Winter 2015 Newsletter

Why I Learn ASL P.4

My Silent World P.3

Free Income Tax Night P.7

Call for Board of Directors Nominations P.6

Award of Merit Nominations Wanted P.6

2 The Wave

President’s ReportAs I write my winter report for all our readers of The WAVE, I am struck by how rapidly your Board of Directors have taken hold of the challenge to renew and re-build The Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. At our September meeting, your Board voted unanimously to sell the West 7th Avenue WIDHH property and move to a new location.

The Goldie Company has assisted us with their planning and fundraising expertise to bring us to this point. Now, we welcome the Vancouver office of Cushman & Wakefield to support us through the commercial real estate process, specifically the sale of our present site and acquisition of new property. I say ‘new’ property advisedly, as at this point, we are still exploring all the possible options that this stage of our project will present.

Looking ahead to 2016, your Board and a sub-committee of wonderful advisors, are working diligently to bring about a successful gala to celebrate our 60th anniversary of continuous service to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing people of British Columbia. Be sure to reserve June 10, 2016 for “60 Years of Making Waves – WIDHH’s Diamond Gala” at The Marine Drive Golf Club and be ready to purchase your tickets for this jubilant evening.

Finally, it is my pleasure to wish you, each and every one, a very happy holidays and the opportunity to enjoy all the delights of friendship and family, whether near or far, in our beloved and peaceful Canada.

By Barbara M. Brown, WIDHH President

Our Board of DirectorsExecutive Committee

President: Barbara M. BrownVice President: Dr. Joanna E. Cannon

Treasurer: Carey HealeySecretary: Dr. Graham BrycePast President: Ruth Warick

Our DirectorsAva HawkinsBowen Tang

Dr. Eugene Lechelt Joy Gong

Lisa Dillon Edgett Nora McKellin Miron Gazda

If you have any feedback, questions, or ideas, please

contact Barbara M. Brown at:

Presidentc/o WIDHH

2125 West 7th Avenue Vancouver, BC V6K 1X9 president@widhh.com

The WAVE Contributors

Creative & Content Editors: Ruth Blackburn & Ellen Zheng

Contributors: Barbara M. Brown, Anne Trudel

Official Cover Photographer: Fleeting Moments by Michael Levy

www.flatearthphoto.com

www.facebook.com/WestCoastWonders

The WAVE's Official Cover Photographer!The WAVE would like to welcome our new Official Cover Photographer:

Michael Levy of Flat Earth Photography!

www.flatearthphoto.com

www.facebook.com/WestCoastWonders

Thank you Michael for your generous contributions of beautiful pictures!

The Wave 3

My Silent WorldMy journey from the hearing world into the silent world was very gradual over a period of years.

For those of us born with good hearing, we take so much for granted.

Even though I have a lengthening past and a shortening future, I am still very active and greatly involved in the world around me. I like people, enjoy activities, and hopefully maintain an optimistic outlook.

Family and friends detected my hearing loss long before I wanted to admit it. For a while, I had been asking them to speak louder or repeat their comments.

Eventually, my family and friends wore down my denial, and I went to see an ear, nose, and throat specialist who recommended I consider hearing aids. But it was a shock to discover the cost of such a necessary item, so I put aside the issue for a number of years - until one kind family member gifted me hearing aids. A beautiful and kind gift that has led me into a world of freedom and joy.

I was a little apprehensive at my first visit to the WIDHH Audiologist recommended by my specialist, even though she had such a lovely name as Praise. But with her relatable demeanor and encouraging attitude, Praise quickly made me feel comfortable. She was very good at her profession, didn’t push anything on me, and just stated the situation of my hearing loss as it was.

Then the day came when Praise fitted me with my hearing aids. I shall never forget the wonderful sensation when I suddenly heard the sound of my own voice again and gradually was reintroduced to sounds which I had missed for so long. I drove my car home hearing once again the sound of street traffic, and wondered how I had never been in an accident when I wasn’t aware of the traffic noise! I could also hear the birds chirping, and even the sound of the gentle rain on my windshield was music to my ears. I kept my hearing aids on that entire day, and couldn’t wait to put them in again the next morning!

Then came the Vancouver Community College speech reading class taught by WIDHH Board member Lisa Dillon Edgett. Lisa was a wonderful teacher and the class was a great learning experience. Finding out about telecoils, looping, and communication strategies has made my life less stressful, and has also inspired me to let others know there are strategies beyond asking people to speak louder.

Our great-great-grandparents had nothing more than an earhorn to use if they were hard of hearing, but today we have access to new and growing knowledge and technology. And we have another advantage too. If we wish to retreat into the quiet world, as I do when I sit down with my favourite book, we can simply take out our hearing aids and bask in the silence.

You might say my hearing loss has become my greatest hearing aid.

―Anne Trudel

4 The Wave

Why I Learn ASLFour WIDHH staff members have been busy after work these past few months taking American Sign Language (ASL) classes and learning more about Deaf Culture! The WAVE had an opportunity to interview some of our staff members’ classmates in Vancouver Community College's ASL Level 1 course to discover more about why they learn ASL!

“I learn ASL because I have always enjoyed learning languages and being a visual and expressive person, ASL fascinates me. I enjoy communicating and helping people, and would love to become an ASL interpreter, so I can do both.”

– Nasena

“I learn ASL because I am fascinated by all languages and expression though movement. I have always been interested in body language and believe it is essential for effective communication in hearing, Hard of Hearing, and Deaf communities. The emphasis on observing body language when communicating in sign language intrigues me and has allowed me to become more in-tune with the emotion that follows the sign/word. I look forward to exploring the language and culture in the years to come.”

– Luisa

"I learn ASL because I work with special needs kids in the elementary school system who are non-verbal. It helps a lot to teach some communication via sign language."

– Ivana

"I learn ASL because I want to become an interpreter. I've always been interested in Deaf culture and society and want to be a part of it!"

– Kristin G.

The Wave 5

"I learn ASL because I am a hearing person and the team I am working with are Deaf and Hard of Hearing. I am hoping that by taking ASL classes, I will be able to expand my skills and be a better communicator with my workmates. Besides, I'm missing out on all the gossip!"

– Barbara, WIDHH Counselling Team Assistant

"I learn ASL because ASL is very useful and I like it. I sometimes misunderstand or have a hard time understanding what people are saying because I am hard of hearing. I find ASL much easier than listening to people talk. Some people talk too fast, too quiet, or there is too much noise for me to hear. If my hearing aids are dead, I can use ASL. If I go swimming and can't wear my aids, I can use ASL. If I don't want to wake others (like when babies are sleeping), I can sign. In the library or the theater where we're not allowed to talk, we can use ASL. If we are at work in a very loud environment and can't hear each other, we can sign!"

– Michael

"I learn ASL because since I joined a Japanese sign language class twenty years ago in my country, I have been always interested in sign language. The way that not only hands, but also facial expressions and body movements can, same as spoken language, convey almost anything is really fascinating to me. Now that my children are grown up and my home business is steady, I'm able to attend an ASL night class at VCC. Someday, I would like to be fluent in ASL and understand more about Deaf culture."

– Tomoko

"I learn ASL because I want the world to be an easier place to communicate for Deaf people and for everyone. It's not my world. It's our world!"

– Wolf

6 The Wave

The WIDHH Nomination Committee is now accepting nominations for the WIDHH's Board of Directors. There are seven avaliable elected positions being sought for nomination on the Board of Directors. Any WIDHH Member in good standing with energy and a vision for serving the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community is encouraged to stand for election. We also invite WIDHH Members to nominate individuals to serve on the Board of Directors.

All nominations must be in writing (download a nomination form from our website at www.widhh.com/events/1. events.php).

All persons nominated for the Board of Directors must be a Member in good standing of WIDHH.2.

All nominations must be signed by the nominee (the person being nominated) and signed by two Members in 3. good standing of WIDHH.

Nomination forms must contain a brief biographical description of the nominee.4.

All completed and signed nomination forms must be delivered either by fax, email, mail, or dropped off in person to WIDHH no later than 5:00pm on February 28, 2016.

Lisa Dillon Edgett, Nomination Committee Chair

c/o Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

2125 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6K 1X9

Fax: 604-736-4381

info@widhh.com

Call for Board of Directors Nominations

2015 Award of Merit Nominations WantedThe Award of Merit Committee is now accepting nominations for the Annual WIDHH Award of Merit, to be presented at the upcoming Annual General Meeting in April 2016 (exact date to be announced).

The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding individuals, groups, or organizations that have made a difference in the lives of Deaf and/or Hard of Hearing individuals in British Columbia. Please write a brief (250 words) biographical account of the nominee and why you have nominated them.

To download a nomination form, visit our website www.widhh.com/events/events.php, email info@widhh.com, or phone us and we can mail one to you.

All completed and signed nomination forms must be delivered either by fax, email, mail, or dropped off in person to WIDHH no later than 5:00pm on March 5, 2016.

Nomination Committee: Ava Hawkins, Dr. Joanna E. Cannon, and Nora McKellin

c/o Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

2125 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6K 1X9

Fax: 604-736-4381

info@widhh.com

The Wave 7

Free Income Tax NightWIDHH will host its Annual Free Income Tax Night (exact 2016 date to be announced). Appointment times are available between 3pm and 9pm. Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals on a low or fixed income, who need assistance to fill out their income tax forms, are invited to come to our Annual Income Tax Night, with volunteer accountants from the firm of Tompkins, Wozny, Miller & Co. as well as the WIDHH Accounting Staff and ASL Interpreters.

Get Prepared: You will need a T4 Slip (shows income for 2015), a copy of a 2014 income tax form, information slips from banks, and RRSP slips. Also, please bring your receipts for medicine, prescriptions, hearing aids, TTY or other signalling equipment purchased. These purchases may be counted as a medical expense on your tax return.

To Qualify: You must be Deaf, Deaf-Blind, Deafened, or Hard of Hearing. You must earn less than $35,000 per year (sorry no business taxes). Appointments are booked per person, so please let us know how many taxes you will bring when you leave your name on the waiting list.

Please call, email, or fax us to add your name to the waiting list today!

Phone: 604-736-7391 or TTY: 604-736-2527 or Fax: 604-736-4381

info@widhh.com

WIDHH Holiday ClosuresThursday, December 24, 2015 - Closed at 2:00pm

Friday, December 25, 2015 - Closed

Saturday, December 26, 2015 - Closed

Monday, December 28, 2015 - Closed

Thursday, December 31, 2015 - Closed at 2:00pm

Friday, January 1, 2016 - Closed

Saturday, January 2, 2016 - Closed

We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause!

Save the Date!

Support Groups & Services

Head Office (at Arbutus)2125 West 7th Avenue

Vancouver, BC V6K 1X9604-736-7391 ..........................phone604-736-2527 .................................tty604-736-4381 .................................faxinfo@widhh.com .....................e-mail

Willow Office (at Broadway)#514 - 2525 Willow Street

Vancouver, BC V5Z 3N8778-329-0870 ..........................phone778-329-0874 .................................tty778-329-0875 .................................faxwillowinfo@widhh.com .......e-mail

Tri-Cities Office (at Westwood)#260 - 2755 Lougheed Highway

Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9604-942-7397 ..........................phone604-942-7380 .................................tty604-942-7395 .................................faxtricitiesinfo@widhh.com .....e-mail

The WAVE is published quarterly, please contact Ruth Blackburn, at

rblackburn@widhh.com to submit an article.

www.facebook.com/WIDHHBCwww.twitter.com/WIDHH

www.widhh.com We proudly acknowledge financial assistance from the Province of British Columbia.

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) - Vancouver Branch

A consumer-based organization formed by and for Hard of Hearing Canadians. Provides support, education, and socialization in learning to

cope with a hearing loss; for youth to seniors, and their family and friends. chhavancouver@gmail.com www.chhavancouver.ca

Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf (GVAD)

A consumer-advocate group on behalf of the Deaf Community. gvadoffice@gmail.com www.gvad.com

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) - BC Chapter

A consumer-based, non-profit working with Hard of Hearing consumers to decrease isolation and remove barriers by providing supportive

environments, education, resources, referrals, and advocacy.info@chha-bc.org www.chha-bc.org

Family Network for Deaf Children (FNDC)

A parent run non-profit supporting families with Deaf and Hard of Hearing children that use Sign Language or are interested in learning sign language.

fndc@fndc.ca www.fndc.ca

BC Balance and Dizziness Disorders Society (BADD)

BADD provides information, support, and advocacy for persons with balance, dizziness, and all vestibular disorders.

info@balanceanddizziness.org www.balanceanddizziness.org

WIDHH is supported by Public Donations, Grants, or provides services under Contract from the following: Provincial Health Services Authority,

Province of British Columbia, Vancouver Foundation, Ministry of Children & Family Development, United Way of the Lower Mainland,

and the City of Vancouver.

Make a Difference in Your Community!Since 1956, the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (WIDHH) has been passionately

committed to addressing concerns about accessibility and quality of life for Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in BC.

Make a one-time donation or a monthly donation to support vital programs in our community. Your gift will allow Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to access WIDHH’s services in Audiology,

Counselling, Interpreting, and Communication Devices.

YES! I want to Support WIDHH!⎕ $50 per month (ongoing) ⎕ $20 per month (ongoing) ⎕ $10 per month (ongoing)

⎕ Other: $___________ per month for ___________ months

⎕ One-Time Donation of: ⎕ $100 ⎕ $50 ⎕ $20 ⎕ Other $___________

All donations over $20 will automatically receive a charitable tax receipt.

⎕ Individual Donor Name: __________________________________________________________________

⎕ Corporate Donor Organization Name: _______________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________ City: ___________________ Postal Code: __________

Phone/TTY: ________________________________ E-mail: _______________________________________

I prefer: ⎕ A printed newsletter mailed to my address above ⎕ An e-newlstter sent to my email inbox above

Payment Method

⎕ My cheque is enclosed (payable to “WIDHH”)

⎕ Credit Card: ⎕ Visa ⎕ MasterCard

Credit Card #: ___________________________________________ Expiry Date: ____ / ____ CVD: ______

Name on Card (if different than above): _________________________________________________________

What day of the month should we process your donation? __________________________________________

By signing below, I am giving my consent for WIDHH to make pre-authorized withdrawls (if I am a monthly donor) from my account or credit card. I may revoke my authorization at any time, subject to providing notice of 30 days.

Signature: ___________________________________________________ Date: ____________________

2125 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V6K 1X9Phone: 604-736-7391 • TTY: 604-736-2527 • Fax: 604-736-4381

www.widhh.com

CLICK HERE TO

 WIDHHBOARDOFDIRECTORSNOMINATIONFORM

  I hereby  indicate my willingness to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of the Western Institute for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.   If elected, I will serve to the best of my ability and abide by the Constitution and By‐laws of WIDHH.  I am a member in good standing of WIDHH  Signed:    _____________________________________  Date:  ______________________________  Print Name:   ______________________________________________________________________________  Address:  ______________________________________________________________________________  Phone #:   _______________  Fax:  _______________  E‐mail:              Nominators:  1.             (Please Print Name)     I am a member in good standing of WIDHH  Signed:    _____________________________________  Date:  ______________________________   2.             (Please Print Name)    I am a member in good standing of WIDHH  Signed:    _____________________________________  Date:  ______________________________   Please write a brief biographical account and a statement of interest in serving on the Board (1 paragraph). ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________