network
More details about PLAN and Communicty Connector role: Community Connector Role – Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network
Click on the image to view the video on Instagram.disorder explores the duality that conceptions of order play in the lives of Cai Glover and Pierre-Olivier Beaulac-Bouchard and the roles they have been ordered into by way of their experiences with their respective identification with being d/Deaf.
This all-levels workshop will explore transposing of language into movement. How does the body express specific meanings of language? Is there something more that is captured when the body engages in motion that can’t be grasped by the literal? This workshop doesn’t focus on dance techniques but rather, focuses on the individual’s emotional experiences to bring meaning to the movement we create. We will be using some ASL (American Sign Language) to get more fully and directly into the body by exploring a gestural and spatial language. Here the body discovers its vast network of communicative powers in a non-verbal form, abstracted by poetry and enhanced by meaning.
Free of charge!
Video Description:
A man with short hair, glasses, and a trimmed beard is standing in a kitchen. He is wearing a dark gray long-sleeve shirt.
Video transcript:
Hello Deaf community! I’m excited to share BIG NEWS! BC Deaf Poker Club Hosts tournament!
POKER TOURNAMENT IS BACK!
GVAD is proudly supporting this event, and I’m here to share information.
WHEN?
Saturday, September 13, this year, 2025. It starts at 2 PM, and ends when we have a winner! Expect to finish around 10 to 10:30 PM.
WHERE?
Community Hall, 2141 Cranley Drive, Surrey
Great space! Champ! Good vibes, serious fun!
WHO’S ORGANIZING?
BC Deaf Poker Club president. The man himself — Davo Legault. He’s running the whole event and making it awesome!
TICKETS PRICE?
JUST $60. Includes food, drinks, and tournament entry. $40 – goes straight into the prize pool, real cash to win! $20 – covers food and event costs.
The poker event will also have another fun activity: 50/50 RAFFLE
One lucky winner takes home 50% of the pot
HOW TO GET TICKETS?
Contact Davo Legault. President of the BC Deaf Poker Club.
2 ways to contact him:
Message him on Facebook
Or
Email: bcdeafpokerclub@hotmail.com
We accept e-transfer or cash — fast and easy.
Please spread the word! Tell everyone that BC Deaf Poker Club will host a tournament!
Interesting to play or not, spread the word so everyone can enjoy! Invite your friends, family, coworkers — everyone is welcome.
Tickets are limited and will go FAST. Don’t wait!
SEE YOU THERE
GOOD LUCK!
Video Description:
A man with short hair, glasses, and a trimmed beard is standing in a kitchen. He is wearing a dark gray long-sleeve shirt.
Video transcript:
Hello Deaf community!
My name is Roger.
I am the ASL video creator for GVAD.
“Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf”
This message is from GVAD, we want to inform you:
In the past, GVAD used Gmail email addresses, but those are no longer in service.
GVAD now only uses official emails ending with:
@gvad.ca
Please use the correct new email addresses for the right purposes.
Here’s a breakdown:
Use this email if you want to contact the president directly.
About big decisions, community concerns, or leadership questions.
Email the vice president if you have questions about programs. Help with community outreach, or if the president is unavailable.
Use this for social media, videos, photos, or anything public-facing.
If you have media to share, or want to request a post – email here.
Use this email for events – If you want to host, join, or ask questions about upcoming events. Perfect for RSVP’s, volunteering, or community activity ideas.
This is for general information. If you don’t know who to contact –
start here. We will forward your message to the right person.
Important:
If you receive an email from a Gmail address claiming to be GVAD, don’t answer, it is not from us. Please report it to the GVAD board immediately.
Contact GVAD only through official emails ending with: @gvad.ca
See you around!
GVAD community – champions!
[Video Description]
Woman with dark hair pulled back, wearing a dark green shirt. Plain white wall on background.
[ASL Video Transcript]
Hello Deaf community of Greater Vancouver
My name is Megan; I’m the interim president of GVAD
Important announcement
GVAD Townhall is happening this Saturday July 26
Where: Douglas College – New Westminster Campus – Classroom S1814
Time: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
This is for you
Your Voice. Your future. Your community.
GVAD is Deaf-led and 100% volunteers-run
We are doing our best, but we cannot do this alone.
Do you want more Deaf events? Workshops? Advocacy? Community connection?
Do you want to see real change? This is your chance to share.
Share your ideas. Share your feedback. Share your hope for what GVAD should do next.
At the Townhall, we will:
Show what’s members said in the survey
Share plants for fall and beyond
Talk openly about burnout and support and show ways you can get involved.
It’s Free and is open to everyone – members, non-members, and ASL-users
You can speak for 2 minutes, or submit ideas anonymously – either way
Your voice matters
Register now- don’t wait.
If you care about our community – be there!
We want to hear from you
See you on Saturday
LEADERSHIP 101 WORKSHOPFor Deafies Ages 18–40
Presenter: John Warren
Date: October 18, 2025
Location: 4445 Norfolk St, Burnaby, BC
Deaf Organizations Matter!
Our community thrives when Deaf leaders step up, speak out, and support oneanother. Are you ready to be one of them?
Join us for an empowering workshop where you will:
• Understand why GVAD and Deaf organizations are essential to our future
• Explore your leadership journey and how to get involved
• Learn what motivates people — and how to inspire your team
• Set boundaries and address harmful behaviors like crab theory and horizontalviolence
• Break down the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation
Free of charge!
Need info?Email info@gvad.ca
RSVP form: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/svvhPFQ15U
Let’s build a stronger, more united Deaf community — starting with you!
[Video Description]
Blonde, shoulder-length-haired white woman wearing light pink glasses and a black shirt. Background: blue wall with a flower curtain and a black-and-white tree picture.
Transcript:
Hello everyone!
My name is Jolene, and I am the Interim Secretary of GVAD.
Not long ago, I made a vlog about Corn Party — our annual tradition. Every year, we gather, eat, laugh, and connect. It’s a fun time for everyone.
Today, I have an important update to share.
Unfortunately, Corn Party 2025 is cancelled.
Why?
Many of you gave feedback — thank you!
You asked for:
The GVAD Board worked very hard. We spent weeks calling, emailing, and searching for the right venue.
But unfortunately, all suitable venues are already booked this year. We wanted to honour your feedback and provide what you asked for — and we couldn’t meet that standard in 2025.
So now, we shift our focus to 2026.
We’re starting early to make sure the next Corn Party has:
We also searched for a co-chairperson to help lead the event, but no one stepped up. If you’re still interested, please contact us at info@gvad.ca.
Thank you for your understanding.
We care deeply and are committed to meeting your needs.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out by email.
Thank you — bye bye!
The North Okanagan-Shuswap School District No. 83 invites qualified individuals to apply for our Regular Interpreter Education Assistant position. This is 30 hours per week, CUPE union position, and the rate of pay is $35.49 per hour, 10 months of the year, start date September 2, 2025, with a competitive benefit package.
THE DISTRICT
In the North Okanagan-Shuswap School District, we serve just over 6800 students and 1200 staff in 24 through a variety of sites located around Shuswap Lake and the North Okanagan. We are known for strong academic achievement, a thriving trades and careers program, and a rich culture of school athletics. The school district enjoys comprehensive Local Education Agreements with each of four First Nations bands. One elementary, one middle, and one secondary school offer French Immersion. Our Strategic Plan prioritizes a “students first” focus on success, organizational efficiency, and a culture of health and wellness as our key goals.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
1. Providing interpretation of curriculum and information as presented by teacher(s) and peers.
2. Facilitating communication between Deaf or Hard of Hearing Student and others.
3. Supporting curricular and extra-curricular activities that may be outside of the timetable.
4. Preparing and/or adapting educational materials.
5. Maintaining a clear line of communication with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher regarding student and signing CEA.
6. Student supervision includes monitoring student behavior to ensure the safety of all students.
7. Communicating with students, and staff and providing information of a specialized nature in consultation with the Hearing Resource Teacher and District Administrator, Inclusive Education
8. Encouraging cooperation and demonstrating a positive influence with students to achieve social, academic, and behavioral goals.
9. Proficiency in matching modes of sign communication with needs of individual student(s).
10. Collaborating with other professionals and paraprofessionals as needed.
The above job description reflects the principle functions of the job. Other comparable or transient duties which are within the areas of knowledge and skills required by the job description may also be assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:
1. Grade twelve plus a minimum of two (2) years post-secondary education in a recognized Interpreter Education Program.
2. Westcoast Association of Visual Language Interpreters (WAVLI) membership.
3. Qualified to interpret/transcribe as evidenced by a screening committee comprised of Deaf or Hard of Hearing Teachers at a paraprofessional interpreter/transcribe level.
4. Five (5) years’ proven previous work experience involving children with special needs, preferably in an education setting.
5. Knowledge and sensitivity in Deaf Culture.
6. Understanding/knowledge of the specific learning needs of student with hearing loss.
7. Proven ability to operate a computer with internet and Word Processing application.
8. Strong interpersonal skills, demonstrated initiative, flexibility and good communication skills.
9. Demonstrated ability to work effectively with all school and support services personnel involved in program delivery, often with minimal supervision.
10. Demonstrated ability to be firm and gentle in dealing with individual students.
11. Valid driver’s license.
THE PROCESS: Please apply on Make a Future at https://buff.ly/SjizHTE with cover letter, resume, supporting documentation.
Questions regarding this position may be directed to Tracey Ward, Human Resources Specialist, Support Staff at 250-804-7842.
SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 83 – AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
Where?
Any questions or concerns?
Contact: Dorothy – 250-540-4910
© Copyright - DEAFBC.CA