Employment Support

Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre (IDHHC) offers specialized employment services to Deaf, DeafBlind and hard of hearing persons and their employers throughout Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. 
 

Working as a team, IDHHC employment specialists and Audiologists can assist individuals to sustain their employment and access funding for communication and hearing devices (aids) related to work through orkBC Assistive Technology Services (ATS). 
 

Access to funding for training, technical aids, hearing aids, essential employment tools/clothing, wage subsidy, self-employment, transportation & other costs associated with employability (must meet eligibility requirements for funding supports) 

• Provide support in adapting the job site to ensure a safe and productive environment 

• Information to employers and staff about Deaf culture and communication strategies for hearing loss 

Services to clients include: 

• Access to funding for hearing aids, technical aids, training, essential employment tools/clothing, wage subsidy, self-employment, transportation & other costs associated with employability (must meet eligibility requirements for funding supports) 

• Assessment of interests and abilities for training and educational plans 

• Instruction in job search skills, resume writing and interview techniques 

• Referrals to job vacancies, training and upgrading programs 

• Arranging interpreting or captioning for interviews, training and staff development 

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Support provided for: 

• Deaf or Hard of Hearing 

• Unemployed or working part-time 

• Experiencing barriers to employment 

• Employed and are unable to afford the cost of hearing Aids/Adaptive Devices to maintain employment 
   

What to expect: 

• Confidential and Individualized support 

• Assessment of employment needs, interests and barriers 

• Case Management and ongoing job search support 

• Referrals to specialized assessments ie. Audiological, Vocational, and Career Assessments