Durham Deaf Services
900 King Street East L1H 1H2 Oshawa, ON, Canada

Announcement: We will be closed for the Holidays from December 24 until January 4. Due to the Ontario-wide lockdown, our physical office will be closed until further notice. However, we will still provide our online programs and services after the holidays. Please stay safe and have a happy holiday!

Are you an ASL Instructor or Professional?Upcoming session for January 2021 - learn about Sign Language Institute Canada and how they can support you. Email [email protected] to register for this FREE session! Sponsored by OCsD and Ontario Association of Sign Language Interpreters

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: A mutated version of COVID-19 first detected in the United Kingdom is now in Durham Region, health officials confirmed Saturday. http://torstar.co/Zk1A50CUHET

Premier Ford, Minister Elliott, and Minister Fullerton make an Announcement

Thank You!! Durham Deaf Services gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Colleen Fund and the Community Funds at Durham Community Foundation for outreach to Deaf seniors in our community.

It's that time of year again...Giving Tuesday is right around the corner! Save the date: Tuesday, December 1, 2020. Consider donating ahead of time: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/56420 In this time of uncertainty, there's a fundamental truth that gives us hope - that together we can do extraordinary things. ... Over the past 8 months, the entire world has been coming together standing up, helping out, giving back, and supporting each other. Whether that's through donations to community organizations, celebrating doctors and nurses at shift changes, or reaching out to a neighbor to help with groceries, your generosity has been helping our community get through this global pandemic. Durham Deaf Services has been working tirelessly to support those in the Deaf community who need assistance. We are updating our website and Facebook pages on a regular basis regarding information related to COVID-19. We are working to keep our services operational and as we continue to operate our Deaf Adult Upgrading Program. We are provided outreach to the community regarding numerous inquiries reaching out to find supports for members of the Deaf community. We are working closely with Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario providing webinars and educational sessions in American Sign Language. We are delighted to report we have begun to offer ASL classes online. The positive feedback from students is amazing! Kudos to our Staff and Board of Directors who have been working relentlessly to keep our programs and services available to the community all while working on marginal funding due to loss in donations as well as cancellation of our fundraising revenues. But we need your support to continue! On December 1, 2020, Durham Deaf Services is participating in Giving Tuesday, a global day of unity and giving. Donate to support us next Tuesday!

Since Toronto and Peel are under the lockdown stage, here are some important reminders for you during the pandemic. Let's flatten the curve together! Transcrip...t: Toronto and Peel (Brampton, Caldeon and Mississauga) have entered the lockdown stage. More regions are in the red zone which means the stricter public health measures are in the works. As the flu season and the number of COVID-19 cases ramp up, people tend to be confused with the differences of both contagious respiratory illnesses. People often minimize the common flu symptoms such as cold, sore throat and cough and think it is ok to go to work or grocery stores. You should be stay home and get the COVID-19 test. After the test, you should stay home until you receive the result. If your result shows negative, you are allowed to go to work or grocery stores. If your result shows positive, you are required to stay home and be quarantined for 14 days. Canada's top public health doctor wants to warn that the winter season is coming soon which means people are likely going inside the buildings. That causes the risk of high aerosol transmission. The 3-layer mask with a filter-type fabric is highly recommended especially when you are inside the building. One mask is not enough. You need to buy more masks in order to keep your masks clean. Please make sure your mask is well fitted that covers your nose, mouth and chin to prevent the high transmission of COVID-19. Let's flatten the curve. Stay safe. See more

Bullying Awareness Week, we all have a part to play... United against bullying. Learn more and download- Solutions: Everybody’s Business Senior to Senior Anti-Bullying Toolkit’ http://www.eapon.ca/in-the-news/bullying-research-project/ #Antibullyingweek2020 #RestoringRespect

*NEW* COVID-19 Update for October 2020 done in ASL.

EAPO is offering a webinar on November 19 from 12 - 1 p.m. on the topic of the Seniors Safety Line. An ASL interpreter will be provided. Register here: https:/.../us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_4ldD8oSDST-_hJ2JJHBl9g "When seniors, their caregivers, and family are seeking support in situations where safety and well-being are the issue, they often do not know where to turn for help. This has been particularly evident, during the COVID-19 pandemic, as seniors are more isolated, alone, feeling vulnerable, or experiencing abuse and need someone to talk to, for support or help navigate available resources. EAPO, in partnership with the Assaulted Women's Helpline (AWHL), invites you to join us for this informative webinar to learn more about how the Seniors Safety Line (SSL) provides information, referrals, and supports to seniors, caregivers, and agencies who are reaching out, particularly in situations where someone is at significant risk of abuse or harm. This session will clarify the role SSL plays in supporting the community who should call the SSL, what to expect (confidentiality, anonymity, emotional support) when to call, the type of supports that are provided on the phone, etc. As well participants will learn about the changing needs of seniors since the onset of the pandemic. Speakers will be providing key, important strategies to employ when preparing safety plans for seniors at risk and or for those who are even more vulnerable during COVID-19.

Black Friday Deal LOVE Tea Shirts - https://mailchi.mp/bcf537bb55a9/black-friday-deal

EAPO is offering another webinar, available with ASL interpreting! Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us//register/WN_9FFDpPchRBaLJ3HVu3rAsg "November is Financial Literacy Month and EAPO is pleased to be hosting the next in its webinar series addressing ways to help seniors manage their finances during these increasingly challenging times. Join us to learn from our guest speakers and strengthen YOUR financial literacy. Other topics throughout the month we will cover specific issues related to helping seniors secure their finances whether by providing valuable prevention tips to protect financial assets or sharing practical tools and resources."

*New COVID-19 Restrictions* Premier Ford has announced new restrictions for social gatherings: 10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50).... 25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).

Today, I announced the creation of the Ministers’ COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force. The task force will advise our development and implementation of an immunization program, including the ethical, timely & effective distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Ontario.

What should you do or expect if you may be exposed to COVID-19?

Good news! There are more ways to get in touch with us! Have a question? Send us a text at 905-579-3328.

During Financial Literacy Month, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) wants to remind Canadians to Recognize, Reject and Report Fraud. For more information, visit: https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca//financial #kNOwfraud #showmetheFRAUD #Tell2, protect many.

Premier Ford, Minister Elliott, and Minister Jones make an Announcement

Premier Ford, Minister Elliott and Minister Phillips make an Announcement

Registration is open for our Signing Naturally 1A course! Please visit https://durhamdeaf.org/signing-naturally/ for more information or to register online. St...udents will learn useful vocabulary and expressions, the specific grammar rules used in American Sign Language, and information about Deaf culture. This non-accredited course also offers students opportunities to develop the communication skills needed in ASL to interact, socialize, or associate with people who are Deaf. Where: Durham Deaf Services When: Thursdays (October 8 - December 10, 2020) Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm Length: 10 weeks/30 hours Cost: $175 + $125 for the Workbook (Mandatory for the course) Who: Ages 16+ For more information, contact us at [email protected].

Government of Ontario: COVID RED Zones and LOCKDOWN [Image description] The signer is wearing black buttoned shirt behind black background of Queen's Park entra...nce building. [Transcription] Hello. Today is November 20, 2020. Government of Ontario Premier Ford made announcement which is important for you all to be informed. This coming Monday (Nov. 23) at 12:01 am; two regions, Toronto and Peel, will go into lockdown because of COVID-19 cases is rising. Government decided again to close some places. And also 5 more regions will become red zones. Durham, Hamilton, Halton, Waterloo and York are regions going into red zones. What does "red zone" and "lockdown" means? Red zone means your social circle is limited to 5. Stores and restaurants are opened but limit is 10 for indoor and 10 for outdoor. Restaurants are strongly encouraged to do take out. The restriction is almost same as Stage 2 but bit flexible. That includes personal care, barber, doctor visit, or stores but limit is strictly 10 people. Lockdown is similar to Stage 1 in spring 2020. Many places will be closed. People in same household is your social limit. For indoor, no people and outdoor limit is 10. Essential needs and pharmacies are still open, but limit is 10 people still. Personal care, barber, gym and such are all closed. Retail stores are curb sided for pick up only. In both red zones and lockdown, schools are still open but is cautiously watched. Both lockdown and red zones will last until Dec 21, 2020 and more decisions will be made for further action. However, lockdown/red zone will be in effect until Dec 21, 2020 until further review by government. Please stay safe.

Sharing on behalf of OAD and DOP:: The Ontario Association of the Deaf and Deaf Outreach Program recognizes October as Women's History Month. We would like to h...onour and celebrate all of the outstanding achievements women have made throughout Canada's History! During the month of October, we will be spotlighting some Deaf women to recognize their achievements. We are hoping you could help us with this little project! We are asking the community if they know anyone in the past, or present who deserves to be recognized...send in their nomination! How to nominate? Send us an e-mail at [email protected] with a name and brief summary of why you are nominating that person. The deadline to submit your nomination is October 10, 2020. After the nominations are closed, we will share our project with the community. Please view this link: https://youtu.be/Ek44hAme2s8 to watch the video in ASL about our project. Looking forward to having you involved with this project! Thank you!

ABOUT DEAFDOTS: * Why the sign "DeafDots"? * What is French word for "DeafDots"? * Where can I see Alerts & News? * You can send us news!... Signed video at www.deafdots.ca See more

Premier Ford, Minister Elliott, and Minister Phillips make an Announcement

Hello everyone! This message is for all members of Silent Voice. Don’t have a membership yet? Visit our website to sign up! Membership is $10, but we will wai...ve that fee for those who are unable to afford to pay it at this time. So, please visit the membership page on our site to sign up! Due to COVID-19, Silent Voice will not be hosting its Annual General Meeting (AGM) this year as it is not safe to do so in person. We considered hosting the AGM in an online format, however we quickly realized that we would not be able to ensure full access for everyone. Instead, we posted our 2019 Annual Report, and we are now presenting a resolution for members to vote on. We hope that you will take some time to review the financial statement, Board Chair message and Executive Director’s message in our Annual Report and then submit your vote on a special resolution. Membership: https://silentvoice.ca/membership/ 2019 Annual Report: https://indd.adobe.com//00b349d3-1386-4913-bc54-193226bf54 Resolution: 1. I have received the audited annual financial statement for 2019 2. I have received the report from the Silent Voice Board Chair Shelagh Durno 3. I have received the report from the Executive Director Kelly MacKenzie 4. I accept the slate of returning Board members for 2020-2021: Shelagh Durno, Chair Jingchan (Jin) Hu, Treasurer Susie Lee-Fernandes, Secretary Rose Auciello Laura A. Baker Gord DaDalt George Postlethwait Jr. Fotini Stephen Robert Wilson Les Young We need you to vote on this resolution by going to our website, and complete the online form to vote. There are 3 options: In Favour of the 4 items in the resolution. Opposed to the 4 items in the resolution. Abstain from voting All votes collected will be kept confidential. Silent Voice hopes to have a full AGM in 2021, where we will include discussion and questions related to the 2019 Annual Report. If you have any questions, or need more information, please contact us at [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support! Visit our website to vote! https://silentvoice.ca/agm-2020/

CCSD Job Opportunity: Executive Director - https://mailchi.mp//ccsd-job-opportunity-executive-director

Sharing on behalf of University of Western Ontario:: Study of Visual Perception in Hearing Signers How does sign language learning affect perception?... We are seeking volunteers for a study looking into how the learning of a visual-based language influences visual perception more broadly. Participants must satisfy the following criteria: - Ages 18+ - No known hearing impairments or neurological disorder - Normal or corrected to normal vision - >3 years of American Sign Language experience/instruction The experiment should take no more than two hours and can be completed online, from the comfort of your home. For more details, please contact [email protected].

Important Information from Toronto Public Health for Parents or Legal Guardian with the approaching holidays. Transcript below in comment.

Registration is now available for our new virtual Signing Naturally 1A class! To register and learn more about Signing Naturally, visit: https://durhamdeaf.org/signing-naturally/ Due to the ongoing global pandemic and in order to ensure the safety of everyone, DDS will be offering online classes starting November 12th. The classes will run for 10 weeks.

*Reminder* Signing Naturally 1A starts next week. Click here to register: https://durhamdeaf.org/signing-naturally/

Support us for Durham Community Foundation annual Walk for YOUR Cause event! Can’t participate this year? Consider donating to us instead. Click the link for more details.

Flyer for a series of online presentations on Domestic Violence in Deaf Community. Headline: Interrupting Domestic Violence in the Deaf Community: A Series Su...bheader: Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2020 Each Thursday in October (Times) 4pm Pacific / 5pm Mountain / 6pm Central / 7pm Eastern Week One: Oct 1 (Live on Zoom) Title: Lion in the Zoo: Domestic Violence is Bigger Than You Think Hosted by DeafHope Week Two: Oct 8 Title: How to Better Serve Deaf Immigrants & Refugees Hosted by IGNITE Week Three: Oct 15 Title: Safety Planning During COVID-19 Hosted by DeafSAFE (Norcal) Week Four: Oct 22 Title: How Can We Be Survivor-Centered? Hosted by ThinkSelf Week Five: Oct 29 (Live on Zoom) Title: Virtual Candlelight Ceremony Honoring Deaf, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, Late-Deafened, and Hard of Hearing Survivors Hosted by Deaf SHARE Videos will be posted on each agency’s Facebook page. All videos will have captions and transcripts with descriptions. To Register: Week One live event on Oct 1: https://bit.ly/2S15Z9c Week Five live event on Oct 29: https://bit.ly/3czTyuo For special requests or questions, send email to: [email protected] [Logos for five different agencies: DeafHope, Norcal, ThinkSelf, Deaf SHARE, and IGNITE]

DCF Walk for YOUR Cause Charity Participant - Durham Deaf Services Durham Deaf Services (DDS) is a non-profit organization that offers services and educational ...programs to promote self-reliance within the Deaf, deafened, and hard of hearing community. DDS is committed to reducing isolation for Deaf individuals in our community and in increasing Deaf cultural awareness. Durham Deaf Services ensures that the Deaf community is fully aware of their rights to be independent and to make their own choices. Durham Deaf Services advocate for quality of life and equal access so members of the Deaf community can live in dignity. DDS offers a literacy program for individuals over the age of 18. We encourage referrals to our program for anyone Deaf or hard of hearing interested in upgrading their literacy skills. The instruction focuses on upgrading math, English, reading, writing, and digital technology skills with classes taught in American Sign Language. Unfortunately, due to COVID many of our students are unable to connect with DDS virtually. We are pleased we have connected with all the students and now have instruction both online and in class. We also offer sign language classes to hearing individuals that want to learn to communicate in American Sign Language. Classes are taught in full immersion ASL instruction and due to COVID all of our classes are now offered online. Durham Deaf Services has a strong partnership with the Durham Deaf Club (DDC) and the Oshawa Deaf Senior Citizens (ODSC). DDS encourages and assists the operations of both the DDC and the ODSC. Both clubs host social events for members of the Deaf community. Due to COVID, we have had to change how our programs and services are offered and how we interact with the Deaf community on a daily basis. Now, especially during this time, the most vulnerable in our community are facing social isolation and DDS is working to ensure no one goes without support with our staff working with members of our community, one to one, to assist them in dealing with COVID. Find out more about this charity. https://durhamdeaf.org/

Getting to know the Cultural Diversity Committee ! Hi! My name is Rana Hamdy, and I have worked at the Toronto SLIAO office since it opened. I graduated from G...BC in 2016 and ever since, I have been enjoying every single day on the job, even with all the hurdles that I had to get over. It can be very challenging as a POC in the interpreting field and I'm grateful to have the opportunity to support others in their shared experience as mine and support those wishing to make a difference in the field. Although both my parents are Egyptian, we've got quite the mix in our family tree. #SLIAOinc #CulturalDiversity

Starting Oct. 5, 2020, we are making changes to #LongTermCare visitor policies. This will ensure that long-term care homes in areas of highest community spread are able to continue to keep residents safe and prevent the spread of #COVID19 within their homes.

Sharing on behalf of Shakespeare in the Ruff:: UNPACKING 2020: DEAF PERSPECTIVE October 8th, 6:00 - 7:30 PM... Hosted by: Elizabeth Morris Featuring panel discussion in ASL with: Natasha Bacchus Thurga Kanagasekarampillai and Gary Malkowski. With interpreters: Marcia Adolphe and Carmelle Cachero. English interpretation and captioning will be provided. This is a Zoom event. Please e-mail [email protected] to register and receive your zoom invite! Please check out this website for more information: https://shakespeareintheruff.com//unpacking-2020-deaf-per/

DDS provides literacy to Deaf and hard of hearing individuals 18 years of age and over. Currently we are offering in class and online instruction. For additional information please email [email protected]

Premier Ford and Minister Elliott make an Announcement

CASTING NOTICE: Blues Clues & YouWe are still searching for kids who can portray ages 4 to 6 years of age, all ethnicity and genders, and all abilities who can deliver "facetime" style letters directly to the camera.In an upcoming deaf-centric episode, we are aiming to showcase a hearing-impaired child who can ASL along with a sibling/cousin/bubble companion who can hear & help translate verbally since we cannot have text on screen. Our viewers are pre-schoolers and cannot re...ad that that's why there needs to be someone translating/speaking while we feature the ASL. The production is very excited to engage, connect with and represent deaf & hard-of-hearing children.If interested, please email [email protected] , stating your interest, child's name & age and we'll send over the audition package right away!

Sharing on behalf of Eden Mills Writers' Festival:: Greetings, On Tuesday, October 6 at 1:30 p.m. author Kenneth Oppel (the Silverwing trilogy, This Dark Endeav...or, Such Wicked Intent, The Nest, and Inkling) joins us for a special virtual event for schools! At a time when field trips and classroom visitors aren't permitted, this is an excellent opportunity for classes (both in school and online) to include an author visit in their plans. This event is free and includes ASL Interpretation. Attached please find a promotional graphic to share with your networks. Details and registration can be found here: https://edenmillswritersfestival.ca/for-kids/ If you require any additional information, please be in touch! Best, Melissa McGrath Festival Manager, Eden Mills Writers' Festival www.emwf.ca

Did you know that Deaf Call Centre Managers and other Deaf professionals that work at SLIAO provide reflective coaching and mentoring? Interpreters are able to... debrief their work and critically look at linguistic decisions through collaborative dialogue made after rendering their interpretation. Interpreters and Deaf Call Centre Managers regularly explore ideas and assumptions which ultimately leads to interpreters gaining a deeper understanding of their work. #sliaoinc #ProfessionalPractice

Greetings, On Tuesday October 6 at 1:30 p.m. author Kenneth Oppel (the Silverwing trilogy, This Dark Endeavor, Such Wicked Intent, The Nest and Inkling) joins u...s for a special virtual event for schools! At a time when field trips and classroom visitors aren't permitted, this is an excellent opportunity for classes (both in school and online) to include an author visit in their plans. This event is free and includes ASL Interpretation. Registration can be found here: https://edenmillswritersfestival.ca/for-kids/ If you require any additional information, please be in touch! Best, Melissa Melissa McGrath Festival Manager, Eden Mills Writers' Festival www.emwf.ca

Looking for someone to work full time in an awesome fun and purposeful Day program for people with Deveopmental Disabilities here in Orangeville Ontario. Prefe...rably someone who is native ASL. We have a grant for a 3 month contract with the real possibility of it becoming a permanent position. The program is a hearing program but all staff have been working hard to learn ASL. Some staff have taken Signing Naturally Level 1 part 2 already. Also been working on teaching the hearing clients ASL through signs/phrases of the day and regular ASL stories. My Deaf son attends this program and we are seeking to build the program into a fully immersed culturally Deaf inclusive program. This day program serves young adults with additional challenges building on life skills, work skills, therepudic recreation, music, hydroponics, robotics, computer skills, and so much more! It’s a fun and fast paced program that strives to meet the potential of the clients. The staff are friendly and engaging and really love the ASL language and Deaf culture. If interested please text 647 204 6074 and I’ll connect you with the day program to apply.

Tonight: Officials say Ontario is in a second wave of COVID-19. And, why one group says dentists say could play a role in boosting coronavirus testing capacity.

Ontario Public Health officials provide coronavirus update

Friday September 25th 2020-Equal Opportunity for All Deaf People An inclusive employment environment in sign language is the cornerstone that enables Deaf peop...le to thrive and reach their full potential in order to maximize their participation and contribution to society. http://wfdeaf.org//internation/internationalweekofthedeaf/ #sliaoinc #IWDeaf2020 #IWDEAF

Ontario is tightening public health measures province-wide in response to the recent rise in #COVID19 cases. These measures will ensure the continued health and... safety of Ontarians, reduce the risk of transmission, and limit future outbreaks. https://news.ontario.ca//new-public-health-measures-implem