Celebrating Deaf Communities

What drew you to pursue a career in acting?

When I was younger, back in the ’60s and ’70s, there was no closed captioning, and most TV shows were just dialogue or talking heads. I finally found a cartoon called Tom and Jerry with a lot of action and no dialogue. I could really connect to those — I would watch an episode of Tom and Jerry and memorize it. The next day I would tell the entire story to other kids and see their eyes light up. They really enjoyed my storytelling. Then I saw the original Star Wars in 1977, which changed my life. I just wanted to dive into that world.

What does Deaf culture mean to you?

It’s really taken many years to get our culture recognized. In the film CODA, you can see a bit of Deaf culture in this Deaf family. One of the wonderful moments from the film is the scene with 30 seconds of silence. It was an excellent experience for hearing people to enter the Deaf world for

just 30 seconds and to experience our culture. I’m glad to see perspectives begin to change — we can work, have sex, and communicate. The only difference is the language we communicate in.

As a member of the Deaf community, what are some barriers you faced breaking into the film industry?

I felt like a complete outsider because I worked hard for so many years and was overlooked. It just required a lot of sacrifices. I often took on side jobs and did a one-person show to earn money. Opportunities for Deaf actors were mostly in low-budget small theatres. Being in LA, I was hoping that some people would see our plays, and that’s exactly what happened with Sian Heder, the Director of CODA. She came and saw me perform at the Deaf West Theatre. It was a good gamble, but it was hard.

Let’s Hear from Deaf Canadians

The Canadian Association of the Deaf - Association des Sourds du Canada (CADASC) is the first national organization established in 1940 to promote the rights, needs, and concerns of Deaf people in Canada. Since then, the mandate has been enlarged to address the needs of Deaf-blind, Deaf-Disabled, and hard of hearing people who use Sign language as their primary language of communication.

How many people can celebrate deafness in Canada

Although statistical researchers may ask a person if they self-identify as a person with a hearing disability, they often don’t ask if the person uses Sign

— American Sign Language (ASL) or Langue des signes du Québec (LSQ). Such information is vital if governments or employers are to design programs or budgets for accommodations to become truly inclusive.

Meaning that there is no simple answer to how many Deaf people live in Canada. In our opinion, with strong disclaimers, we estimate approximately 357,000 Canadians are Deaf, deafened, or hard of hearing and use ASL/LSQ.

Human rights for all, not always Canadian society prides itself on being an inclusive nation that promotes and protects human rights. However, provincial human rights legislation allows

discrimination if the cost of accommodation would create an undue hardship for an employer or service provider.

CAD-ASC willingly promotes the awareness of these issues to promote Sign languages in education, employment for Deaf people, the health of Deaf people in times of crisis, and promoting the opportunity for Deaf people to be leaders in Canadian society and beyond. In our way, we invite you to celebrate with us and the World Federation of the Deaf @WFDeaf_ org, as we celebrate Sign languages throughout Canada and across the world during this International Week of Deaf People and International Day of Sign Languages. #IDSL and #GlobalLeadersChallenge.

Wissam Constantin, President, Canadian Association of the Deaf

Wissam Constantin President, Canadian Association of the Deaf

PHOTO CREDIT: MATT STASI

rest of the interview with Troy on

Q&A WITH Chella Man, Trans Asian American Deaf Actor

What sparked your passion for acting?

I honestly feel like I’ve been acting my whole life in the sense that gender roles exist. Very early on, I could comprehend that my body required a certain level of performativity to make other people more comfortable with the fact that I matched what I physically presented. I began the biggest performance of my life: being a girl. And to this day, I’m still hyper-aware of gender roles and how they come across. Deafness was also another gateway into acting. I often had to assimilate in a hearing environment where I grew up in central Pennsylvania.

How do you feel your role as Jericho in the DC Universe series Titans has expanded Deaf representation in the film industry?

When the opportunity for Titans came, that was the first audition I had ever done. And I never anticipated getting the role, to be honest. It’s hard for me to fully understand and digest the domino effect that it has had on the community. I feel lucky to have authentically portrayed a Deaf character, and this is a small, tiny first step. I hope this opens the door more — as other Deaf actors have been doing as well in my community — for all kinds of Deaf experiences on the continuum to come to light.

You often discuss intersectionality both online and in your work. How would you describe the impact of Deaf culture in shaping your identity?

My experience being Deaf has continuously reminded me that other perspectives exist and that the dominant public often forgets this. I’ve faced obstacles or inaccessibility at almost every turn of my life, reminded that the way I move in this world is not the way other people are told humans move. It’s also a blessing because I never forget that bodies are different. Minds are different.

Human beings are so vastly different. And in this way, it has allowed me to stop making assumptions about other people’s perceptions, their emotions, and so on. And this has played a core part in shaping my identity.

Q&A WITH

Academy Award-Winning Deaf Actor Troy Kotsur

How do you think your success will help Deaf actors pursue more diverse roles that were unavailable in the past?

As a Deaf community, we have such a rich history of stories. For example, in my new production on Disney+, I play head coach of a football team with several young Deaf actors. So now we’re able to create opportunities for the next generation as well as interpreters, ASL consultants, and hearing and Deaf crew members.

I remember the first day of a shoot — everyone was nervous about working with Deaf people. And by the last day, everyone loved each other and had a great time, and there was an attitude shift. And so I love that process from beginning to end and see how perspectives change.

Having won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in CODA, what’s the next step in your career?

I really want to do something hearing people haven’t thought of, like portraying a Deaf historical figure. For example, many people aren’t familiar with William “Dummy” Hoy, who was one of the first Deaf professional baseball players. He was the one that invented and taught umpire signals. Later on, an umpire stole credit for it.

There are thousands of Deaf historical figures, so this is just the beginning. I’ve had lots of meetings, and I’ve shared some of this history, and maybe some of these production companies will be interested. But most importantly, I want to have a story that will reach out to as many people as possible.

Opening the World to Ontarians with Deafblindness

D.F. McCourt

Independence is health. The ability to forge our own paths and the empowerment to direct our own lives is precious and too often taken for granted until it’s threatened by illness or disability. For deafblind Canadians — those with varying degrees of dual sensory loss encompassing both hearing and vision — nearly every aspect of the way our world is built represents a challenge to their independence. So the tools available to help win that independence back are valued above all else.

The most effective intervention to empower people who are deafblind is through the use of an intervenor, a specially-trained professional who is able to assist in communication and other tasks. “In layman’s terms, intervenors become the eyes and the ears of someone who is deafblind,” explains Cathy Proll, CEO of Sensity - Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada.

“Compared to, say, an ASL interpreter, who is typically only interpreting language, an intervenor will be interpreting the entire environment. It’s a unique role that intervenors play in bridging that gap and supporting people who are deafblind.”

From “everything is impossible” to “anything is possible”

With the proper support, the degree of independence a person with deafblindness can achieve is without limit. Without proper support, however, the limits of life can shrink to a claustrophobic degree. “Deafblindness affects

so many things beyond simply com munication,” says Proll. “It affects your mobility and broadens the gap between you and the world around you. It can be very isolating. But, with an inter venor, the possibilities are endless. One gentleman we support has obtained his first teaching degree and now his law degree. We have people who engage in all kinds of recreational activities, from travel to whitewater rafting. When someone has access to an intervenor, it’s up to them to decide how they want to use those services.”

In addition to providing inter venor services for children and adults across Ontario, Sensity also provides advocacy and training to ensure that the needs of the deafblind commun ity are being met. Unfortunately, good intervenors, proficient in skills like Two Hand Manual Communication — a highly specialized touch-based Sign language — can be difficult to find. As a result, it’s a continuous effort to recruit new professionals into this demanding but rewarding field, especially in more remote and rural communities.

“I have to give kudos to the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services because they’ve been incredibly supportive, and they’ve built a great system,” says Proll. “I don’t know of anyone who wants intervenor services right now that’s going entirely without.”

Doing right by our most vulnerable However, there remains a persistent gap in the services available to children at greater risk of developmental delay when their deafblindness is inadequately supported. “Students often aren’t getting the services that they require, and there’s absolutely noth-

ing outside of the school setting for students who are identified specifically as deafblind,” says Proll. “Ontario is the opposite of the rest of the world in that way because, in most places, services for children are in abundance and services for adults are very scarce.”

In pursuit of equity and self-determination for all people with deafblindness in Ontario, better access to intervenor services for children and rural citizens represent challenges. But the biggest challenge of all is perhaps simply awareness. So many Ontarians live with sensory loss without knowledge of the services and supports that are available to them. More than anything else, Proll wants people with deafblindness to know that independence is within reach. Intervenor services are available, and they can reopen the doors to the world.

Follow Troy on Instagram @troykotsur

Follow Chella Man on Instagram @chellaman

Ontarians with deafblindness at sensity.ca

sponsored by Sensity

Cathy Proll CEO, Sensity - Deafblind and Sensory Support Network of Canada

I remember the first day of a shoot — everyone was nervous about working with Deaf people. And by the last day, everyone loved each other and had a great time, and there was an attitude shift. And so I love that process from beginning to end and see how perspectives change.

I’ve faced obstacles or inaccessibility at almost every turn of my life.

PHOTO CREDIT: MATT STASI

PHOTO CREDIT: ANTONIO YSURSA

Embracing Deaf Culture through Art and Fine Tea

Artistic expression may be a language all its own, but it’s one we can all communicate through. Art has the unique ability to transcend culture, highlight shared experiences, and bring people together. From visual to performing, sculpture to canvas, for thousands of years art has been societal commentary. For the Deaf community, this rings especially true.

The Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf (CCSD) is recognized as one of Canada’s leading national arts service organizations, with a goal of preserving, encouraging, and advancing the cultural and Sign language interests of Canada’s Deaf population. Established in 1973, the charity is guided by its core mandate: to feature and foster high quality Deaf visual and performing artists’ work. Over the years, CCSD has received numerous awards for its Sign Language and Deaf arts productions, publications, and digital Sign Language programming. Since its inception, CCSD has been committed to empowering the next generation of Deaf Canadians, offering job opportunities, celebrating young Deaf artist achievements, and promoting Deaf well-being overall. The organization has also worked tirelessly to find unique and creative ways to shine a light on Deaf experience and culture diversity, bridging connection between Deaf and hearing Canadians, reducing stigma, and broadening understanding. The goal is to encourage Canadians to think beyond societal stereotypes and forge a connection that can so often be initiated and inspired by art and culture.

What once began as a dream for CCSD’s first President, Forrest Nickerson, became a reality in 2006. A powerful example of CCSD’s work in action, the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE is nestled in the historic Distillery District of Toronto. A culmination of great minds coming together, meticulous thinking went into bringing Forrest Nickerson’s vision to life. From interviews with museum and gallery directors, to feasibility studies and charrette sessions with leaders in the Deaf community, the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE was designed

with a goal of moving Deaf culture forward in a way that would challenge old assumptions and disrupt societal ‘ideas’ of Deaf culture.

The DEAF CULTURE CENTRE is an international first — an active agent and symbol of the Deaf community. It represents a place where Deaf and hearing people, from all over the world, can come together to learn about Deaf leaders, Deaf contributions, highlights the importance of Sign language and the value of Deaf artworks. The Centre promotes visual and performing artists through gallery exhibitions, hosting over 60,000 visitors annually preCOVID. Beyond the art gallery itself, the Centre has become a hub dedicated to fostering community and connection, offering board room facilities, hosting special events and — of course — a giftshop where visitors can take a little part of their experience home. For the Deaf community, the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE offers a chance to share their experience with the broader hearing population, promoting understanding and acceptance. Most notably, the Centre has worked to introduce Canadians to one particular commentator on the Deaf experience: Deaf View/ Image Art (De’VIA).

Coined in 1989 during the International Deaf Way Conference, De’VIA is an expression of Deaf experience, created when an artist intentionally aims to depict and reflect Deaf culture in a visual capacity. While De’VIA artists are not always Deaf themselves, those who work in the genre all have the same intention and leverage distinctive formal elements. Contrasting and intense colours, conflicting textures and an exaggeration or emphasis on facial features — such as the eyes and mouth — are all elements that define the De’VIA art style. From the those who are Deaf to those who have a unique connection to the culture, De’VIA is just one way the Deaf community is embracing their distinctive story.

For many of us, Deaf experience may not be something we feel justified in having an innate connection to, however, there is no better way to immerse oneself in a new culture than to experience its art. Looking to introduce more Canadians to De’VIA and shine a light on the amazing work being done in the space, the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE has created a unique experience for Canadians interested in Deaf artistic expression and Sign language, merging the richness of Deaf culture with fine tea — appropriately named, DEF-T.

Working with Palgong Tea Company, which is renowned for rich tea flavour profiles, the DEF-T Café has been designed to enhance the experience of DEAF CULTURE CENTRE visitors within a signing environment.

The DEF-T Café offers the chance to see Deaf culture in action, but also enables visitors — both Deaf and hearing — the opportunity to experience Deaf culture and community.

The DEF-T Café’s flagship location at the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE is still in the process of being set-up, however the Centre is currently offering visitors the chance to experience one of the eight uniquely flavoured DEF-T teas by purchasing DEF-T loose leaf tea cans. Palgong Tea is also offering visitors the opportunity to purchase and try one of the hot teas.

Specially designed with the Deaf community and De’VIA in mind, these high-quality teas represent the breaking down of social barriers between hearing and Deaf people. Inspired by words that form the Centre’s mandate; community, diverse, culture, resonate, alive, preserve, fresh and inspire, the logos for each blend are visual representations of these terms; a true embodiment of Deaf artwork in action. When designed, sensors were placed on the hands of someone signing each word. The motion-capture technology then followed the signing movement, transferring information through to a computer which enabled the organization to create eight distinctive pieces of 3D art; the tea’s individual logos. For those who can’t wait to try the teas, testers are currently available to visitors at the Centre, and those wishing to get a taste of the DEF-T experience early can already purchase a hot tea before either taking their beverage to go or enjoying it while browsing the gallery.

The Toronto-based DEF-T Café is just the start of what the CCSD hopes will grow to become a recognizable staple and symbol of the Deaf community across Canada. In the same way that Deaf art transcends experience, CCSD hopes that DEF-T and the DEF-T Café will soon expand to more locations across the country, offering more Canadians nationwide the chance to develop a better understanding of Deaf culture and experience a signing environment firsthand.

Art continues to be one of society’s greatest gifts, opening our eyes and broadening our understanding of new cultures. When it comes to Deaf culture, the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE and new DEF-T offers Canadians the chance to do just that — a tea that is truly bringing people together.

Visit deafculture centre.ca to learn more and support the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE and DEF-T initiative. Donate now by scanning the QR code below.

Eight unique teas are helping to immerse more Canadians in Deaf culture and experience.

Sonya Friesen

Art continues to be one of society’s greatest gifts, opening our eyes and broadening our understanding of new cultures.

Leanne Gallant National Executive Director, Canadian Cultural Society of the Deaf & DEAF CULTURE CENTRE

This article was sponsored by the DEAF CULTURE CENTRE

Making Accessibility a Post-Secondary Priority

Education should be accessible. At George Brown College, we're providing innovative programming for the Deaf community.

Facilitating students learning in their own language

We're proud of our Deaf Learn Now (DLN) program, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. DLN is the first online literacy program in the world for Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults. Situated within the college's School of Work and College Preparation and funded by Employment Ontario, this tuition-free program reaches Deaf students across the province of Ontario. We have a number of Deaf employees and faculty who communicate in ASL and English. For many Deaf students, this may be the first time they're in an academic setting that doesn't require an interpreter.

Shirin Dossani, a Deaf Learn Now student, appreciated being able to find courses in ASL. "I took DLN's Food Safety Course last year and loved it... I was so happy to find a course in ASL and English, expanding my vocabulary and knowledge. I'm eager to take more courses."

The Deaf Learn Now program also offers its students access to a Deaf counsellor, Lucy Ross. Students can book oneon-one appointments with Ross or attend one of the many workshops she hosts throughout the year. These workshops have been particularly beneficial during the pandemic to help explain COVID-19related information and foster connections amongst our Deaf student community. The college's Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services department also offers in-class accommodations such as ASL interpretation, Intervenor services, and notetaking for Deaf, deafblind, and hard-of-hearing

students attending any program at the college.

Matt Foran, Manager of Academic Upgrading Programs at George Brown, oversees the Deaf Learn Now program and is a strong advocate for accessibility and inclusion. Foran stresses, "It's important for colleges and the Ministry to recognize that accessibility is not a luxury. It's truly what's required of us to make education pathways happen."

Celebrating success for the college and our students

The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development nominated the DLN team for the 2022 Council of Federation Literacy Award. These awards recognize outstanding achievement, innovative practice, and excellence in literacy. Awarded annually in each province and territory, they celebrate educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations, and businesses. All of us at George Brown were thrilled when, on September 8 (International Literacy Day), the DLN team was chosen as the recipient of the award for outstanding achievement and excellence in literacy. Receiving this recognition is wonderful, but the real reward comes from seeing our Deaf and hard-of-hearing students succeed and find a safe place that addresses, celebrates, and supports their diverse needs.

Academic programs that are unique in Ontario

While Deaf Learn Now focuses on teaching Deaf and hard-of-hearing learners, George Brown College's School of Deaf and Deafblind Studies offers programming to train students in communication with, to and from members of the Deaf and deafblind community. Our American Sign Language and Deaf Studies program, unique in Ontario, teaches students basic ASL language skills and provides an orientation to Deaf culture. Our Deafblind & Intervenor Studies Ontario College certificate program trains students to work with people who have combined vision and hearing loss, including those with congenital and acquired deafblindness. George Brown College was the first college in Canada to offer this kind of certificate program. We were also the first college in Canada to launch an Honours Bach-

elor of Interpretation (American Sign Language – English) — a degree program that educates students to work as American Sign Language – English interpreters. Graduates of this program foster communi cation in a broad range of sectors, including medical, financial, health care, and education.

Building access, equity and inclusion

At George Brown College, we know that our programs are helping to con tribute to access, equity, and inclusion in education for all students, including the Deaf and deafblind communities, and we're proud of that. But we also recognize that there's more work to be done. Post-secondary institutions are uniquely positioned to shape accessible education in Canada. It's our collective responsibility to ensure safe spaces are created, barriers are eliminated, and that accessibility is no longer a luxury but a priority.

While George Brown has been providing programs and services to the Deaf community since 1972, we also provide other tuition-free programming to support other under-represented groups. We offer a number of programs specifically designed for individuals living with complex or chronic mental health concerns or addictions. For those thinking about college but aren't sure where to start, we provide "CHOICES" — a one-week program that helps students identify meaningful individual personal and career goals. Our Academic Upgrading program offers two streams — one for mature students who need to upgrade their English, math, computer, or science skills, and a second stream specifically designed to support Deaf and hard-of-hearing adults who need to upgrade their English, math, and ASL skills to support further post-secondary study or career development. And for any mature student in Ontario who has applied to a college program and needs to have their English or math skills assessed, we offer a three-week Mature Students Assessment Preparation (MSAP) to help them succeed with the assessment.

How George Brown College is creating spaces to meet the diverse needs of its learners.

Laura Mulrine

It’s important for colleges and the Ministry to recognize that accessibility is not a luxury.

It’s truly what’s required of us to make education pathways happen.

Improving Accessibility for Deaf Canadians

All Canadians have the right to participate in society — but full participation is impossible without equal access to information. For many members of the Deaf and hard of hearing communities, this means communication in Sign language.

In Canada, American Sign Language (ASL), la langue des signes québécoise (LSQ), and Indigenous sign languages (ISL) are recognized as the primary languages of Deaf persons, according to the Accessible Canada Act (ACA).

In 2019, the federal government passed this landmark legislation to create barrier-free communities, workplaces, and services in key areas such as employment, communications and transportation. ACA applies to federally regulated entities, from crown corporations to industry sectors like banking. To promote inclusion, organizations need to remove language barriers for the Deaf community by sharing information in Sign language.

Making accessibility a priority for Deaf Canadians

We’re at a pivotal point in our country’s history, as both governments and the

private sector recognize the need to increase accessibility for the Deaf and hard of hearing communities. However, before making any attempts to meet accessibility requirements, organizations need to understand those requirements from a Deaf perspective.

Separate from the medical condition of deafness, Deaf culture is deeply rooted in its own unique language, values, behavioural norms, educational institutions, political and social structures, and organizations.

Language and culture are inseparable. The Deaf community is comprised of culturally Deaf people who use Sign language. The Canadian Association of the Deaf estimates that there are 357,000 culturally Deaf Canadians and 3.21 million hard of hearing Canadians. About 3.6 per cent of the population — approximately 1.3 million Canadians — are Sign language users, according to a Statistics Canada report published in 2016.

Sign languages are not the signed equivalent of a country’s spoken language. For example, ASL is not simply “signed English” but its own language, complete with grammar and syntax. Therefore, for clear, effective communication with the Deaf community, organizations need to provide interpretation and translation services to make information available in sign language.

Make interactions accessible, whether planned or spontaneous Depending on the nature of the interaction, Sign language interpretation can be provided through in-person interpreting or Video Remote Interpreting (VRI).

When planning live events, offline conferences, and face-to-face meetings, businesses can rely on in-person

Q&A WITH Deaf Actor Russell Harvard

As a graduate of the Texas School for the Deaf, do you think an ASLfocused education allowed you to explore your creativity and attraction to acting as a child?

I'm third-generation Deaf, and ASL was our primary mode of communication. Already having that and going to TSD, with access to its theater programs, signing choir, and all they had to offer, impacted my early love of the arts. I also think my talent for interpreting songs was born to me. I ASL songs on my social media platforms. This discovery allowed me to learn more about the artistry of ASL and showcase a variety of accessible songs.

Do you think that your work has expanded the range of roles traditionally open to the Deaf community?

I hope so! I've played many Deaf characters across the entertainment industry. I've also been fortunate to have many roles championed for me that originally were meant for a hearing actor in mind. King Lear and To

Kill a Mockingbird were both cases like that. Neither made a note of my deafness or my use of American Sign Language in the show. And I'm happy to see many of my fellow Deaf actors in more substantial roles, but we still have a way to go. My one persistent goal is to make sure there is an all-Deaf cast in a mainstream television show or movie very soon.

Why do you believe promoting Deaf representation in the film and television industry is important?

L ike any minority or marginalized community, having accurate representation is important and key to breaking down stereotypes. The Deaf community is a vast grouping of people with varied stories. It also elevates to have Deaf creatives behind the camera too as writers, producers, and directors.

interpreting. However, if a company has customers dropping in unexpectedly, either within its facility or on its website, VRI is a better solution.

With VRI, a remote interpreter facilitates communication between a sign language user and a hearing person via video using a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a webcam. It can be scheduled in advance or accessed on demand. With VRI, the Sign language user and the hearing person can be in the same room or connect online.

Make your content accessible

Now more than ever, people seek information online before connecting with a company directly. Imagine researching online for a product or service. How engaged would you be with its content if a website wasn’t in your native language? Or how likely would you be to buy? That’s why it’s crucial to translate content to communicate with the Deaf community.

Sign language translation is the process of converting text or pre-recorded content from one language into Sign language, ranging from a company-wide policy document to a social media video. Without Sign language translation, a significant demographic risks being excluded and, as a result, feeling neglected.

Moving toward a barrier-free Canada

The goal of the Accessible Canada Act is to make Canada barrier-free by 2040. As Canada moves to greater accessibility, organizations must take steps to prevent being left behind.

Book a consultation with SLIAO via its website. As experts in removing barriers, the SLIAO team can share resources and tools to help improve an organization’s accessibility.

To learn more, visit sliao.ca

This article was sponsored by SLIAO

Certified by Women Business Enterprises Canada Council (WBE Canada), SLIAO is women-owned and connects people through sign language. It offers quality interpreting and translation to ensure everyone has equal access to information. Services are reliable, efficient, and rooted in deep understanding and respect for the Deaf community.

Claudia Lepore & Mackenzie Kearnan

With a focus on inclusiveness and the passing of the Accessible Canada Act, it’s time for organizations to provide equal access for Deaf Canadians.

Follow Russel on Instagram @ russellharvard

Deaf culture is deeply rooted in its own unique language, values, behavioural norms, educational institutions, political and social structures, and organizations.

DO THAT THING YOU LOVE WITH A

Like any minority or marginalized community, having accurate representation is important and key to breaking down stereotypes.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RUSSELL HARVARD

Boundless Dreams: Canadian Deafblind Athlete and Champion Kevin Frost

Caitlyn Crews

Kevin Frost has always had a passion for sports.

Kevin discovered his love of hockey growing up and began refereeing at age 10. Unfortunately, in Grade 6, Kevin was diagnosed with hearing loss — but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his passion.

Kevin spent many years working as a referee before the early 2000s when he was diagnosed with Type 2 Usher syndrome. Usher syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that first causes a person to lose their hearing in childhood and then their vision later in life.

“I could still referee hockey, but my driver’s license was immediately taken away, and for liability reasons, my employer could no longer have me working there. I thought I had hit a cement wall in my life,” says Kevin.

While Kevin knew that his dreams might have to change a little, he was determined not to let his disability prevent him from pursuing his passions. So, knowing that he would need some support, Kevin reached out to CNIB Deafblind Community Services (DBCS) for help.

“DBCS has been my guiding light and helped me get back on my feet after being diagnosed with Usher syndrome,” he says. “Having an intervenor under my wings has given me more freedom to live independently.”

Having an intervenor offers Kevin consistent, ongoing support for activities like grocery shopping, banking, and medical appointments so he can feel empowered to live his life with confidence and independence.

Before long, Kevin was back on the

ice — but not in the way he originally expected.

Mike Rivet, Kevin’s friend and now coach, asked if he would be interested in speed skating — and with some coaching and practice, Kevin reignited his passion for sports. Today, Kevin is a three-time World Champion Canadian speed skater with dreams of winning an Olympic medal for Canada.

“My dream of being a winning Olympic speed skater is not just for me. It doesn’t stop at coming home with a gold medal. It goes on to support others in accomplishing their dreams,” says Kevin. “I want to be a mentor and a role model to future goal achievers.

“To be successful as a person with a disability, we all have to learn to educate, listen, and be positive. The barriers will always be challenging as a Deafblind person, but I believe that positive energy will always win in the end.”

Kevin’s book Deaf, Blind Champion launches in early October 2022. You can learn more by visiting deafblindspeedskater.com

Improving Deaf Accessibility in the Workplace

For the Deaf and hard of hearing community, employment can represent a tremendous challenge. Many find the job-seeking experience to be daunting, while others face employers who don’t feel they have the capacity to hire a hard of hearing employee.

Director,

Canadian Hearing Services, a national non-profit, is dedicated to supporting the Deaf and hard of hearing community. The organization delivers services, education, and products aimed at helping the Deaf community overcome obstacles often present in day-to-day life.

“The biggest barrier is stigma; the assumption because someone is Deaf, they can’t do a job,” says Michael Dawthorne, Director of Programs and Services Operations at Canadian Hearing Services. “That’s certainly not the case.”

Programs designed with the Deaf community in mind

It’s this idea that forms the foundation of Canadian Hearing Services’ programs, designed to help ease job-related barriers. The services address these ever-present challenges, making meaningful, long-term employment more accessible for Deaf employees and employers.

For the Deaf community, the Ontario-based Employment Services program provides employment counselling for job seekers directly. The program uses a customized approach, in some cases offering confidence-building for someone looking to move into a new role, practicing interview skills for those aiming to upgrade their skill set, while in others, providing access to further services like the Communication Devices program.

The Workplace Assessment program, however, educates employers nationwide on how to better accommodate hard of hearing employees. “If you’re an employer who can recognize that everyone is different, you’re completely capable of taking on an individual who is Deaf,” says Dawthorne. The service involves a virtual assessment conducted by Canadian Hearing Services, who work with the employer and employee to assess the job, barriers, and challenges, providing a report with tailored suggestions on accommodations that are likely to be successful.

Improving Deaf accessibility in the workplace is not only achievable but effective. Employers have access to tools and support services — like those offered by Canadian Hearing Services — that can help them not only recognize their ability to hire Deaf staff but their role in empowering Deaf employees to thrive.

CHS supports people with vision and hearing loss

• Medical, legal, or financial appointments

• Employment, volunteering and educational pursuits

• Social and recreational activities

• Accessing community and social services

• Daily living activities (e.g. shopping, groceries)

Who is eligible?

Deafblind adults who are residents of Ontario and are over the age of 18 years can apply. To determine eligibility, individuals must complete an application.

How can I request information about this FREE service?

Deafblindservices@chs.ca 1-866-518-0000 ext. 4071 1-877-215-9530

CHS.ca/deafblind

Deafblind Services currently available in North Bay, Parry Sound/Muskoka, Sault Ste. Marie, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and Timmins

National

services helping employers better accommodate Deaf and hard of hearing employees.

Sonya Friesen

Michael Dawthorne

Programs & Services Operations, Canadian Hearing Services

To be successful as a person with a disability, we all have to learn to educate, listen, and be positive. The barriers will always be challenging as a Deafblind person, but I believe that positive energy will always win in the end.

Kevin Frost

Canadian Deafblind Athlete

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN FROST