Family &
Community Program
This program offers a range of family and individual support services including:

• Solution focussed counselling
• Individual advocacy
• Home-based sign language training
• Support groups
• Educational resources and workshops
• Referrals
• As well as direct work with individuals and families, program staff also provides consultation to other community service providers on issues related to deafness and participate in integrated case management.

For ASL - click below

Services are delivered by program coordinators and community outreach workers. The Victoria office serves Greater Victoria, including the Gulf Islands and the Nanaimo office serves the Duncan to Campbell River region

Please contact the Victoria office at: 250-592-8144 (voice), 250-592-8147 (TTY) or email: Coordinator of the Family and Community Program - jenny@idhhc.ca or Community Outreach Workers - susanne@idhhc.ca or angela@idhhc.ca.

Please contact the Nanaimo office at 250-753-0999 (voice), 250-753-0977 (TTY), Toll free 1-877-424-3323 (voice & TTY), or email: Coordinator of the Family and Community Program – alex@idhhc.ca

Interpreting Services
A Sign Language Interpreter is a professional who facilitates clear and fluid communication between people who use spoken English and those who must rely on visual modes of communication. The use of a qualified interpreter ensures equal communication access without discrimination.

IDHHC maintains an updated list of freelance interpreters and carefully matches interpreters with assignment demands according to consumer preference, experience, assignment continuity and availability.

Interpreters and captionists are available through the referral service at IDHHC on a cost recovery basis.
Examples include:

• Medical Services
• Legal Services
• Government Services
• Employment Support
• Educational Programs

Emergency interpreting requests (Police and Medical) are co-ordinated 24 hours a day.Please call:

250-592-8144 voice or
250-592-8147 TTY

Please contact the Coordinator of Interpreting Services at interpreting@idhhc.ca or 250-592-8144 (voice), 250-592-8147 (TTY).

For ASL - click below

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Hearing Loss Resource Program
Audiologist and Assistant on staff

• Technical Aids Program:
  Assistive listening devices for the hard of hearing are available through IDHHC.  These include amplifying systems for the TV or telephone as well as personal listening systems.
  
  Alerting systems (eg flashing lights) for the doorbell, telephone, alarm clock, or other environmental sounds are available for the Deaf and hard of hearing. 
  
  Our goal is to help select the most appropriate assistive device to meet the specific needs of the clients.
  
  
• Aural Rehabilitation Program
  Counseling for individuals and family members in understanding, coping with and managing hearing loss or tinnitus is available.

  Individual or group sessions that provide an opportunity to develop various communication strategies, and practice speechreading skills and auditory skills are available.

  Hearing aid information sessions are also held. These sessions help individuals better understand how to use/cope with their hearing aids.
  

• Hearing Loss Support Group
  This group meets weekly and is targeted at late-deafened adults.  About half of the group membership use hearing aids and half use cochlear implants.  The Hearing Loss Support group provides necessary support for those who develop very significant hearing losses later in life.  The group is facilitated by our staff audiologist.

Read our 9 Strategies for Communicating with the Hard of Hearing and Deaf HERE

Please contact the Victoria office at: 250-592-8144 (voice),
250-592-8147 (TTY) or email IDHHC’s Audiologist: janet@idhhc.ca or Hearing Loss Program Assistant dale@idhhc.ca

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Employment Program for Persons with Disabilities
The EPPD provides persons with hearing loss access to a full range of services, tools and supports that address the distinct needs of their disability.

Funding from the Ministry of Social Development, Province of British Columbia

Services include:

• Pre-Employment Services
• Planning and Employment Services
• Self-Employment Services
• Disability Supports
• Assistive Technology

In addition to client outcomes of full time, part time or volunteer employment, successful outcome of EPPD participation also include:

• Increased access to needed disability supports;
• Career planning and assessment;
• Employment placement and follow-up;
• Job related skills training;
• Self-employment services;
• Better understanding of the disability as it relates to employment; and,
• Increased connection to the community

Please contact the Victoria office at: 250-592-8144 (voice),
250-592-8147 (TTY) or email the Employment Counselor:
tracy@idhhc.ca or the Job Developer: katrina@idhhc.ca

Please contact the Nanaimo office at 250-753-0999 (voice),
250-753-0977 (TTY) or email the Employment Counselor: steve@idhhc.ca

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Resource Development Program
This program identifies and develops the resources needed to promote and support the agency and its activities.  Volunteers are a valuable resource and are an integral part of the agency.

The Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre takes great pride in its “caring” culture and the professional approach to the services we provide. Volunteers have served IDHHC for the past 19 years and have made significant contributions to the lives of deaf, deafened and hard of hearing individuals. Volunteering with Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre provides the kind of experience that enriches the soul while providing opportunities for personal growth and development.

If you are 18 years of age and up, we encourage you to think about becoming a volunteer as you look through our website and learn about our history, programs and opportunities. Become a supporter of an important organization and cause!

Volunteer Opportunities
Get involved. If you want to volunteer for a one-time event or ongoing activities, your energy, time and expertise are invaluable to us. Areas where you can become involved:

• Reception and office support
• Fundraising
• One-on-one client support
• Agency activities and events
• Public relations
• Governance (Board and Committee)

For more information how you can become involved in the Volunteer Program please contact the Victoria office at: 250-592-8144 (voice) or 250-592-8147 (TTY) or email: patti@idhhc.ca

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