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.    

 

Support provided for individuals who are:  

• Unemployed or working part-time  

OR 

• Employed and needing support and/or hearing aids to continue working 

For Services to Employers, please see Employer Support 

 

Services to clients include:  

• Potential access to funding for hearing aids and communication devices related to work through WorkBC Assistive Technology Services (ATS) 

• Assessment of interests and abilities for career exploration 

• One on one instruction or group workshops in topics such as job search skills, resume writing, networking, and interview techniques and speechreading (lip reading) 

• Referrals to upgrading programs, counselling, assessments, support groups, job vacancies, introductions to employers, and other resources  

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

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

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

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

 

What to expect:  

• Confidential and individualized support 

• Help to gain the skills needed to find employment 

• A safe, empowering environment