Virtual Employment Counselling Workshops
Our Community Outreach Services is pleased to provide our virtual Employment Counselling Workshops once again to individuals who are Deaf or have hearing loss and are seeking employment opportunities. There will be five sessions covered throughout the week by our Employment Placement Specialists, including disability management and disclosure in the workplace & job retention: how to keep your job, networking, self-marketing, and career exploration, workplace expectations and work ethics, resume cover letter writing and combating ageism and experience counts, marketing skills for the mature worker.
You don’t want to miss this!
When: March 20 – 24, 2023
Where: Virtual via Zoom. Computers/laptops are recommended for the best viewing experience.
Accessibility: We will have two separate sessions for each workshop, one provided in American Sign Language (ASL) and the other with CART (captioning).
March 20, 2023 – Career Exploration, Networking & Self Marketing
- Discuss the importance of networking, career exploration and how to do it. Learn about adopting the right mindset and using different methods to “sell” yourself. Learn how to utilize social media and create a professional LinkedIn profile.
9:30 am – 11:30 am (offered with ASL) Link to register
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (offered with CART) Link to register
March 21, 2023 – Disability Management &Workplace Disclosure / Job Retention: How to keep your Job
- Learn how to manage your disability (hearing loss/deafness) in the workplace. You will learn how to inform and educate your employers (on the job or during the interview) about how to work with your hearing loss/deafness. And valuable tips how to keep your job.
10:00 am – 11:30 am (offered with ASL) Link to register
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (offered with CART) Link to register
March 22, 2023 – Resume & Cover Letter Writing
- Learn the effective techniques and styles of resume writing and provide knowledge and skills on how to prepare effective cover letters.
10:00 am – 11:30 am (offered with ASL) Link to register
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (offered with CART) Link to register
March 23, 2023 – Workplace Expectations & Communication in the Workplace & Work Ethics
- Beginning a new job is an adventure like other new experiences. Learn how to be successful in your new job. Learn a standard of conduct and values for job performance.
10:00 am – 11:30 am (offered with ASL) Link to register
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (offered with CART) Link to register
March 24, 2022 – Combatting Ageism / Experience Counts! Marketing Skills for the mature worker
- How to combat ageism in your job search and at your workplace. Learn innovative job search strategies, computer skills training, and personal development that can help you achieve meaningful and rewarding employment.
10:00 am – 11:30 am (offered with ASL) Link to register
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm (offered with CART) Link to register
Contact: If you have any questions regarding these sessions, please contact Olav Naas, Joy Borgonia, or Janno Lim, or give us a call at 604.736.7391 (voice); 587.818.6701 (VRS); 604-736-2527 (TTY).
Past Events
Webinar – Hearing Care For All
Featuring panelists:
- Christopher Sutton, Chief Executive Officer, Wavefront Centre
- Gael Hannan, Consumer Advocate and Vice-President, Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, BC Chapter
- Hugh McCormack, Director, Clinical Operations & Social Enterprise, Wavefront Centre
- Dr. Brenda Poon, Senior Research Fellow, Wavefront Centre
Moderator: Dr. Ruth Warick
- When: March 7, 2023 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM PST
- Where: Virtual via Zoom. Webinar will be recorded.
- Language and Accessibility: English, ASL, and CART/Captioning
Click to register here
Webinar – Advance Care Planning
Wavefront Centre’s webinar series with Vancouver Coastal Health Deaf Well Being Program is back this month! The topic this month is about Advance Care Planning. We will discuss your options if an emergency comes up or a health crisis where you find yourself or a family member struggling, and review the law and paperwork you will need to support yourself or others, as well as access to information.
- When: 2:00 – 3:00 PM PDT June 14 or 9:00 – 10:00 AM PDT June 17. Two time slots available, choose the one that works for you.
- Where: Virtual via Zoom. Webinar will be recorded.
- Language and Accessibility: the webinar will be in ASL. CART/Voice Interpreter will be available upon direct request.
Presenters:
- Felicia D’Amato, Mental Health Social Worker, VCH Deaf Well Being Program
- Tammy Gray, Interim Manager, Community Outreach Services + Better at Home Program Coordinator
To register:
- Email Felicia D’Amato at Felicia.DAmato@vch.ca
- Text: 778 987 4164
- Specify if you need voice interpreting or CART in your email/text
Virtual Employment Counselling Workshops
Our Community Outreach Services is pleased to provide our virtual Employment Counselling Workshops* once again to individuals who are Deaf or have hearing loss and are seeking for employment opportunities. There will be 5 sessions covered throughout the week by our Employment Placement Specialists, including Career Planning, Ageism, Job Search Communication, Job Search Strategies, and Disability Management and Workplace Disclosure. You don’t want to miss this!
- When: June 6 – 10, 2022
- Where: Virtual via Zoom. Computers/laptops recommended for the best viewing experience.
- Accessibility: We will provide two separate sessions for each workshop, one offered in American Sign Language (ASL) and the other with CART (captioning).
Contact: If you have any questions regarding these sessions, please contact Olav Naas, Joy Borgonia, or Janno Lim, or give us a call at 604-736-7391 (voice); 587-818-6701 (VRS); 604-736-2527 (TTY).
*Please note that our Employment Counselling Workshops are designed specifically for our community members who are Deaf or have hearing loss and are seeking for employment opportunities. If you are employment service providers or professionals, please reach our to our Employment Services team for more information if you are interested.
Learn more about each workshop and RSVP from the links below.
June 6, 2022 – Career Planning
Learn the importance of career planning and identify how your skills, talents, values, and interests translate into possible jobs or careers.
June 7, 2022 – Combatting Ageism
How to combat ageism in your job search and at your workplace.
June 8, 2022 – Job Search Communication
Learn how to make good impressions with the hiring manager or recruiter during the job application process and learn different communication styles and techniques.
June 9, 2022 – Job Search Strategies
Learn how to master the process of job searching and applying for jobs. Evaluate different approaches to job search strategies that will work best for you.
June 10, 2022 – Disability Management & Workplace Disclosure
Learn how to manage your disability (hearing loss/deafness) in the workplace. You will learn how to inform and educate your employers (on the job or during the interview) about how to work with your hearing loss/deafness.
Recruiting for Next Generation 9-1-1 Focus Group
Have you ever had to contact 911? Your help is needed to improve the 911 services for our Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing communities. As technology develops, the way we reach out to people in emergencies is changing. However, not all the new changes work for everybody. This is especially true for people who have disabilities.
Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, partnering with the Neil Squire Society, is exploring how new methods of communications affect the way you communicate with 911. We are looking for people who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing, use a mobile device and have had some experience with contacting 911 if possible.
If you are interested in participating in a focus group and share your thoughts, please follow this link to find out if you are a match for their study. A $150 honorarium will be paid to every chosen focus group participant.
Click here to view in ASL and learn more.
Touching Unseen Sound
Lobe Studio is once again presenting the Touching Unseen Sound by Silas Ng from June 2 to June 4.
Featuring the work of Silas Ng, in collaboration with Edo Van Breemen, Jami Reimer, Sean Evans and Alex Penney, Touching Unseen Sound is an immersive vibrational experience created for audiences who are Deaf & Hard of Hearing, and to which all hearing abilities are welcome. This composition was created during a two-week residency at Lobe Studio.
- When: June 2 – 4
- Where: Lobe Studio
- Accessibility: ASL/DeadBlind interpretation is available
Click here to register via EventBrite. Tickets are sliding scale, by donation. A number of tickets will be donated to the DeafBlind community and can be accessed through Wavefront Centre.
Please watch the video about the creation of Touching Unseen Sound before attending (click here to access the video transcript):
Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion
Wavefront Centre is so excited to have virtual booths in the first annual Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion’s Career Fair and the Innovation Showcase!
- When: May 26-27, 2022
- Where: Virtual
The first Canadian Congress on Disability Inclusion (CCDI 2022) is more than a conference – it’s the Government of Canada’s new annual milestone event to kick-start National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) celebrations. This virtual, interactive and inclusive event is free and open to the public.
Here is a sneak peak of what is in store:
- Some of Canada’s most prominent disability and accessibility advocates, community members, academics, thought leaders and innovators.
- Next-level networking to exchange ideas and build partnerships.
- An Innovation Showcase to highlight leading edge accessible and inclusive innovative projects, products and services.
- A Career Fair for persons with disabilities featuring some of Canada’s most diverse and inclusive employers.
Please click here to register to join us online on May 26 and May 27!
The Vancouver Abilities Expo
Wavefront Centre is joining ConnecTra’s annual flagship event on May 25 at Roundhouse Community Centre! ConnecTra Society’s flagship event, the Abilities Expo brings together exhibitors, vendors, resources, guest speakers, and more to further enrich the disability community’s well-being and connectedness.
- When: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT | Wednesday, May 25, 2022
- Where: Roundhouse Community Centre, 181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC
Click here to get a FREE ticket today and reconnect with us in person!
“HEAR & BEYOND – Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss” Book Launch
Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility is hosting a hybrid event for the “HEAR & BEYOND – Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss” book launch on May 3, 2022, with the two authors, Shari Eberts and Gael Hannan, joining us in person!
There will be book sales onsite on the day with an opportunity for the authors to sign your books.
- When: 4:00 – 5:00 PM PDT | Tuesday, May 3, 2022
- Where: hybrid event – join virtually via Zoom (webinar will be recorded) or in-person at 2005 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V5T 2Z6 (space is limited)
- Language and Accessibility: English, ASL, and CART/Captioning
- Registration deadline: 5:00 PM PDT, April 28, 2022 for in-person registration. For virtual attendees, registration will remain open until the event starts on May 3.
We look forward to celebrating the launch with you. Thank you!
Registration
To attend virtually:
- Register here to receive a Zoom link to attend virtually (DO NOT fill out Zoom registration if you are attending in person).
To attend in person (space is limited):
- Please fill out the in-person event registration form here (DO NOT fill out this form if you are attending virtually).
- Space is limited under a first come first served policy. The in-person event registration form will be closed once we reach the limit. Register early!
- We will reach out to those who successfully registered via email closer to the date to confirm details of the event.
Authors
Shari Eberts
Shari Eberts is a passionate hearing health advocate, author, and speaker on hearing loss issues. She is the founder of LivingWithHearingLoss.com, a popular blog and online community for people with hearing loss, and an executive producer of We Hear You, an award-winning documentary about the hearing loss experience. Shari has an adult-onset genetic hearing loss and hopes that by sharing her story, she will help others to live more peacefully with their own hearing issues. Her book “Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss” (co-authored with Gael Hannan) is the ultimate survival guide for living with hearing loss. Shari holds a BS in Psychology from Duke University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Gael Hannan
Gael Hannan is a hearing health advocate, writer, and speaker/performer who lives with profound hearing loss. She creates award-winning awareness projects that help people live more successfully with their hearing challenges, including the acclaimed one-woman show “Unheard Voices,” a humorous memoir “The Way I Hear It: A Life with Hearing Loss” and a regular blog for HearingHealthMatters.org that has a passionate international following. Gael lives on Vancouver Island. “Hear & Beyond: Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss” (co-authored with Shari Eberts) is the supportive how-to guide she wishes she’d had at the start of her hearing loss journey.
FREE Income Tax Night 2022
Update on February 25: Waitlist is now full. New registrants will be placed on a cancellation waitlist. There is no guarantee that new registrants will be successfully booked for the event.
Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility is hosting a FREE Income Tax Night on March 22, 2022.
- When: March 22, 2022
- Where: 2005 Quebec Street, Vancouver, BC, V5T 2Z6
- This is an appointment-only event: first on the waiting list, first choice in the appointment times.
- Appointments are booked per person. In order to schedule appropriate appointment times, we must know how many person’s taxes (i.e. married or single) will be brought. If you’re bringing your children’s taxes, the child must be under the age of 19.
Please read the eligibility requirements below before reserving a spot in the waitlist. To qualify:
- You must be Deaf, DeafBlind, Deafened or Hard of Hearing, and
- Earned less than $35,000 in 2021, and
- Sorry, no business taxes – personal taxes only
Please note that joining the waitlist doesn’t guarantee you a definite spot for the income tax night. We will do our best to schedule a time that would best suit your schedule.
Contact Rytch Newmiller (rytch.newmiller@wavefrontcentre.ca), Manager, Accessible Communication Services at Wavefront Centre, to reserve a spot in the waitlist.
Our Virtual Employment Workshop is Back!
There will be six sessions covered throughout two weeks by our Employment Placement Specialists, including disability management and disclosure in the workplace, networking and self-marketing, workplace expectations, interview skills and virtual etiquette, resume and cover letter writing, and guide to creating a professional LinkedIn profile. Don’t miss out!
- When: February 28 to March 11, 2022
- Where: Virtual via Zoom. Computers/laptops recommended for the best viewing experience.
- Accessibility: We will provide two separate sessions for each workshop, one offered in American Sign Language (ASL) and the other with CART (captioning).
Contact: If you have any questions regarding these sessions, please contact Olav Naas, Joy Borgonia, or Janno Lim, or give us a call at 604-736-7391 (voice); 587-818-6701 (VRS); 604-736-2527 (TTY).
February 28, 2022 – Disability Management & Disclosure in the Workplace
Learn how to manage your disability (hearing loss/deafness) in the workplace. You will learn how to inform and educate your employers (on the job or during the interview) about how to work with your hearing loss/deafness.
March 2, 2022 – Networking and Self-Marketing
Discuss the importance of networking and how to do it. Learn about adopting the right mindset and using different methods to “sell” yourself to employers post pandemic.
March 4, 2022 – Workplace Expectation
Beginning a new job is an adventure like other new experiences. Learn how to be successful on your new job.
March 9, 2022 – Interview Skills & Virtual Etiquette
Learn how to interact with the interviewer and to articulate your thoughts. How to ace a job interview. Virtual Etiquette Rules you need to know before virtual interviews.
March 10, 2022 – Resume & Cover Letter Writing
Learn the effective techniques and styles of resume writing and provide knowledge and skills how to prepare effective cover letters.
March 11, 2022 – Guide to Creating a Professional LinkedIn Profile
Learn how to create a professional LinkedIn profile.
2022 World Hearing Day Webinar
As we celebrate the World Hearing Day this year, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, with its partners CHHA British Columbia Chapter and Vancouver Branch, is hosting a webinar on Thursday, March 3.
Our international and local panel of speakers will share their clinical or personal knowledge and experience on safe listening. During the session, they will discuss the latest developments concerning safe listening standards and practices, as well as share specific strategies for individuals to protect their hearing. The session is in keeping with the World Hearing Day theme of To hear for life, listen with care!
- When: March 3, 2022 | 6:00 – 7:30 PM PST
- Where: Virtual via Zoom. Webinar will be recorded.
- Language and Accessibility: English, ASL, and CART/Captioning
Please register to receive an invitation link to attend.
Learn more about World Hearing Day and RSVP here.
Webinar – How To Navigate Working With Your Family Doctor
Together with Vancouver Coastal Health Deaf Well Being Program, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility is hosting a webinar on how to work with family doctors. No matter if you have a family doctor already or need to get one, our presenters will share tips, tricks and resources that can help you navigate working with family doctors.
- When: 2:00 – 3:00 pm PST Feb 15 or 9:00 – 10:00 AM PST Feb 18. Two time slots available, choose the one that works for you.
- Where: Virtual via Zoom. Webinar will be recorded.
- Language and Accessibility: the webinar will be in ASL. Voice interpreter will be available upon request.
Presenters:
- Felicia D’Amato, Mental Health Social Worker, VCH Deaf Well Being Program
- Tammy Gray, Better at Home Coordinator, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility
Registration deadlines:
- 4:00 PM PST Feb 11 (for the Feb 15 session)
- 4:00 PM PST Feb 16 (for the Feb 18 session)
- Voice interpreter request – 1 week before the workshop dates.
To register:
- Email: WellBeing.Staff@vch.ca
- Text/Facetime: 778-987-4174
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is an annual awareness campaign that takes place each October. This is an opportunity to recognize the contributions and celebrate people with disabilities in the workforce and many different inclusive employers/companies.
Join our Employment Placement Specialists to learn all about the Employment Counselling Services offered at Wavefront Centre and the success stories from our clients and employers as we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month.
- When: October 28, 2021 | 1:00 – 2:30 PM PDT
- Where: Virtual via Zoom. Webinar will be recorded.
- Accessibility: both ASL and CART/Captioning will be available.
Virtual Employment Workshop
There will be five sessions covered throughout two weeks by our Employment Placement Specialists, including disability management and disclosure in the workplace, networking and self-marketing, workplace expectations, interview skills and virtual etiquette, and resume and cover letter writing. You don’t want to miss this!
- When: September 27 to October 7, 2021
- Where: Virtual via Zoom. Computers/laptops recommended for the best viewing experience.
- Accessibility: We will have two separate sessions for each workshop, one provided in ASL and the other with CART.
Contact: If you have any questions regarding these sessions, please contact Rytch Newmiller, Joy Borgonia, or Janno Lim, or give us a call at 604.736.7391 (voice); 587.818.6701 (VRS); 604-736-2527 (TTY).
Learn more and RSVP from the links below:
September 27, 2021 – Disability Management & Disclosure in the Workplace
Learn how to manage your disability (hearing loss/deafness) in the workplace. You will learn how to inform and educate your employers (on the job or during the interview) about how to work with your hearing loss/deafness.
September 29, 2021 – Networking and Self-Marketing
Discuss the importance of networking and how to do it. Learn about adopting the right mindset and using different methods to “sell” yourself to employers post pandemic.
October 1, 2021 – Workplace Expectation
Beginning a new job is an adventure like other new experiences. Learn how to be successful on your new job.
October 4, 2021 – Interview Skills & Virtual Etiquette
Learn how to interact with the interviewer and to articulate your thoughts. How to ace a job interview. Virtual Etiquette Rules you need to know before virtual interviews.
October 7, 2021 – Resume & Cover Letter Writing
Learn the effective techniques and styles of resume writing and provide knowledge and skills how to prepare effective cover letters.
Wavefront Centre Community Gathering 2021
You’re invited to join us for an IN-PERSON* event at Rocky Point Park. There are many things that Rocky Point Park offers and it has an accessible pathway, SkyTrain access and parking. There is plenty to do for all ages!
This is a free event and we will have games for all ages. Please RSVP by September 9, 2021, to confirm your attendance.
- When: September 25, 2021 | 11:00 am – 2:30 pm PST
- Where: Rocky Point Park | 2800 Murray Street, Port Moody, BC V3H 1X2
- Accessibility: American Sign Language interpretation will be available throughout the event.
If you are adventurous, we have arranged an introduction to Dragon Boating for $20 per person. Costs include the use of a life jacket and paddle, dry land lesson and practice on the water with a Dragon Boat Coach. Ages from 18 and up and all abilities are welcome. American Sign Language interpretation will be available. Space is limited and registration is required.
Please bring your own lunch, lawn chairs and join us for a fun day of socializing and games.
We can’t wait to see you in person!
*Your health and safety is our priority. Information is subject to change to meet the COVID-19 health restrictions in place at the time of the event.
City of Vancouver Accessibility Strategy Focus Group*
Are you interested in letting the City of Vancouver know what would help you to participate and feel included in your community? Wavefront Centre is hosting a virtual focus groups with the City of Vancouver on July 20th. Residents of Vancouver who are Deaf or hard of hearing are invited to join this conversation that will help inform the creation of the City’s Accessibility Strategy. Limited spots available. Honorariums will be provided to all participants.
Accessibility means being able to reach, understand, contribute to and use the places, information and services in our City. We want to hear the diverse voices and experiences of persons living with a disability, their families, their caregivers and those who provide services. This strategy will help to create a liveable, equitable and inclusive City for all.
Where: Virtual via Zoom. Sessions will be recorded.
American Sign Language Interpretation and CART will be provided.
Participants must meet the following criteria to participate:
- Deaf, DeafBlind or hard of hearing person, and
- Residents of Vancouver
Facilitators:
- Marco Chiaramonte, Acting Head of Counselling, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility
- Rytch Newmiller, Employment Placement Specialist, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility
July 20, 2021 | 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM PST
*Please note that registration for this webinar is closed now with the numbers exceeding the limit. Don’t worry if you missed it. This is Phase One of the Accessibility Strategy. Stay tuned for other opportunities to participate in the future!
Better At Home Program and Essential Services For Seniors
This webinar offers you an information session about Wavefront Centre’s Better at Home (BH). BH program identifies isolated Deaf and Hard of Hearing Seniors in the Lower Mainland and provides them with volunteer outreach services at home. BH volunteers can be Deaf, Hard of Hearing or hearing. They provide companionship, home visits, transportation assistance, facilitated shopping trips, and other outings so that isolated seniors can remain connected to their communities.
Where: Virtual via Zoom. Internet access and computer/laptops/tablets/iPads required to participate.
Accessibility: ASL interpreting for ASL Group. Closed captioning for Hard of Hearing Group.
Presenters:
- Marco Chiaramonte, Acting Head of Counselling, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility
- Darshan Kaur, Seniors Client & Volunteer Outreach Liaison, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility
June 16, 2021 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM PST
Canada VRS Information Session for Deaf Seniors (ASL Group Only)
JUNE 17, 2021 | 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM PST | 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM EST
This webinar offers you an information session titled “New App” that will discuss various topics: How to download the app, how to register the VRS number, make a call demo and features.
Where: Virtual via Zoom. Internet access and computer/laptops/tablets/iPads required to participate.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: ASL interpreting for ASL Group.
Contact: If you have any questions regarding these sessions, please contact jo-anne@cav-acs.ca.
Virtual Employment Workshop
There will be 6 sessions covered throughout the week by our Employment Placement Specialists, including disability management & disclosure in the workplace, networking, guide to creating professional LinkedIn profiles, interview skills and Zoom etiquette, resume and cover letter writing, and ageism. You don’t want to miss this!
Where: Virtual via Zoom. Internet access and computer/laptops/tablets/iPads required to participate.
**Computers/laptops recommended and will provide best viewing experience.
Cost: Free
Accessibility: ASL interpreting for ASL Group. Closed captioning for Hard of Hearing Group.
Contact: If you have any questions regarding these sessions, please contact Rytch Newmiller at rytch.newmiller@wavefrontcentre.ca; Joy Borgonia, at joy.borgonia@wavefrontcentre.ca, or Janno Lim at janno.lim@wavefrontcentre.ca or give us a call at 604.736.7391 (voice); 587.818.6701 (VRS); 604-736-2527 (TTY).
Learn more and RSVP from the links below:
May 31st, 2021 – Disability Management & Disclosure in the Workplace
Learn how to manage your disability (hearing loss/deafness) in the workplace. You will learn how to inform and educate your employers (on the job or during the interview) about how to work with your hearing loss/deafness.
- 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (ASL Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJctduGurz8rHNXfuea4L01PieXcewz5sMEi
- 1:30 – 4:00 pm (Hard of Hearing Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYscuqspjkuH9Eqb8Rhi4Zu1_kA4xDxmHJ5
June 1st, 2021 – Networking and Self-Marketing
Discuss the importance of networking and how to do it. Learn about adopting the right mindset and using different methods to “sell” yourself to employers.
- 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (ASL Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkc-iorDovGdCRGIz5UGkxecGHSuNXkqrG
- 1:30 – 4:00 pm (Hard of Hearing Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJElce-spzgjGt0CNmljqgaLwUdPZrMfeMk8
June 3rd, 2021 – Guide to Creating a Professional LinkedIn Profile
Learn how to create a professional LinkedIn profile.
- 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (ASL Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIkce2srTMsGtaT2875Gu8HgIlQ-snR8BzE
- 1:30 – 4:00 pm (Hard of Hearing Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAldO6srDgoHtwphMRjXZwmZuzv8QOv_VcZ
June4th, 2021 – Interview Skills & Zoom Etiquette
Learn how to interact with the interviewer and to articulate your thoughts. How to ace a job interview. Zoom Etiquette Rules you need to know before virtual interviews.
- 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (ASL Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwkdu-gqz8uHdY8EhbRIcPektNKLKO9v6Uh
- 1:30 – 4:00 pm (Hard of Hearing Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqfuuvqDgvEtAi7sTcLzHW27RvTDiRDcan
June 7th, 2021 – Resume & Cover Letter Writing
Learn the effective techniques and styles of resume writing and provide knowledge and skills on how to prepare effective cover letters.
- 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (ASL Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMtdOusqDwjEtUz9uzBEnYlquGTg0fux3Ez
- 1:30 – 4:00 pm (Hard of Hearing Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUtceqrrDsvGdzU_5wZfcUtQ8iwSM4rxHZS
June 9th, 2021 – Ageism
Learn how to combat ageism in your job search and at your workplace.
- 9:30 am – 12:00 pm (ASL Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAtduCvqDwuH9drW8G6bcuoNZwML47NKPCv
- 1:30 – 4:00 pm (Hard of Hearing Group)
Registration: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYvf–tqz0tGtQVGB5UdVequEq8VVjGf-mb
Impacts of COVID-19 on Communication Accessibility for Adults with Hearing Loss
Earlier this year, the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association and Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility partnered together to conduct a survey to collect information on the impact the pandemic has had on the daily lives of people who experience hearing loss and deafness. We received close to 700 responses within the time period of when the survey was available.
The principal investigators, Dr. Brenda Poon and Dr. Lorienne Jenstad, will present the survey findings. They will discuss key findings related to communication accessibility in our day-to-day lives, such as demand for universal captioning, the impacts of masks, ways to promote clearer communication, and the accessibility of obtaining information from the government. Click here to RSVP for this exciting webinar
Accessibility: Captioning and American Sign Language
Presenters: Dr. Brenda Poon, Dr. Lorienne Jenstad
MAY 19, 2021 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM PST | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM EST
Impact of COVID-19 on Seniors with Hearing Loss
Over the past 14 months, we have been living through a global pandemic; this pandemic has impacted populations differently, especially seniors and those who are most vulnerable, including people with disabilities. This webinar will discuss the impact of the pandemic on seniors and people living with hearing loss and how steps have been taken to reduce the impact on Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities during these times. Click here to RSVP for this exciting webinar!
Accessibility: Captioning and American Sign Language
Presenters: Isobel Mackenzie, Dr. Ruth Warick, Henry Lam, Christopher T. Sutton
MAY 6, 2021 | 11 AM – 12 PM PST
Learn more about the speakers
ISOBEL MACKENZIE
Ms. Isobel Mackenzie – Isobel Mackenzie has over 20 years’ experience working with seniors in home care, licensed care, community services and volunteer services. Isobel led B.C.’s largest not-for-profit agency, serving over 6,000 seniors annually. In this work, Isobel led the implementation of a new model of dementia care that has become a national best practice, and led the first safety accreditation for homecare workers, among many other accomplishments. Isobel has been widely recognized for her work and was named B.C. CEO of the Year for the not-for-profit sector and nominated as a Provincial Health Care Hero.
Prior to her appointment as the Seniors Advocate, Isobel served on a number of national and provincial boards and commissions, including the BC Medical Services Commission, the Canadian Homecare Association, BC Care Providers, BC Care Aide and Community Health Worker Registry, and the Capital Regional District Housing Corporation. Isobel also served on the University of Victoria’s Board of Governors.
Isobel received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Victoria and has a Certificate in Health Care Leadership from the University of Toronto.
DR. RUTH WARICK
Dr. Ruth Warick is a founding member of the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, a former national president and a former President of the CHHA Vancouver Branch. She currently serves as President for the BC Chapter of CHHA. She is also president of the International Federation of Hard of Hearing Persons and First Vice-President of the International Disability Alliance, a network of international disability organizations and interfaces with the United Nations in Geneva, New York and around the world. Ruth is a past president of the Western Institute of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the BC Family Hearing Resource Society.
Ruth was born hard of hearing and received her first hearing aid at age 11 although her significant hearing loss warranted earlier intervention. She is passionate about accessibility, awareness, education, and inclusion for persons with hearing loss.
Ruth was employed for over 25 years at The University of British Columbia, working as an Advisor on accessibility for students, faculty and staff of all types of disabilities. She edited the IFHOH publication on Realities Facing Hard of Hearing Learners in Nepal and Uganda (2020) and wrote Voices Unheard: The Academic and Social Experiences of University Students who are Hard of Hearing (2003) for her doctoral dissertation.
Along with Marilyn Dahl, she was instrumental in developing the CHHA-BC On-Line Mentoring Program for hard of hearing persons, which has now become a national program. She was also the lead author for the CHHA BC’s Hearing Access Healthcare Project and has organized numerous educational sessions including about the World Health Organization’s first World Report on Hearing. She is a founding and steering committee member of the WHO World Hearing Forum.
HENRY LAM
Henry Lam is a Registered Audiologist who has worked at the Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility since 2004. He has been the Interim Department Head of Audiology for over 2.5 years. Over his career, he has worked for the two largest non-profit agencies in Canada that serve the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities in Ontario and in B.C.
Henry believes in educating people on the effects of hearing loss and better communication strategies. He has run the Better Communication with Hearing Loss classes at the Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility for over 17 years. He also done constant community education to various groups across Metro Vancouver.
Henry has a Master’s of Science in Audiology from the School of Audiology and Speech Sciences at the University of British Columbia. Henry has committed to ongoing education to the university. He served as a clinical instructor starting in 2006. Then he received the title of Clinical Assistant Professor in 2019. His service to the university has included teaching courses and overseeing clinical externships. Henry was the recipient of the Noelle Lamb Award for Clinical Education in Audiology from School of Audiology and Speech Sciences in 2012.
CHRISTOPHER T. SUTTON
Christopher holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Gallaudet University, and a Master of Business Administration from the Ivey Business School at the University of Western Ontario, in addition to a number of professional certifications.
Christopher is a sought-after expert in issues related to accessibility, diversity and inclusion, and sits on several committees nationally and provincially. As a member and founder of various consumer/industry working groups, Christopher has been successful in enhancing accessibility and inclusion for a broad range of audiences. In 2019, Christopher appeared before three parliamentary committees to advocate for the passage of Bill C-81: An Accessible Canada Act.
Christopher was born with a profound hearing loss and grew up using hearing aids; in 2008, to expand his communication options, he underwent surgery to obtain a cochlear implant. In his free time, Christopher volunteers with charities, mentors young adults, and assists smaller organizations with developing social enterprises.
Christopher was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador and has lived in Washington, DC, Toronto and Ottawa, Ontario, before moving to Vancouver, BC in March 2020.