Family Network for Deaf Children and our deaf program

Deaf Youth Today Fall 2006

Newsletter FNDC’s primary goal is to gather and share information with deaf and hard of hearing youth, their families, as well as the professional and social communities that support them.

Susi Bolender has resigned from her position as the Deaf Youth Today Coordinator. Susi will continue to be the person that contracts our Closer to Home interpreting requests. Susi has been with DYT for a long time and worked for the Deaf Youth Program prior to that. We wish her well as she works in the community as a freelance interpreter and look forward to continuing with contract work for DYT in the Closer to Home Program. Susi has been a passionate part of the forming of the DYT programs. Thanks!

Headlines Hopefully everyone is feeling refreshed and renewed after a good summer. Welcome back! DYT had another terrific summer – lots of young Deaf Youth Today staff. We are always searching for ways to improve our program and meet the needs of the changing community. Please continue to send your feedback! A huge thank you goes to Services for Family & Community Development (SFCD) for their support with our DYT summer program. DYT partnered with SFCD in providing a children/youth program during the sign language immersion week. The mentoring and support that SFCD provided to the young deaf summer staff was invaluable. THANKS!!! Also, thank you to the B.C. Deaf Sports Federation for partnering with DYT for a one week sports program. The kids had a great time, and the partnership was incredibly valuable. We look forward to another partnership next year!

In the meantime, I have taken on a larger role with DYT and am learning lots. David McGregor continues to be the Buddy Program Coordinator as well as learning all the ropes about other areas of DYT. David is eager and willing to learn. He is young – which means he is enthusiastic! I may need to start drinking energy drinks to keep up!!!! David was in Quebec City this summer representing DYT at the Deaf Canada Conference. Kristen Pranzl and David are working on a submission on showcasing the Buddy Program at the World Federation of the Deaf in Spain (Summer 2007). We are holding tight to our DYT program mandate which is: providing social/recreation opportunities for signing deaf youth. Programs such as the Buddy

Inside FNDC/DYT news & articles............................. Pg 1-7 SFCD news & articles................................... Pg 9-11 Fall TV series..................................................... Pg 12 Articles.................................. Pg 13-18, 21-26, 28-29 Ads..........................................Pg 8, 19-20, 27, 29-31 Event ads.....................................Pg 3, 4, 8, 20, 30-31 For more information or ads................... www.fndc.ca

Program and the Closer to Home Program (interpreting support), are areas that we are focusing on during the school year. Be reminded of a couple of things:

Videophones

hired by DYT or not. The training program will be a great benefit to all deaf youth! Reminder: not all Buddies are automatically hired. Buddies need to go through an application and interview process.

Closer to Home

We have lifted the $500 limit per family because it scared Get your requests in before they are all gone. When they off parents! I know this because, as a parent of a deaf are gone – they are GONE! For technical support and child – I was afraid to request for fear of using up my troubleshooting, e-mail: [email protected] We have technical $500. We are simply asking that each family be reasonable support available until the end of December, 2006. with your requests and work with us in being creative. Continue to send your requests!

Buddy Program

Hopefully, we will see you at the October 27/28 weekend! It should be great!

Are you a deaf or hard of hearing signing youth (age 16 or older) and would like to receive Buddy Training? Please contact David at: [email protected] Our goal is to train Cecelia all deaf youth over the age of 16 whether or not they are

Closer to Home Program

(interpreting support for social/recreational programs) What is “Closer to Home”?

The purpose of the Closer to Home program is to provide access and support for your deaf or hard-of-hearing signing child/ youth in any way we can. This may include: interpreters, DYT buddy staff, 1-1 workers or anything we can try to do to help out in social or recreational. We will also try to work with the organization that is providing the programming to your deaf child to see if they have funding for interpreting. This helps us to stretch our budget.

How do I request support, what kinds of programs qualify?

You can contact DYT by email [email protected] or phone (604 684-1860) or make your request by filling out our online form at www. fndc.ca. Please note – our phone is a message line only. If your child is registered for a recreational program and needs interpreters or would like some support from an older Deaf role-model, that’s where DYT will step in. Also, the “more the better” so if your Deaf or hard of hearing child/youth has a group of friends who would also like to register for the same program, that’s great!

So once I request services, will I be guaranteed an interpreter?

DYT will do anything we can to support your child. We’ll try our best to find interpreters or interpreting students who are available. We cannot guarantee that we’ll be able to find someone – particularly in outlying areas, but we will try our best.

Is there a financial limit?

We originally tried to have a limit, and have lifted the limit, but ask each family to be “reasonable” with your expectations for interpreting services. At the same time, sending in your requests, enables us to document the requests, which in turn shows a need – so when we are seeing grants, etc, - this is really helpful. We have a limited budget for interpreting. FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

A WEEKEND together ….. FNDC Parent workshops and DYT program for: Friday and Saturday, October 27/28, 2006 Friday, October 27th –

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the YMCA in Surrey (152nd and No. 10 Highway). Dr. Lynn McQuarrie will present on: Raising the Score: The lessons to be learned from science about deaf children’s reading and a challenge for the future. This workshop will be great for parents of young children as well as those young deaf adults transitioning to post secondary. and …

Saturday, October 28th at Douglas College in New Westminster

8:45am to 4:30pm - All day workshops on a wide range of interesting topics 5:00pm to 6:30pm - Dinner with friends/parents/community at the Old Spaghetti Factory 7:00pm to 8:30pm - Deaf Youth Panel at Douglas College for kids and adults Workshops on Saturday include: Don’t hold back: Just give me the cold hard facts. A perspective through the eyes of a Deaf adult that works and socializes with d/Deaf and hard of hearing adults. This workshop will present a challenge to parents to make changes now – presented by Roger Carver. Background Knowledge: Come on – how important is it REALLY? This workshop will explain the importance of background knowledge for parents of deaf children, youth and adults of all ages. – presented by Janene Seabrook, Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Kelowna. Breakout groups: on a variety of topics: Deaf Plus issues, parenting, transitioning to adult life, etc. Putting it all Together: Preparing for the Future: This workshop will offer encouragement in preparing all our deaf children for a bright future based on her own personal experience growing up as a deaf person in a hearing family and her experience working with deaf and hard of hearing youth. – presented by Melissa Campbell, Child, Family & Community Consultant , Provincial Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing. Deaf Youth Panel: The evening will include a variety of deaf youth who will talk about their lives, their experiences, and offer the opportunity to ask questions. Cost: $20.00 per adult for the entire weekend (includes dinner). Bring a bagged lunch for Saturday or purchase in the cafeteria at Douglas College. Please bring cash or cheque on October 27/28 weekend. Resevations: email: [email protected] or call 604 684-1860 (message line) to book your spot! All confirmations will be done via email/telephone. Note: Accommodation is available (see next page) Registration Deadline: We only have a limited numbers of seats for the workshops – first come, first served. In order to plan, we would appreciate all registrations via email or telephone before October 21st. Note: This workshop weekend is designed to be an intimate and safe atmosphere so parents can feel the freedom to share their hopes, dreams and frustrations with each other. FNDC will consider organizing some of the same workshops for professionals in the future. Email: [email protected] FNDC/DYT

telephone: 604 684-1860 – voice message line --

Fall 2006

and the October 27/28th program for deaf/hard of hearing children, youth and siblings ….

Deaf Youth Today Program: Friday, October 27th – 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Teen/Pre-Teen Drop In (ages 10 and up) at the YMCA in Surrey. Deaf Youth Today Buddies will be there to join you for foosball, basketball, and a variety of drop in sports and games. Great opportunity to socialize! AND Saturday, October 28th at Douglas College in New Westminster 8:30am to 4:30pm - DYT day events day to be announced. Bus will be booked! 5:00pm to 6:30pm - Dinner with friends/parents/DYT staff etc. at Old Spaghetti Factory 7:00 to 8:30pm - Deaf Youth Panel at Douglas College for kids/adults/community! Cost for DYT program: $15.00 per child/youth for the weekend (includes Friday night, Saturday program and dinner). This is all inclusive. Because this is subsidized, there is no individual activity rate. Please bring cash or cheque on October 27/28 weekend. This weekend rate is only open to deaf/hard of hearing children/youth/siblings that have parents attending the weekend workshops. Reservations: Please email me at: [email protected] to let me know you will be planning to attend, or leave a message at the FNDC/DYT voice line at: (604) 684-1860. Any children/youth requiring one to one supervision – requests must be made prior to October 21st. We will follow up with confirmations via email/telephone and let you know exact events for the Saturday program. Deadline: DYT will match the staffing to the number of registered children. In order for us to plan for DYT staff, we must have all the names of the DYT participants prior to October 21st. Requests for one to one supervision for those children/youth needing assistance must be made prior to October 21st as well. Ages: Friday program is a preteen/teen program (ages 10 and up). The Saturday program will be open to ages 5 to 17. Accommodations: Provincial Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - 4334 Victory Street, Burnaby, BC. A five bedroom house is available for families to share on a first come, first serve basis. Donations are welcome. Please call Jillian Withers at: 604-660-5507 or email her at [email protected] to reserve.

DEAF & HARD OF HEARING CHILDREN/YOUTH & SIBLINGS looking forward to … laughing, sharing, and … exchanging videophone IP Numbers! Email: [email protected] FNDC/DYT

telephone: 604 684-1860 – voice message line --

Fall 2006

Thanks to DYT’s Closer to Home Program!

An opportunity arose this summer for a deaf youth to attend a First Nations camp. This young girl had never experienced a social/recreational situation where she would be the only deaf participant and need to pay attention to the interpreter. The family was hestitant to try it. The Closer to Home Program arranged for interpreters, and the week was highly successful. The family shared with us:

This is what the deaf girl herself shared about her experience:

“Thank you anyone! I feel about KCDC camp is very fun! Maybe next year I can go to KCDC camp again! And I got a new friends from KCDC camp! Cool leader and my group is Raven Rock! And other group is cool! And I hope see in next year! and I’m learn as much from anyone and I like teach kids and leader about KCDC song with “Thanks for the ‘Closer to home’ camp experience. Our ASL! I’m enjoy of KCDC camp! Our group is not bad daughter really enjoyed feeling ‘popular’, valued and but … THANK YOU !!!! Raven Rock! I like field trip unique. Also, her self-esteem grew. Thank you to FNDC is First Natives, Science World, Science Lab, lots other! for providing her with the interpreters to make this And I learn about germs and I learn from Artist woman positive experience possible. Thank you to the interpret- and I hope I’m future be first Deaf Artist of the Natives. ers who were involved!” Also … Artist woman show her art work. “

FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

VIDEOPHONES for

deaf & hard of hearing children in B.C.

FNDC has received a financial grant to provide videophones to deaf children throughout British Columbia. The videophone sits on top of a TV screen. You connect to another person with a videophone and you see each other on the screen, and are able to sign and have a very smooth, clear conversation. This means signing deaf/hh children will be able have access to a “phone” conversation using sign language with friends and family (that also have a videophone). The wonderful thing about this technology is that because the conversations are connected through the internet, there are no long distance charges or any special fees to use this technology. Canada is expected to have Video Relay Service (similar to the Telus Message Relay Service) within the next couple of years. This technology is not the same as a webcam. The only people that can contact you are those who you give your “number” to. In other words, it is like a telephone. It is not a camera that allows you to connect with online chat groups. If you would like to request a videophone, the criteria will be this: Technology criteria that you must have: x High-speed cable internet (Telus or Shaw) x Router (plug in or wireless) – with a bit more Ethernet cable to attach router and videophone x TV close to the internet connection - this TV will be used for the videophone. TV needs AV jack in back. Family criteria: x Your deaf/hh child must reside in B.C. and attend a B.C. School (public or private) x Your deaf/hh child uses sign language for his/her communication x Your deaf/hh child must be between the ages of 5 to 17 (4 ½ year olds entering kindergarten in Sept 06 will be accepted) x Priority will be given to signing deaf/hh children in Outreach areas first. x Lower Mainland signing deaf/hh children will be next priority. x The family will be willing to make a commitment to sign languages classes or Buddy “visits” via videophone for a limited time (ie. 6 sessions). x Parents will ensure that videophone is in a public area in the house x Parents will educate themselves and their deaf child about videophone manners and use x Only one videophone per deaf child. Please note: the technology is such that it may require professional set up and troubleshooting. We ask that you be patient with us as we go through this process for the first time. To request a videophone: www.fndc.ca and follow the links for online videophone request. For more information, please contact: [email protected]

FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

THE BUDDY PROGRAM A partnership program with Deaf Youth Today (DYT) and Services for Family & Community Development (SFCD)

What is the Buddy Program? Deaf children often get excited about having an older deaf role model involved in their home environment. Deaf Youth Today (DYT) would like to offer your family a Buddy who will do home visits with your deaf child (in a safe supervised environment). The Buddy (ages 16 to 19) will have recently completed the DYT leadership training program and is ready to begin working. This is a valuable experience that will benefit all involved. (Please note: parents are expected to be at home during the Buddy visits). Who is eligible for Buddy Visits? Kindergarten to Grade 7 deaf children, as well as high school deaf students with special needs. We also welcome hearing children who have Deaf parents. How long are the visits? We will schedule 1-½ hour visits, for a six week time period. After that time period, you may reapply. This gives other families the opportunity to benefit from the program. What happens during a Buddy Visit? The Buddy will arrive ready with games, activities or crafts to suit your child's/family's interests. When an intake is completed, you can inform us of your preferences for activities (Sports? Homework? Dolls? Signing Games? Baking?) and this will help the buddy prepare prior to the visit. Is this only available in the Lower Mainland? Currently the majority of Buddies are available in the Lower Mainland, but we have a limited number of Buddies available in outlying areas. Training and Employment Opportunities for Deaf Youth? Contact David McGregor at: [email protected] to find out about our leadership training program. How do I make the request for a Buddy to visit my home? Please contact Services for Family & Community Development – Kristen Pranzl at: [email protected] or call 604-660-5509 TTY. Kristen Pranzl (SFCD) will be working with David McGregor (DYT) in setting up the Buddy visits.

Deaf Youth Today (DYT) is a Family Network for Deaf Children (FNDC) Program FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

FOR HARD OF HEARING TEENS AND TEENS WITH A DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING SIBLING ……

LEARN SIGN LANGUAGE

&

MAKE NEW FRIENDS DURING THIS 8 SESSION PROGRAM YOU WILL LEARN… introductions ‰ greeting-names ‰ finger-spelling ‰ facial expressions ‰ mirror game – same/different movements ‰ who's who? ‰

The class will be taught through playing games and active participation in a variety of activities. Dates:

Tuesday October 3 – November 21

Time:

6:30pm – 8:00pm

Where:

4334 Victory Street, Burnaby

Instructor:

Kristen Pranzl and Roger Chan

If you would like to register, please contact

Services for Family and Community Development (Provincial Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

604.660.5507 (V) or email Roger Chan at [email protected]

FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

Teleclasses – from the comfort of your home you can attend a workshop by

phone. Barb Desmarais, parenting coach, will be your presenter and facilitator. You will need the conference call phone number and access code to join in. To register or if you want more information, please contact Jillian Withers either by email [email protected] or call 604-660-5507. (Family outside the Lower Mainland, use Inquiry BC 8:30 - 4:30 p.m. 1-800-663-7867 to call Jillian).

Date Oct. 2/06

Time – 8:00 – 9:00 pm How to Have a Life and Still be a Great Parent!

Presenter Barb Desmarais

Oct. 23/06

Your Child's Self-Esteem

Barb Desmarais

Nov. 6/06

Anger - Ours and Theirs

Barb Desmarais

Nov. 27/06

Establishing Boundaries

Barb Desmarais

Dec. 4/06

Discipline vs Punishment

Barb Desmarais

FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

Sign Language Program Fall Session 2006 Outside Lower Mainland Kelowna

Vernon

Level

Date

Beginner/ Intermediate class

Mondays

Beginner/ Intermediate class

Wednesdays

Sept 18 to November 20, 2006 (no class on Oct 9 and Nov 13)

Oct 3 to November 22, 2006

Time

Location

Instructor

6:30pm to 8:00pm

Central Okanagan Child Development 1546 Bernard Street Kelowna, BC

Russ Ward

6:30pm to 8:00pm

BX Elementary School 5849 Silver Star Road Vernon, B.C. V1B 3P6

Deborah Perry

Lower Mainland Langley

Delta

Level

Date

Beginner class

Wednesdays

Intermediate class

Sept 20 to November 22, 2006

Beginner

Thursdays Oct 5 to Nov 23, 2006

Burnaby

Burnaby

Burnaby

FNDC/DYT

Beginner/ Advanced Beginner

Thursdays

Sign Class for Sibling, Hard of Hearing (ages 13 – 19)

Tuesdays

Sign Class for Siblings, Hard of Hearing (ages 912)

T.B.A

Sept 21 to Nov 23, 2006

Oct. 3 to Nov 21, 2006

Time

6:30pm to 8:00pm

Location

Instructor

Mountain Secondary School Deaf and Hard of Hearing classroom 7755-202A Street Langley, BC

Suzanne Dodd

6:30pm to 8:00pm

Sungod Recreation Centre 7815 112th Street Delta, BC

Leonor Johnson

1:00pm to 2:30pm

Provincial Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing 4334 Victory Street Burnaby, BC

Roger Chan

6:30pm to 8:00pm

Provincial Services for Deaf and Hard of Hearing 4334 Victory Street Burnaby, BC

Kristen Pranzl/ Roger Chan

Roger Chan

Please contact us and if there is enough interest, a class will be set up.

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Fall 2006

Services for Family and Community Development

(Provincial Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing)

Fall 2006 Update Hello everyone! The team here at SFCD has been busy planning many fun events and classes for the fall after a busy summer including a very successful Summer Immersion week amongst other things. At this time, due to staffing constraints we are not able to offer a weekly AfterSchool Program, but to replace the gap, we are developing some fun and interactive social events to take place once or twice a month. Topics might include Drama, a teen social dropin and Family Day events - such as laser tag! We will be sending out information as events are booked and confirmed. One event that has been confirmed is November 7, 2006 at Science World (proper name and the time??). This will be focusing on teens 13 to 18, providing a supported and interpreted environment for them to experience the wondrous Body Worlds exhibit! The cost is $25.00 per person. To register, please email Kristen at [email protected] or call 604.660.1800. Starting Tuesday, October 3, there is a Teen Sign class at the Provincial Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing site in Burnaby from 630 to 8pm. This class is being offered to hard of hearing teens and teens who have a deaf or hard of hearing sibling. This is an opportunity to learn sign language and make new friends. Our Tele-classes with Barb Desmarais are getting off to a fun start on October 2 from 8-9 pm with the first topic “How to Have a Life and Still Be a Great Parent.” Attend the class by phone from your home! Call or email Jillian for the phone number and code to call in - 604.660.5507 or [email protected] (see below for upcoming topics and dates). There are a number of sign language classes being offered. Please see the attached schedule. For more information and to register, please contact Roger Chan – [email protected] or TTY 604.660.5509. FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

DEAF Actress stars in new prime time TV program: Jericho Shoshannah Stern as Bonnie Ricmond Shoshannah Stern, along with her brother and sister, represents the fourth generation of a deaf family. She grew up in Fremont, California, attending the California School for the Deaf, where her parents worked and her two siblings also attended.

On the stage, Stern originated the role of Susan in “Open Window” at the Pasadena Playhouse. Her feature film credits include “The Last Shot.”

Stern attended Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., the only liberal arts university for deaf people in the world. There she pursued her love of theater, winning numerous awards for her performances. During the winter recess of her senior year at Gallaudet, she was asked to audition for a guest-starring role in the series “Off Centre.” She flew to Los Angeles and subsequently won the role. This led to guest-starring roles in “Providence,” “Boston Public,” “ER,” and “The Division.” With her recurring role on “Weeds” and lead role in JERICHO, Stern currently holds the distinction of being the only deaf actor in history to have significant roles in two primetime television series during the same season.

Jericho

FNDC/DYT

Stern was born in Walnut Creek, California. Her birth date is July 3.

Weekly episode, every Wednesday at 8pm et/pt, CBS Synopsis: A wayward son returns home just in time for a series of nuclear disasters to hit the United States, or possibly the world. The taut writing and engaging cast makes this one a winner. “Jericho” logo © CBS 2006 and all respect copyright holders.

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Fall 2006

Opportunities Abound For Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth! Kristen Pranzl (Works at Services for Family and Community Development at the PSDHH site in Burnaby) Growing up, I was always involved in some type of sportswimming, water polo, track and field. I often attended hearing track or swim meets and played in hearing leagues, often the sole or one of very few Deaf or Hard of Hearing participants. It was not until I was about seventeen years of age that I discovered the Deaflympics (through a friend of mine who was part of Team Canada’s hockey team in Davos, Switzerland). Two years later, I am on a plane bound for Rome, Italy to participate in my firstever Deaflympics as a swimmer. In retrospect, I wish I had known earlier about sporting and cultural events for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people because it is such a fantastic opportunity for Deaf youth to meet, socialize, compete and learn amongst “their own.” Since Rome, I have discovered the Pan American Games for the Deaf, the Pan American Games for Deaf Youth (10 to 15), Deaf Way, and the World Federation for the Deaf conferences and youth camps. Most of these events happen every four years and bring Deaf, Hard of Hearing and Hearing people from all corners of the globe together for a few days. These few days are very precious- it is a rare few days of having a sense of total and complete belonging to a community. It was also a chance to feel totally equal and not experience any barriers to communication or participation.

B.C. youth involved with the Pan American Games for Deaf Youth at Gallaudet in Washington, D.C. This was incredible for not only me, but for the youth as well. It was inspiring to see our Canadian kids meeting youth from Mexico, Venezuela and America, conversing with them, competing with them and creating an experience that they will carry with them forever. It was also fun to see them discuss meeting again at future international events! Even today, the impact on these youth is still obvious- I see a few walking around still wearing parts of their Team Canada uniform with pride and saying how much they miss being at Gallaudet with a diverse group of peers.

Finally, The Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf (www.gvad.com), the British Columbia Deaf Sports Federation (www.bcdeafsports.bc.ca), the Canadian Deaf Sports Association (www.assc-cdsa.com) and the Canadian Association for the Deaf (www.cad.ca) all have informative websites for people who are interested in learning more about various opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing people. Speaking from my experience, it is never too late to plant the seeds of inspiration and motivation in children and teens to find personal goals and motivations and to become involved. There are such awesome opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing teens to discover themselves, find activities they are interested in and meet people from all over the globe. (One This recent summer I had the opportunity to chaperone benefit of this… if travelling, you have a place to stay! ;) )

To all families that have received a videophone from FNDC After you have received your videophone, along with set up instructions … please try to read through and set up the videophone. You should be able to make outgoing calls and receive calls. You may need adjust your settings regarding: speed etc.

We have technical support available until December 31, 2006. Please contact: [email protected] FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

Volleyball: Pair wins B.C. U18 beach title http://www.langleyadvance.com/issues06/082206/sports/082206sp1.html Langley Times newspaper, August 11, 2006

Battling rust from a lack of practice, Langley’s Robin of fitness as they regained their game to finish the rest of McFee and his partner Cole Sanderson won the provin- the tournament undefeated. cial U18 beach volleyball championship. There was no sign of back trouble for Sanderson, as he Aug. 6 was a great day for beach volleyball, and a success- displayed with his quickness and anticipation on defense ful one for Langley’s Robin McFee. and offense - the characteristics that make for success on the beach. On a sunny day with little wind, McFee and Cole Sanderson of White Rock persevered to win the B.C. provincial The day ended with a huge kill from Mcfee to win the under-18 beach volleyball championship at Spanish Banks championship final match over the White Rock team of in Vancouver. Kyle Donen and Mark Weir. McFee and Sanderson just started playing together this “Our goal all year has been to win the provincials and spring, although both had success with other partners on do well at the beach nationals in Toronto at the end of the sand. August,” McFee said. “As the summer went on we had some doubts due to our lack of practice time. We are really “One of the great things about playing on the Fraser Val- happy and relieved, however, to have won the provincials ley Indoor Elite club team this spring was that I met Cole and we are looking forward to training for the nationand we started to play beach volleyball together,” McFee als.” said. Winning the provincial title has earned McFee and The two boys took part in a few adult tournaments this Sanderson an invitation from Volleyball BC to join Team spring, surprising the older teams with their competitive BC Beach, which features B.C.’s elite boys and girls beach play. Practice time has been a problem, however, as McFee teams in varying age categories. worked long hours at Krause Berry Farms and Sanderson commuted to his full time job in Vancouver. Team BC Beach will train in Vancouver for a week before heading to the beach nationals in Toronto over the Aug. With beach volleyball being a real test of fitness, the pair’s 25 weekend. lack of practice time also meant that stamina was an issue. It will make for a busy end of the summer for McFee. The first match of the day illustrated the difficulties they faced as the boys looked tentative, lacking their usual energy and drive.

He is scheduled to leave on a two week trip to Korea with the UBC Thunderbirds volleyball team, immediately after returning from the beach nationals.

Although they improved as the match went on, they lost the first match to the Parkinson/Warren team from Victoria, that had won the tournament last year. Sanderson and McFee gathered themselves after the loss and used a lot of adrenaline to compensate for their lack

Editor’s note: Cole Sanderson, Deaf 18 – lives in South Surrey and is currently attending Douglas College where he is studying as well as playing volleyball for the Douglas College Mens’ Volleyball team.

FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

Landmark federal court decision for Deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing Canadians Thought you might be interested in this article on the Landmark Federal Court Decision for Deaf,

deafened and Hard of hearing Canadians that appeared in this past weekend’s CNW Group News.

Received: via GVAD e-news. This article is taken from: the CNW Group News. http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2006/14/c5708.html

Federal Court of Canada requires better access to government agencies and the democratic process for Canadians with hearing loss. OTTAWA, Aug. 14 /CNW/ - On Friday, August 11, 2006, the Federal Court of Canada released a decision that has significant implications for access of deaf, deafened, deaf-blind and hard of hearing Canadians to the federal government.

c) In the above circumstances, the Government of Canada is responsible for the cost of access. “This is vindication for the equality of Deaf people,” proclaimed Sheila Carlin, President of CAD which represents 300,000 Deaf people. “The Federal Court has said unequivocally that we are entitled to equal treatment. Now we want to see all levels of government live up to that truth.”

Citing the 1997 Supreme Court of Canada Eldridge decision, the Federal Court ruled that the Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD) (as represented by Deaf lawyer, Scott Simser) and Deaf individuals James Roots, Gary Malkowski, Barbara Lagrange and Mary Lou Cassie were denied the services of sign language interpreters during access to the policy development process; opportunities to contract with the federal government; and, to participate in the Statistics Canada Labour Force survey.

“We should no longer have to re-litigate Eldridge,” said Jim Roots, Executive Director, CAD. “This decision sends a clear, direct statement that governments everywhere in Canada have to provide full and timely access to Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians, and not just in services, but also with respect to the democratic process.”

a) W here a deaf or hard of hearing person receives services or participates in programs administered by the Government of Canada, sign language interpreters are to be provided.

For further information: Sheila Carlin, President Canadian Association of the Deaf, (204) 284-9373 (TTY), (204) 284-0802 (Voice), [email protected] , www.cad.ca

“For Deaf, deafened, deaf-blind and hard of hearing individuals, this is a tremendous victory both in terms of equal citizenship and language rights,” says Kelly Duffin, President and CEO of “As Canadians, deaf persons are entitled to be full participants The Canadian Hearing Society. “We are also extremely pleased in the democratic process and functioning of government,” to see the inclusion of written and electronic media which states the Honourable Mr. Justice Mosley in his written presumably would extend to captioning, a text accommodation judgment. “It is fundamental to an inclusive society that those often required by deafened and hard of hearing Canadians with disabilities be accommodated when interacting with the who don’t use sign language.” institutions of government.” “It feels like the end of the Berlin Wall,” says Gary Malkowski, CHS Special Advisor to the President, Public Affairs. “The barriers are about to start coming down.” The decision included three important declarations:

b) W here the Government of Canada engages in public or private consultations with non-governmental organizations in the development of policy and programs in which the deaf and hard of hearing have identifiable interests, sign language interpreters must be provided where organizations of deaf and hard of hearing people wish to be involved. FNDC/DYT

Adrienne Clarke, Manager, Public Relations, The Canadian Hearing Society, (416) 928-2500, Ext 284 (Voice), (416) 964-0023 (TTY), [email protected] , www.chs.ca Scott Simser, Lawyer (representing CAD), [email protected] (e-mail)

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Fall 2006

Youth Transition Program

The Youth Transition Program (YTP) is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month. To date, YTP has had a good year; Teresa Kollias and Melissa Campbell have been busy serving clients all over British Columbia and developing connections with other service providers and resources to ensure successful transition for all clients.

be provide socializing opportunities. Clients will be asked to bring their homework so that they don’t lag behind in school- we will have a tutor to assist with homework. Deadline for registration is November 1st/06.

We have noticed a high number of clients who are struggling with obtaining a driver’s license. SFCD and YTP Commencing July 1st, Melissa has accepted the Child, will be providing a series of workshop to help understand Family and Community Consulthe RoadSense for Drivers Booklet. tant position and will be respon- The Youth Transition Program is a This would be a great starting tool sible for Consultative Services and provincial resource program for deaf, in preparation for the written test. supervising the Youth Transition hard of hearing, and deaf blind youth This course is not Driving School Program and Deaf Access Office. (ages 17-21). The transition years, nor will we provide on road trainMelissa’s replacement as a Youth from adolescence to early adulthood, ing. The course is free and the first Transition Specialist is Sarah Tay- present a critical developmental class will be on November 1st/06 period. Planning for the future is a vital at 3:30pm-5pm at the Provincial lor. Welcome to the team, Sarah! task to ensure successful transition. Services for the Deaf and Hard of The Youth Transition Program is Hearing. Registration deadline is working closely with Services for Family and Community before October 25th and there will be limited seats. Development (SFCD) in setting up the Youth Immersion Week from November 22nd to 25th for youth 16 to 21, In the meantime, if you are feeling overwhelmed with too living outside of the Lower Mainland. Accommodations many decisions to make regarding your future, not sure will be provided at PSDHH site. The few days will be about your short and long term goals, where to start or spent focusing on discovering and developing assets, re- who can help you, feel free to contact us at YTP. For more sume building, interviewing skills to gain independence, information about YTP, you can view the website at: confidence and preparation for the workforce. We will also http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/psdhh/ provide information on services/resources and tools of how to advocate for themselves after graduation. During or contact us at 604.660.1800v, 604,660.1807 tty, the evenings, we will be inviting local clients and deaf/hard 604.660.1859 fax or Email: [email protected] or of hearing role models to join in our activities which will [email protected].

Ministry of Education – British Columbia updates Manual The Ministry of education has posted the Special Education Services: A Manual of policies, procedures and guidelines dated July 2006

http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/ppandg/toc.htm This Manual has information regarding Teachers of the Deaf, Interpreter qualifications, etc. Basically there are five pages pertaining to deaf and hard of hearing – and its worthwhile printing those pages and keeping for reference. FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

2nd annual American Sign Language Immersion program, University of Alberta July 24-28,2006

Submitted by Dawn Barbau. Dawn works at the Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Deaf-Blind Well-Being Program (WBP)Vancouver Coastal Health

I attended the ASL immersion program at the U of A for 5 days in July. It was co-sponsored by the Alberta Cultural Society of the Deaf (ACSD) & Western Canada Centre of Studies in Deafness (WCCSD). I learned a lot. My brain was sore, in a good way! I met some wonderful people. It was fun which made learning easy.

future interpreters & others who are generally interested in ASL. Course topics in the Advanced II class included semantics, fingerspelling, storytelling, describing pictures, “read my ASL”, classifiers & idioms. At the end of each day everyone assembled for a workshop. One was presented by Linda Cundy on classroom conditions for Deaf & hard of hearing children; another by Angela Straity on ASL. I also learned O Canada in ASL. On the last evening we all went to the Edmonton Association of the Deaf Community Centre (EADCC) for a BBQ & storytelling. They own a beautiful new building.

The program coordinators were Sandra Reid & Debra Russell. Throughout the week I learned from many Deaf instructors: Chrissy Steele, Robert Chornick, Bruce Mayer, Jay Griggs (he says hi!), Shell Jamieson, Krys Stobecki, Joey Crocker, Christie Sharp, Dale Hergott, Cori Carberry, Laurie Hughes-Lerner & Sally Korol. Volunteers were Lynda Taylor, Larry Minton & Angie Deaf, Hard ofCollege Hearing, Deaf-BlindThere was a strong media presence (local newspapers, Turnbull (a recent grad of the Douglas interpreter Program announces: training program). TanyaWell-Being Alder & Carla Duprey inter- CBC, CTV, Radio-Canada). preted. There were well over 100 students from a variety of backgrounds: Deaf, hard of hearing, late deafened, I highly recommend this course to ASL students of every Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind hearing family members & friends, hearing professionals, st level. eaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind Well-Being Program announces: New location as of November 1 , 2006

Well-Being Program announces:

#300 – 4211 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC (3rd Floor)

wbP

New location as of November 1st, 2006 #300 – 4211 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC (3rd Floor)

New location as of November 1st, 2006 rd

– 4211 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC (3 Floor) Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Deaf-Blind

Well-Being Program announces: Well-Being Program announces: Central Park

Central Park

st

New location as November 1 , 2006 New location as of November 1stof, 2006 - New Office, at corner of Barker & Kingsway

Central Park

- Patterson SkyTrain Stn, one block North

rd rd Mall #300 of – Burnaby, 4211 - Near Metrotown Office, at corner BarkerKingsway, & Kingsway #300 -–New 4211 Kingsway, BC (3Burnaby, Floor)BC (3 Floor)

- Patterson SkyTrain Stn, one block North - Near Metrotown MallKeep your eyes open for our new phone numbers.

- New Office, at corner Barker & Kingsway Keep ofyour eyes open for - Patterson SkyTrain Stn, one block North - Near Metrotown Mall

We will have an Open House in December!

our new phone numbers.

For more information, e-mail: [email protected] TTY 604-732-7549

We will have an Open House in December!

FNDC/DYT our eyes open for our new phone numbers.

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For more information, e-mail: [email protected]

Fall 2006 Central Park

Teens’ trek is a sign of the times

by Ileiren Byles Source: The University of Alberta ExpressNews website

July 27, 2006 - Edmonton - Five teen-aged girls from Kelowna B.C. embarked on an 18-hour bus ride and a fiveday adventure so they could better communicate with each other. One of girls, Kayla Malito, is deaf. She and her hearing friends, Stephanie Noakes, Miranda Hitchcock, Jenna Harvey and Lauren Abney, are in Edmonton for the fiveday American Sign Language (ASL) Immersion Camp hosted by the University of Alberta Faculty of Education. They, and more than 110 other ASL students, spent the week participating in seven levels of classes from beginner to advanced to learn more of the language and culture of deaf people. “It’s so much more than I expected it would be,” said Harvey. “I thought it would be like school, with tests and stress. But it’s been really fun and I’ve learned so much.” Abney agreed, adding that her own signing has improved by leaps and bounds. “I’m sure Kayla’s been able to notice a difference.” Nodding, Malito gave her friend the thumbs-up. “I feel very proud to be here with them because I can communicate with them and that’s a great thing,” she said. “I do have other hearing friends who don’t sign but sometimes they can’t understand everything I’m saying.”

using it in public.” The demand for ASL has grown so much that, although the camp utilizes 12 deaf teachers, organizers have had to turn away applicants. Reid expects that to be the case next year, as well. “I think most people just become fascinated with how visual it is, how beautiful the language is,” she said. The beauty of ASL is what attracted Debra Russell to the language. Russell, director of the U of A’s Western Canadian Centre of Studies in Deafness and David Peikoff Chair of Deafness Studies first encountered ASL in college, while taking a rehabilitation practitioner program. “I was fascinated by the ability for communication in a very different form and it’s such an amazing language,” Russell said. “But, I think I was also attracted by the people. Clearly, there’s such a vibrant community. That’s what this camp is - a celebration of diversity and a celebration of language and culture. It’s a really significant way the university can interact with the greater community and the deaf community.” Reid said she expects the popularity of ASL to continue to grow as more people are exposed to it.

The girls use their shared language skills in ways typical to so many teens - chatting at the mall, talking about boys and in disagreements with parents.

“You used to see American Sign Language only offered in the evening classes and now you see it offered right at highschool for credit in Grade 10, 11 and 12. Alberta Education wants children to learn a second language and they’re “My sister can sign, too,” said Noakes. “If I’m mad at mom, moving that down to the Grade 4 level and American Sign I just go off and sign away and my sister just laughs.” Language will be one of those languages.” Watching the girls laugh together is a real indication of the growing popularity of ASL, said Sandra Reid, an ASL teacher with Edmonton Public Schools and the co-ordinator of the immersion camp. “I think today more people have some awareness or understanding of ASL,” she said. “I think we’re building a bridge between the hearing community and the deaf community. Hearing people are increasingly taking sign language classes, so there are more ways of being able to use the language; more people are FNDC/DYT

Malito’s friends all met and learned ASL in a high-school class. But the hearing girls have discovered a whole new world. “When I started the class, I expected to just learn the language,” said Noakes. “But it’s a whole other world, a whole other culture. Just like if you learned French or Spanish, there’s a whole culture that goes with that. The same is true with ASL.”

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Fall 2006

YOUTH EXPLORE INCLUSIVE LEADERSHIP Travel to a world based on respect for people, nature, universal human rights, fairness and peace. Meet youth and adults who care about youth from many different backgrounds. Learn through cooperative games, creative activities and a day-long journey along the Cowichan River. Develop skills in Inclusive Leadership, Heart to Heart Communication and AntiDiscrimination First Aid. Discoverviewpoints showing differences as gifts that enrich our communities. Focus in on the Earth Charter, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and BC’s Multiculturalism Act that all show that respect for diversity and social responsibility are global, national, provincial and local priorities. Go Beyond Words to actions that will make a world of difference in our homes, schools, neighbourhoods and communities.

Inclusive Leadership Adventures: Experiential, intergenerational diversity education focused on youth. Dr. Linda Hill and a team of Inclusive Travel Guides bring diverse people together to explore, share and celebrate differences. We are building bridges to a safer, more respectful world filled with equality, choice and shared laughter. $225 covers all expenses for 4 days and 3 nights. Adults who bring 2 or more youth come free.

Thursday,October 19 to Sunday, October 22 2006

Cowichan Lake Education Centre on the shores of Lake Cowichan, Vancouver Island, BC CLEC is wheelchair accessible

Let us know if you face financial barriers or any other access barriers and we will search for solutions together.

Comfortable accommodation and delicious food - Well supervised indoor and outdoor activities -Certificate of participation - Inclusive Leadership Guidebook - Earth Charter Poster.

For more information and to register contact:

We are very thankful to the Ministry of the Attorney General, Coast Capital Savings Foundation, District of North Cowichan, Town of Lake Cowichan, Catalyst, and so many schools, youth groups, service clubs, businesses, families, individuals and other organizations for financial support. Special thanks to Parks Canada and Nature Canada for funding our Saturday journey along the Cowichan River and one night at Cowichan Lake Education Centre.

Linda Hill or Rick Edison, Cowichan Intercultural Society 101-255 Ingram Street, Duncan, BC, V9L 1P3, Linda’s email: [email protected], Phone: 250 -748-3112, Fax: 250-748 -1335

Sponsored by Cowichan Intercultural Society and CMHA-CVB

Minstry of the Attorney General:

FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

American Sign Language For Hearing Kids Workshop Purpose:

We are friends through Sign Language. all hearing (non-deaf) children can learn to communicate through sign language. We are an American Sign Language (ASL) based sign language program for age: 8 - 12 year olds.

ASL Activity:

Learning sign for animals, colours, numbers, fingerspelling, 3 words in a sentences, ASL coloring sheet, simple ASL songs, and ASL bingo.

When :

Every Mondays Oct 16th – Nov 20th, 2006 ASL Learning 1 hour once a week 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Where:

Provincial Service for Deaf and Hard of Hearing 4334 Victory Street, Burnaby, B.C. V5J 1R2

Any Questions regarding ASL Hearing Kids Workshop:

For more information about ASL Hearing Kids Workshop Please contact Deaf Children’s Society of B.C. (Voice) 604-525-6056 (TTY) 604-525-9390 (Fax) 604 525-7307 Attention to Bev Charlton Email: [email protected] Class is limited to 10 children. Registration fee $25.00

FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

Douglas College Student Interpreters Now it is September, and the Douglas College interpreting students are back at school, and they are excited to do some volunteer interpreting again. In the summer we had a very low number of students, so we can’t always send a volunteer, but now we have 13 students who want to volunteer. If you would like a volunteer interpreter, please send your request to:

[email protected] We need two weeks notice. We will let you know if someone is able to come to do it or not. Students are able to volunteer in the evenings and weekends, and sometimes the afternoon. On Monday to Friday, they have classes in the morning so they can’t leave class to volunteer. Hope you will send in your requests for a student volunteer. Thanks! Karen Malcolm Douglas College

2006 CSI Scholarship Winners

The Canadian Sensory Institute offered scholarships to several deaf and hard of hearing students this year. FNDC was privileged to be involved in the planning of a selection committee that worked extremely hard and had a difficult time in selecting the winners.

A bit thanks goes to the selection committee: Janet Jamieson, Anita Harding, Ken Moore, Ken Pudlas. We thank them for their time and expertise.

The winners (in alphabetical order) of a $500 post secondary scholarship are:

Alyssa Day Christina Gagno Jessica Trenholm Tanya Gibbons

Bieta Karimi Cole Sanderson Kevin Berry Tina Louie

Brian Sawyer Eugene Lui Michelle Tan Yat Cheun Li

Bryson Drinaz Felicia D’Amato Rosalind Ho

A HUGE thanks to the Canadian Sensory Institute (CSI), and our hope and desire that this can be the beginning a wonderful ongoing opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing students throughout British Columbia.

Deaf Student looking for Room and Board

A Deaf student attending Vancouver Community College is searching for room and board in the Vancouver/Burnaby area. Please call the student’s mom, Joy Haines, in Prince George, 250-562-5997 FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

The Canadian Deafblind and Rubella Association BC-Summer/Fall update

The CDBRA-BC had one busy summer! Our Summer Intervention program began on July 4, and we are thrilled to announce that we had more families than ever participating with 57! The Summer Intervention Program is for children and youth with deafblindness to allow them to interact more fully with their environment through intervention.

Deafblindness being held in Winnipeg, Manitoba from September 21-24. The CDBRA-BC Chapter will be well represented at this conference. In attendance will be Erin Jeffery, our Executive Director, Allison Mail, our Early Intervention Program Coordinator, Wylie Bystedt, our Board President, Sarah Bystedt, sibling and chapter member, Linda Mamer, Board Member and Ellen Faustman, Board Member. Allison, Wylie and Linda will also The program aims to maintain skills acquired during be presenting at the conference. We are very excited the school year and ensures that participants continue to about the opportunity to meet and network with profesutilize and practice their communication and social skills sionals, intervenors and individuals with deafblindness and realize the goals established by their parents and the from across Canada and around the world. school team. This program is generously funded by the Ministry of Children and Family Development. The CDBRA-BC is also doing some fantastic fundraising! We are selling beautiful greeting cards with hand In addition to the Summer Intervention program, we once drawn images created by a Grade 7 class in Burnaby, and again ran a Summer Recreation program in the Lower extraordinary intervenor tools. For more information Mainland and on Vancouver Island and added a pilot on these items or the CDBRA-BC, email Erin Jeffery program in the Okanagan. We were very excited about at [email protected] or check out our new website at this new location for the Summer Recreation program www.cdbrabc.ca. and look forward to using it as a model for other pilot programs throughout the province. Our Annual Summer Erin Jeffery Retreat took place in August at Victory Hills Residence Executive Director in Burnaby. This was a great event as usual and provided Canadian Deafblind and Rubella Association-BC our families from outside the Lower Mainland the op- Chapter portunity to get together, socialize, exchange stories, sup- 713 Columbia St., New Westminster, BC, V3M 1B2 port each other, enjoy the food and make connections. www.cdbrabc.ca 604.517.6174 Fall kicks off with the 7th Canadian Conference on

IDAHO SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF AND THE BLIND TO BE ON PBS Saturday Sep 23, 2006 Gooding, Idaho (ap) -- the Idaho school for the Deaf and the Blind will be one of nine national sites to be featured on the animated PBS children’s show, Maya and Miguel. The episode coincides with deaf awareness week and is called “give me a little sign.” The school will host a screening of the episode on Monday in its large gymnasium. Deaf awareness week kicks off Sunday. Maya and Miguel are twin 10-year-olds whose show teaches lessons to young children. In “give me a little sign,” one of the show’s characters, Tito, befriends a deaf boy who teaches the children sign language. FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

Videophones offer deaf, hard of hearing improved communication

www.thisweeknews.com - Thursday, August 3, 2006

By Kevin Parks, This Week Staff Writer

The opposite of right is wrong.

TTYs and TDDs, or telecommunication device for the deaf, but these forms of communication still offer words just hanging there on a screen, divorced from their source and stripped of nuance.

Right? Wrong, at least some of the time.

Now, an even newer technology offers people who are When it comes to directions, the opposite of right is left. deaf the opportunity to have face-to-face communication So which “right” is right? Only the context can tell. with one another over great distances. When people communicate with one another face to face, including those denied the ability to hear speech, occasionally the meaning of even the most common terms can be misinterpreted. What is meant is often derived as much from facial expressions and body language as from the actual words that are chosen.

Improved videophones that can be plugged into television sets and use high-speed Internet connections permit the transmission of images detailed enough that the sometimes intricate and occasionally subtle gestures of American Sign Language can be exchanged back and forth in real time.

For many years, people who were deaf or hard of hearing had to rely on the somewhat bulky TTY, shorthand for teletypewriter, in order to communicate with people who weren’t right there with them. Developed by deaf scientist Robert Weitbrecht of California in 1964, the TTY enabled those who cannot hear to communicate in a way that had previously been denied to them.

The Columbus Speech and Hearing Center on East North Broadway in the Clintonville area has three videophones, courtesy of Sorenson Communications of Salt Lake City. Two of the devices are in the offices of staff members who are deaf, while the third is available to the nonprofit United Way organization’s consumers.

“The telephone had been a formidable, and ironic, social and cultural obstacle for the deaf since its invention by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876,” according to the book “One Thing Led to Another: The Real History of TTYs,” written in 1988 by Bill Graham. “Ironic because Bell was a teacher of the deaf by vocation. His invention forever changed the way most people communicate with each other, but it thrust deaf people into a communications limbo worse than any they had known previously. Weitbrecht’s device made it possible to send or receive printed messages on paper over existing phone lines simply by typing on TTYs. “Thus, deaf people finally had a way of making use of Bell’s creation, and this seemed no less than a miracle.” E-mail and text pagers have largely taken the place of FNDC/DYT

Founded in 1923, the Columbus Speech and Hearing Center serves more than 10,000 people a year by providing hearing aids, hearing evaluations, speech therapy for children and adults, occupational therapy and treatment and vocational services for the hard of hearing, the deaf and the deaf-blind. Marlan-Katie Toman, an employment specialist at the center who works in job placement for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, has been using her Sorenson videophone to access the company’s video-relay service (VRS) for about a year. She had used a TTY from the time she was 12 and clearly sees the advantages of videophones. “You have more of a connection with the person,” Toman said.

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Fall 2006

One of her clients, Becky Lambert of the Worthington university in which all programs and services are specifiarea, agreed. cally designed to accommodate deaf and hard-of-hearing students, interpreters assist in connecting the two com“With the VP, it’s just the best,” she said. munities. The women, who are both deaf, were interviewed with the help of interpreter Lisa McLaughlin of the Hilliard area, a communication assistant at the Columbus Speech and Hearing Center.

Videophone calls from a deaf person to someone who can hear but does not understand American Sign Language are routed through one of dozens of centers set up by Sorenson throughout the United States. Working from these locales, signing interpreters speak the message to The center’s president and chief executive officer, Dawn the hearing person and sign back responses. Gleason, lauded the devices in a prepared statement. Videophones are offered at no cost to people who can“It has really helped streamline communication,” she said. not hear through federal funding made available by the “Because you can directly see the party to whom you are Americans With Disabilities Act. speaking, the chance for miscommunication has been greatly reduced. Becky Lambert can recall numerous misunderstandings and miscommunication arising from use of the TTY, “Because of the services we offer the deaf and hard-of- something especially troubling when getting in touch hearing communities, VRS is a great breakthrough. We with a doctor or pharmacist. are already seeing the value it has for our staff members who are deaf as well as our clients who make use of it.” Now she uses the videophone to have regular real-time conversations with a friend who lives in Alaska. The new videophones, which Sorenson is an industry leader in producing, enable more than parties who are “It’s so good,” she said through McLaughlin. both conversant in ASL to communicate directly. People who cannot hear may reach out to those who can, as Toman has a sister who is deaf and lives in Canada. They well. get together now for weekly chats using videophones. Through a partnership between the Utah firm and Gal- “It helps me miss her a little less,” Toman said. “It’s just so laudet University in Washington, D.C., the world’s only nice to see her face.”

Okanagan Valley Association of the Deaf proudly presents

Christmas Party Saturday, December 16, 2006, From 4:30 till Midnight

ELKS HALL, 2040 Springfield, Kelowna BC

Games, Door Prizes,50/50 Draw — Buffet Dinner: 5:30pm — Adult: $25.00, Senior: $20.00 Menu: Roast Beef, Turkey, Potatoes, Veggies, Assorted Desserts, Tea & Coffee For tickets, contact:

[Kelowna & area] [Vernon & area]

Dale ([email protected]) or Rosemary ([email protected]) Dorothy ([email protected])

DEADLINE FOR TICKETS WILL BE NOVEMBER 29, 2006 There will be Gift Exchanges to put under the Tree: The gift should be 10 dollars worth… Woman buys gift for Woman, Man buys gift for Man. ADULTS ONLY!!! – NO JEANS! FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

Workshop Musings from the Well-Being Program Fall Greetings to Youth & Parents

by Lisa Anderson Fall means workshop time for us at the Deaf, Hard of education program to both youth and parents as well as Hearing, and Deaf-Blind Well-Being Program. other topics that are specific and very much wanted and needed by these groups. My name is Lisa Anderson, and my job is Workshop Planner working with the Well-Being Program(WBP). Our first step is finding out what both Youth (and their parents) want to learn. We are now in the midst of deI am happy to tell you that there now exists a working veloping and then distributing the first survey for Deaf committee on community workshops for youth. Repre- and Hard of Hearing Youth to be distributed from the sentatives from Deaf Youth Today, Services for Family and beginning of October to the end of November. In January Community Development, Youth Transition Program, and February we will survey the parents after the collecVictory Hill, and WBP, make up this new committee. tive group of Parents get together to develop a survey to find out what the parents need. The Well-Being Program has offered regular workshops in the Deaf community on a wide variety of topics, such The first survey will be available in early October, in the as Stress Management, Anger Management, Friendship, first attempt to try a new format. We will have paper Boundaries, and Internet Safety. surveys for Youth to fill out and it will be supported with DVDs that have a sign language version of the same The committee’s first piece of news is that we have now questions. agreed that Youth aged 13 and up can attend any of WBP’s regular community workshops. Whenever possible, Vic- David MacGregor, Kristen Pranzl, Teresa Kollias, and tory Hill childcare counselors will be in attendance with Sarah Taylor will help distribute and assist me in conductthe youth as well as other representatives from other ing the survey to get the most response as possible so we Youth programs. can put together the puzzle of what Youth want and need. Patrick Tarchuk will help distribute the survey among Our program serves Deaf, Hard of Hearing & Deaf- the residents at Victory Hill. Many thanks to everyone Blind clients, and their families. And that includes people willing to help me out with these surveys! I couldn’t do it attending WBP’s workshops. Thus, if you, as a parent, without you! would like to attend the workshop with your child, you are very welcome! Please feel free to contact us at WBP. Youth, would you please fill out these surveys, to help us [email protected] to book any access needs you may have provide workshops that YOU want, and WHERE you to fully participate in these workshops. We will be happy want. Parents, please support and encourage your children to book voice interpreters for you. In this case, flyers for to fill the surveys out! Thank you. these workshops will now be in FNDC’s newsletters. We hope to see you at our workshops! We hope to provide you with educational and most importantly, FUN workshops in the new year! See you The committee’s goal is to make sure we provide ap- then. propriate and accessible workshops to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Youth. We want to be able to offer many of the same workshops that WBP offers in its community FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

Access>Ability Conference Written by: Leila Lolua, Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - Parent’s Chapter In August, I attended a national research conference with hearing loss, and their families. called Access>Ability. The information sharing and dialogue between the reHosted by the BC government, this conference brought searchers and users of the research was revealing. Knowltogether researchers, policy makers, service providers edge transfer is an area where much work can be done, to and BC parents of children with special needs, with the disseminate information and research in plain language to goal of trying to improve the lives of children and youth all users. Bringing many parties together brought diverse with special needs and their families. It was a remark- perspectives to identify research questions that must be able gathering, and I was impressed by the passion of addressed and to determine strategies and mechanisms the delegates from various sectors about children with to advance research priorities for children and youth with special needs. The conference was thoughtfully planned special needs. to support informed evidence-based decisions, practice and policy and to integrate the best scientific evidence I’d like to thank Monte Hardy, from the Ministry of with clinical expertise and patient values. It really was a Children and Family Development, Provincial Services genuine attempt to strategically approach the creation of for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, for ensuring that the Parevidence and to bridge the disconnect between research- ents’ Branch was invited to participate in this conference. ers and policy-makers. If we didn’t have our Parents’ Branch, we would lose the opportunity to voice our needs and wishes. The opening plenary featured three articulate parents of children with special needs. Their words set the tone for the conference, and though their children did not have a hearing loss, the experience they shared could have been Access>Ability Conference thoughts From Cecelia any one of us. Do these thoughts resonate with you? Klassen: ‘The most significant support I’ve ever experienced is I too had the privilege of attending the Access>Ability through our families.’ Conference this past and was overwhelmed with the level of expertise in the room. The one thing I gathered from ‘Our efforts on behalf of our children and families are the conference was the huge need for more research on life-long. Professionals are in for the sprint, families are children/youth with special needs, and their families. It in for the marathon.’ became clear at the conference, that there is very little research done in Canada from an educational and social ‘We live in a world where you feel like a minority-other perspective. There was a great desire among all the parfamilies with the same experience lessen the isolation.’ ticipants to push for more research to be done in Canada in this area. You could feel the passionate energy in the The parents also spoke about family quality of life. How room! are we equipping families with knowledge, skills, strength and capacity to cope with children and youth with special I too, would like to thank Monte Hardy for recommendneeds? How do we ensure that families ‘know what they ing that FNDC be invited. Thanks also to our B.C. Govneed to know? ‘How do we reach isolated families or ernment for undertaking this cross-ministry (MCFD, families who do not have the resources/language/educa- Education, Health) conference. tion? The issues identified for children and youth with special needs are certainly issues for children and youth FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

ASL FRIENDLY BROOMBALL! What is Broomball?!

Broomball is a popular recreational ice sport often thought to have originated in Canada and is played in many countries around the world. It is played on a hockey rink, either indoors or outdoors, depending on climate and location. Players hit a small ball around the ice with a stick known as a ‘broom’. The broom may have a wooden or aluminium shaft and has a rubber-moulded triangular head similar in shape to that of a regular broom.

Originally, straw brooms, with the straw dipped in wax were used, now almost all the broom heads are made of molded rubber as it is much more durable. Additionally, players wear special rubber-soled shoes instead of skates:

The ice is prepared in such a way that it is smooth and dry. In a game of broomball there are two teams, each containing six players, a goaltender plus five outfielders. The object of the game is to score more goals than your opponent. Goals are scored by putting the ball into your opponent’s net using your broom. Tactics and plays are similar to those used in sports such as ice hockey, roller hockey and floor hockey. Basic player equipment includes broomball shoes, helmet, knee & elbow padding, shin guards and gloves. Men may opt to use a protective cup.

COME AND HAVE FUN! ASL FRIENDLY!

Coed

Saturdays 6:45pm - 7:50pm - Cost: $10 includes all equipment rental fee (shoes and sticks, etc.)

Women Only

Mondays 9:00pm - 10:15pm - Cost: $8 includes all equipment rental fee (shoes and sticks, etc.)

All games at Burnaby Winter Club, 4990 Canada Way, Burnaby Please visit www.burnabywinterclub.com for driving map.

QUESTIONS? OR WANT MORE INFORMATION? Please email Andrea Maloney at [email protected] FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

Mother Simpson Knew the Value of an Open Door By Steven W. Simpson, Ph.D. Editor Ed.Net Briefs http://www.edbriefs.com/sub.html I learned a valuable lesson one year while teaching at a large inner city high school. Most of my teaching had been in suburban schools. When I decided to try special education in an urban school, I rediscovered a secret my mother taught me many years ago. Open your door and kids will come in.

there was a regular lunch crowd. We would talk with them if they talked to us, but generally we minded our own business. They just needed a place to be. It was nice in our room . . . three adults quietly talking and eating, laughing and just keeping an eye on things. About twenty kids from various social groups would sit on the floor or tables, eating and goofing around. Sometimes there My mom passed away last year, but she lived a full life. She would be a scuffle, quickly ended with a glance or quiet raised four children, nine grandchildren and was working word. Our room became kind of a refuge. Our door was on six great grandchildren when she died. I used to spend always open. a lot of time telling her sad stories and she spent a lot of time telling me simple solutions to complex problems. It Kids began showing up early, because I am a morning worked out pretty well. I ate everything she put in front person and always get to school an hour before the bell. of me and learned what 20 years later would turn out to Kids began staying after school because one of the other be one of my most valuable teaching skills. teachers stayed late. Kids began showing up during school because they got kicked out of other classes or were skipShe used to tell me that it is impossible to understand ping or something. We kept order, listened to their sad kids because they live in a different world than adults and stories, and generally ran our room like some kind of safe are far too complicated with changing bodies, tortured youth hostel. We would let the administrators know the psychologies and general wackiness. She said the best kids were in our room, and worked out the details later. thing a parent could do for a child was simply be in the We had clear rules and kind hearts. It was nice. same room. She said you did not have to know anything or do anything. If you were in the room, eventually the These days I am again teaching in a suburban school. The kids would start talking to you. You could look in their kids have more money, but seem to suffer with the same eyes, listen to their voice, watch their body language and problems. I still eat my lunch in my room with one of the hear about their problems. She believed in that system other special education teachers. I still arrive early and and applied it to three generations of children. Now, I am open my door. My room fills up in the morning and it fills using the same idea with my students, an idea that I first up at lunch. Mother Simpson, wherever her soul travels used while teaching in that big urban high school. these days, would be proud of me. We had a lot of kids with serious problems of one kind or another. Many kids and some teachers in that school did not like our special education students. They were disruptive, complicated, difficult kids who did not really know how to act. They had few friends and nowhere to go at lunch. I was teaching with a couple of guys who were great, very funny, laid back gentle teachers. We took to eating together in our room and leaving the door open. Kids would peek in with big eyes and ask if they could eat lunch in our room. Sure. After about three weeks, FNDC/DYT

I can hear her voice as clear as anything, “You don’t have to be very smart to sit in a room and listen.” She was right. More than half of being a parent or a teacher is learning to be in the same room with your kids and listening to what they say. Open you door, sit quietly, and they will find you. Copyright September 23, 2006, Dr. Steven W. Simpson, Simpson Communications. “Ed.Net” is the registered trademarks of Simpson Communications, Box 325, 7829 Center Blvd. SE, Snoqualmie, WA 98065. ® Simpson Communications. Steven W. Simpson, Ph.D. Editor, Ed.Net Briefs [email protected]

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Fall 2006

IPOD VIDEO – ASL Bible

ASL Bible Available for Deaf Through New Technology COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa, Aug. 16, 2006 - Christian Newswire Deaf Missions is announcing that the complete New Testament is now available in American Sign Language (ASL) for the handheld iPod or other MPEG-4 (mp4) media player. It is also compatible for use with a multimedia slide presentation. The Bible: ASL Translation to go is in data format. The Bible: ASL Translation - New Testament is also available on DVD and VHS. The Omega Project began in 1981. The purpose of this project is to translate the entire Bible into the visual language of ASL. Scholars, translators and ASL specialists have worked as teams through the years to accomplish this huge task. The New Testament was completed in 2004. The Old Testament translation project continues. When the project began, current technology was only imagined. That technology now allows the translation to be available through the portable handheld iPod. “The iPod version allows Deaf people to have a pocket New Testament in their own language” says Chad Entinger, Associate Director and Executive Director-Elect for Deaf Missions. The Bible: ASL Translation to go - New Testament is available from Deaf Missions. A complete 5-set DVD is also available. For more information call 712-322-5493 or go to www.deafmissions.com

Christmas Craft Fair — November 17/18  i my name is Sue Anderson. I am the chairperson for the Christmas Craft Fair for H BCADB. (British Colombia Association of the Deaf Blind). The BCADB Christmas Craft Fair will be held at South Slope Elementary School in Burnaby.

November 17th and 18th are the dates. I am looking for crafters and volunteers to be involved in the the Christmas Craft Fair. Please support us by being part of Christmas Craft Fair this year! Come on crafters! Volunteers too! Thanks, Sue Anderson [email protected] FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

BC Parents’ Branch

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association

for family with hard of hearing children Friday, October 20 - 5pm to 9pm

Family potluck and entertainment by Max-i-mime Saturday, October 21 - 9pm to 3pm

Parent workshops

Writer and parent of HoH child Debby Waldman, audiologists Dan Paccioretti and Kristine Juck, Panel of HoH adults: Dana Brynelsen, Amandeep Loodu, Karen Taylor

Teen conference

Interactive workshop “Getting to know ME”, Technology Update, “Ask Me! I grew up with Hearing Loss” Panel of HoH adults

Kids Program (age 5 to 13)

Mad Science, Process based art, Karate with Kevin Doerksen from Personal Best Martial Arts and a Magic show with young magician Cameron Fisk also known as Mac Backwards.

Burnaby South Secondary School 5455 Rumble Street, Burnaby, BC

Information and registration Brochure: Call Janet at 604-794-3772 ALSO on website: www.chhaparents.bc.ca

Cost: $30 per adult, $20 for children and teens - refreshments and lunch included Early registration appreciated! Deadline is October 15 FNDC/DYT

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Fall 2006

August 1 – 1, 00 Vancouver, BC

Canadian Deaf Women’s Conference “Honouring Our Past, Planning Our Future”

Please come join us & share in our conference workshops! Check out the Website, look for the registration information and reserve your Early Bird Combo! Adult $200.00 Elder 55 years and up $150.00 Youth 18-30 years $150.00 Please pay before December 31, 2006

Organizing Committee Office Canadian Deaf Women's Conference 2007 Box 563 141-6200 McKay Avenue Burnaby, BC V5H 4M9 Fax: Email: Website: FNDC/DYT

604.435.6730 [email protected] www.DeafWomenCanada.ca - 31 -

Fall 2006

FNDC is a non-profit society (S-33351) that was founded in March, 1995 to bring together families of deaf children in British Columbia who share common concerns. Federal Registered Charity Number: 88622 5655 RR0001. DYT is program administered by FNDC.

What is FNDC all about? FNDC believes that families are vital in ensuring that deaf children reach their full potential through a supportive home environment. FNDC believes that families have the right to make informed choices based on the needs of the deaf child and the family. FNDC believes that deaf children have the right to a quality education in a language that is visually accessible. FNDC believes that each child is unique and has individual abilities and needs that must be recognized. FNDC believes that the rich and varied experiences and language of the Deaf community are an important and valuable resource for deaf children and their families.

What is DYT all about? Deaf Youth today is committed to providing recreational experience and leadership opportunities for signing deaf and hard of hearing youth in British Columbia.

FNDC Board of Directors Colleen Peterson........................................................... President Janice Feanny........................................................ Vice President Kathy Caldicott............................................................. Secretary Tracy Epp...................................................................... Treasurer Blair Flink.......................................................................Director Nicki Horton...................................................................Director Teresa Parent...................................................................Director Eileen Marshall...............................................................Director Angie Keats.....................................................................Director Anna Lesko...................................................... Member at Large Hester Hussey....................................................Mentor, Advisor The Board of Directors are parents of deaf children.

Membership Membership is open to those who support the goals of our organization. All FNDC members receive: * A one year subscription to our newsletter (which is published four times a year) * Bulletins and information notices regarding upcoming workshops and courses, videos, children & youth programs. * Our membership is open to individuals, schools, and organizations. Parents/guardians of deaf and hard of hearing children are eligible to vote.

Contact us below to be added to our membership list and receive our newsletter.

FNDC and DYT Staff Cecelia Klassen.........................................Executive Director

([email protected])

Bella Poato...............................................Executive Assistant

([email protected])

David McGregor..............Buddy & Leadership Co-ordinator

([email protected])

Susi Bolender................................... Interpreter Co-ordinator

([email protected])

Jason Berube............................. Website Designer/Developer

([email protected])

Family Network for Deaf Children P.O. Box 50075 South Slope RPO Burnaby, BC V5J 5G3 604-684-1860 (voice message line) 604-421-5271 (TTY line) 604-538-2866 (fax) http://www.fndc.ca/ (website) [email protected] (e-mail)