WEBVTT 00:00:11.414 --> 00:00:17.742 [Anselmo]: Hello! This is DeafDots, 14 May 2021. 00:00:17.742 --> 00:00:24.928 Bringing alerts & news reports at intervals for all Deaf Canadians! 00:00:58.212 --> 00:01:08.211 [Anselmo]: This month, the Canadian government is doing the Census 00:01:08.270 --> 00:01:14.631 to find out how Canada is changing, 00:01:14.631 --> 00:01:22.496 key socioeconomic information on population growth, 00:01:22.496 --> 00:01:29.624 estimate future demand for child tax benefits, 00:01:29.624 --> 00:01:41.029 old age security pensions and community services such as schools, 00:01:41.029 --> 00:01:47.255 daycare centres and emergency services. 00:01:47.255 --> 00:01:53.878 -For three months until July, 00:01:53.878 --> 00:02:10.796 the Census will collect information about age, sex at birth, gender, 00:02:10.796 --> 00:02:20.878 official languages and household relationships. 00:02:20.878 --> 00:02:29.097 It also gathers details about income, 00:02:29.097 --> 00:02:42.111 education, religion, ethnic or cultural origins, 00:02:42.111 --> 00:02:53.070 Indigenous identity and languages, and more. 00:02:57.077 --> 00:03:11.343 [Anselmo]: The 2021 Census questionnaire will include new 00:03:11.343 --> 00:03:26.203 information to measure equity, diversity and inclusivity. 00:03:26.203 --> 00:03:37.747 There will be questions on gender expression, 00:03:37.747 --> 00:03:56.587 minority language rights-holders, self-identification, religion, 00:03:56.587 --> 00:04:12.031 the labour market, Indigenous groups, housing, 00:04:12.031 --> 00:04:26.417 income and expenditures, as well as population groups. 00:04:26.417 --> 00:04:39.038 -Statistics Canada, a federal government agency, 00:04:39.038 --> 00:04:47.238 takes the Census every five years. 00:04:47.238 --> 00:05:01.789 This will be the 23rd time the Census is being taken since the 00:05:01.789 --> 00:05:09.244 first national Census in 1871! 00:05:09.244 --> 00:05:20.292 The 2021 Census is still on track starting in May 00:05:20.381 --> 00:05:29.401 no matter the COVID-19 pandemic. 00:05:29.401 --> 00:05:46.696 Each household will get information on the census early May. 00:05:46.696 --> 00:06:01.009 You can fill out the questionnaire either online or on paper. 00:06:01.009 --> 00:06:18.338 -Information on the Census is currently provided English, French, 00:06:18.338 --> 00:06:30.436 13 Indigenous languages and 12 immigrant languages. 00:06:30.436 --> 00:06:43.501 Unfortunately ASL or LSQ are not among these languages. 00:06:43.501 --> 00:06:54.464 And how many Deaf people are there in Canada? 00:06:54.464 --> 00:07:01.522 DeafDots asked Geoff Bowlby, 00:07:01.522 --> 00:07:10.848 Director General at Statistics Canada. 00:07:11.332 --> 00:07:17.005 [Geoff]: Statistics Canada does talk with Deaf organizations - 00:07:17.005 --> 00:07:23.143 which ones, I don't remember the name as I haven't been involved in 00:07:23.143 --> 00:07:29.375 these discussions yet but now that we are aware of ASL and LSQ being 00:07:29.375 --> 00:07:35.327 official languages for the Deaf community so our Census will need 00:07:35.327 --> 00:07:40.535 to reflect this with easier information to help Canadians 00:07:40.535 --> 00:07:46.115 complete the Census or take the "Difficulty hearing" surveys. 00:07:46.115 --> 00:07:51.975 Our communications team is also expanding with the goal to reach 00:07:51.975 --> 00:07:58.654 major organizations in the community to alert them to the upcoming Census. 00:07:58.688 --> 00:08:05.065 Which Deaf community and organizations we are collaborating with, 00:08:05.065 --> 00:08:09.622 I do not know the exact names but I know they have 00:08:09.622 --> 00:08:12.141 been in contact with some. 00:08:12.640 --> 00:08:19.190 [Anselmo]: Why are there no ASL or LSQ videos 00:08:19.246 --> 00:08:24.394 on the 2021 Census website? 00:08:24.904 --> 00:08:30.617 [Geoff]: This is the first time for the year 2021 that the Census 00:08:30.617 --> 00:08:36.152 will add ASL and LSQ videos which will be available to the Deaf 00:08:36.152 --> 00:08:39.035 community on taking the Census. 00:08:39.035 --> 00:08:44.213 We are in the process of uploading the videos which will be 00:08:44.213 --> 00:08:48.677 available May 3rd on the Statistics Canada website. 00:08:49.678 --> 00:09:01.967 [Anselmo]: DeafDots interviewed Geoff at the end of April so we 00:09:01.967 --> 00:09:08.365 have not seen these videos yet. 00:09:08.365 --> 00:09:21.248 The Deaf community has struggled to answer a common question asked 00:09:21.248 --> 00:09:36.472 by many hearing people - on government grants and other funders and businesses: 00:09:36.547 --> 00:09:41.161 “how many Deaf people?” 00:09:41.235 --> 00:09:49.789 The Census had not counted Deaf people. 00:09:49.789 --> 00:09:59.495 Geoff, how will Deaf people be counted? 00:09:59.999 --> 00:10:06.906 [Geoff]: Here in Canada, the Census is not the only way to count. 00:10:06.906 --> 00:10:11.962 On the long Census questionnaire, question 18 asks 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:16.469 "Do you have difficulty hearing? Yes or No." 00:10:16.508 --> 00:10:18.102 If marked Yes, 00:10:18.102 --> 00:10:24.712 the person's name will be placed on a list for a follow up survey 00:10:24.712 --> 00:10:28.801 which will ask more detailed questions. 00:10:28.801 --> 00:10:35.721 This "Post-Census Survey" will not only ask the Disability community 00:10:35.721 --> 00:10:40.885 but also other communities more detailed questions. 00:10:40.885 --> 00:10:48.328 The "Canadian Survey on Disability" will be distributed in the year 2022. 00:10:48.366 --> 00:10:53.072 Question 18 on the long Census and the Canadian 00:10:53.072 --> 00:10:59.475 Survey on Disability together should give a proper count on how 00:10:59.475 --> 00:11:02.809 many Deaf people across Canada. 00:11:03.564 --> 00:11:10.318 [Anselmo]: The Canadian Survey on Disability" is also taken every 5 years. 00:11:11.071 --> 00:11:17.382 [Geoff]: Our goal with each community is to try to reach out and do outreach. 00:11:17.413 --> 00:11:23.563 Through our website organizations can download information to distribute. 00:11:23.563 --> 00:11:27.697 We are happy to provide information to give out to 00:11:27.697 --> 00:11:31.661 encourage the Deaf community to take the Census. 00:11:31.661 --> 00:11:36.554 We try to make our website as user-friendly as possible for 00:11:36.554 --> 00:11:39.190 members of the Deaf community. 00:11:39.190 --> 00:11:44.251 Anyone watching this interview and wants more information can 00:11:44.251 --> 00:11:46.535 contact Statistics Canada, 00:11:46.535 --> 00:11:50.358 we are more than happy to provide information. 00:11:50.611 --> 00:11:58.879 [Anselmo]: I heard the Census will be hiring 35,000 people. 00:11:58.879 --> 00:12:02.621 Can Deaf people apply? 00:12:02.873 --> 00:12:05.337 [Geoff]: Exact answer to this, 00:12:05.337 --> 00:12:08.870 I do not know but 35,000 workers will be hired 00:12:08.900 --> 00:12:12.019 including people who knock on doors, 00:12:12.019 --> 00:12:18.134 office staff to handle paperwork and operations are included in that number. 00:12:18.164 --> 00:12:21.874 We haven't started hiring people yet but will start 00:12:21.874 --> 00:12:27.655 hiring in the first week of June so job openings are still available 00:12:27.684 --> 00:12:31.572 and open to any Deaf or hard of hearing person wanting to 00:12:31.572 --> 00:12:33.149 join the Census. 00:12:33.149 --> 00:12:41.255 Go to www.census.gc.ca and click "Apply Now" to send an application. 00:12:41.255 --> 00:12:48.899 On the application form you will be able to mark that you have a disability. 00:12:48.937 --> 00:12:51.599 Please consider applying, 00:12:51.599 --> 00:12:54.923 we need to hire as many people. 00:12:55.426 --> 00:13:03.932 [Anselmo]: Wow, and for how long would the 2021 Census take? 00:13:04.435 --> 00:13:07.443 [Geoff]: The Census starts Monday, 00:13:07.443 --> 00:13:11.363 May 3rd and continues until the end of July, 00:13:11.363 --> 00:13:13.442 if all goes smooth. 00:13:13.943 --> 00:13:16.424 [Anselmo]: Thanks, Geoff. 00:13:30.708 --> 00:13:35.333 [Anselmo]: In May 2018, 00:13:35.333 --> 00:13:46.787 Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced that in partnership with 00:13:46.787 --> 00:13:52.660 Ontario Association of the Deaf, 00:13:52.660 --> 00:14:03.056 the OPP has endorsed a visor card to assist a Deaf person to 00:14:03.056 --> 00:14:12.747 communicate with a police officer during a traffic stop. 00:14:13.002 --> 00:14:21.599 =Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and OAD worked together to develop 00:14:21.599 --> 00:14:28.764 a visor card to point to communicate with police officer 00:14:43.031 --> 00:14:46.869 [Anselmo]: In November 2019, 00:14:46.869 --> 00:14:53.159 Edmonton Police Service and Deaf and Hear Alberta 00:14:53.208 --> 00:14:58.545 also announced a communication card. 00:14:59.049 --> 00:15:03.193 In the city of Edmonton, 00:15:03.193 --> 00:15:13.140 their Police Services collaborated with Deaf and Hear Alberta to 00:15:13.140 --> 00:15:18.567 come up with a communication card. 00:15:58.356 --> 00:16:01.607 [Anselmo]: Donald Prong, 00:16:01.607 --> 00:16:07.342 OAD executive director hopes use of this communication 00:16:07.388 --> 00:16:15.229 or visor card would also be replicated by other provinces. 00:16:15.229 --> 00:16:23.278 Their card is the first initiative of its kind to be endorsed by a 00:16:23.278 --> 00:16:26.631 police service in Ontario. 00:16:26.889 --> 00:16:36.567 The communication card shows common visual symbols and texts 00:16:36.567 --> 00:16:44.148 that the police officer can show to communicate. 00:16:55.664 --> 00:17:02.615 [Anselmo]: Do you think this communication or visor card is a good idea? 00:17:02.650 --> 00:17:06.925 We asked the Canadian Association of the Deaf (CAD): 00:17:07.927 --> 00:17:13.580 [Wissam]: The Canadian Association of the Deaf - Association des 00:17:13.580 --> 00:17:18.604 Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC) supports use of the Visor card 00:17:18.604 --> 00:17:21.596 when pulled over to show police. 00:17:21.596 --> 00:17:25.902 It has tremendous benefits to the Deaf community. 00:17:25.902 --> 00:17:31.824 We applaud Ontario Association of the Deaf (OAD) for advocating and 00:17:31.824 --> 00:17:35.890 working with Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). 00:17:35.890 --> 00:17:41.452 This interaction has resulted in launching the Visor card which 00:17:41.452 --> 00:17:43.976 when pulled over by police, 00:17:43.976 --> 00:17:46.966 the Deaf driver can show police. 00:17:46.966 --> 00:17:52.480 It is general knowledge that when a Deaf driver is pulled over, 00:17:52.480 --> 00:17:58.350 it is stressful and worrying for the Deaf person and raises anxiety 00:17:58.350 --> 00:18:03.775 due to incidents happening around the world on police conduct. 00:18:03.775 --> 00:18:05.665 When pulled over, 00:18:05.665 --> 00:18:09.851 it could get frantic dealing with the police officer 00:18:09.884 --> 00:18:13.381 which could lead to disruption. 00:18:13.381 --> 00:18:18.806 Showing the Visor card could possibly alleviate this situation 00:18:18.806 --> 00:18:21.770 and lead to peaceful resolution. 00:18:21.770 --> 00:18:25.198 If detailed conversation is necessary, 00:18:25.198 --> 00:18:28.256 an interpreter should be arranged. 00:18:28.759 --> 00:18:36.496 [Anselmo]: What about hearing people using the card to pretend 00:18:36.496 --> 00:18:41.516 they are Deaf to avoid getting tickets? 00:18:42.021 --> 00:18:46.790 [Wissam]: We know that these Visor cards could be exploited 00:18:46.827 --> 00:18:51.937 by the hearing person when they are pulled over 00:18:51.974 --> 00:18:56.260 and they worry about getting charged. 00:18:56.260 --> 00:19:00.734 They could pretend by gesturing and showing the Visor card 00:19:00.770 --> 00:19:04.827 and pointing to their ears. 00:19:04.827 --> 00:19:07.589 How could this be resolved? 00:19:07.589 --> 00:19:13.874 I would encourage the provincial Visor organizations to work with 00:19:13.874 --> 00:19:20.060 provincial police to establish rules and policies to protect us. 00:19:20.060 --> 00:19:25.844 One possible example could be to show membership of a Deaf 00:19:25.844 --> 00:19:31.658 organization regardless if it is a local, municipal, 00:19:31.658 --> 00:19:38.456 provincial or national membership card to Deaf organization that you 00:19:38.456 --> 00:19:46.402 are involved in that could be shown to demonstrate that you are Deaf. 00:19:46.441 --> 00:19:51.444 There could be other options or ways but it is important when 00:19:51.444 --> 00:19:57.634 dealing with police to protect yourself with a Visor card that 00:19:57.634 --> 00:20:02.562 benefits us in overcoming barriers as a solution as long 00:20:02.600 --> 00:20:06.893 as others don't take advantage. 00:20:06.893 --> 00:20:12.981 CAD-ACS thanks DeafDots for this opportunity to highlight the 00:20:12.981 --> 00:20:18.866 importance of this issue to Deaf communities across Canada. 00:20:20.118 --> 00:20:26.718 [Anselmo]: Use of the communication or visor card is 00:20:26.718 --> 00:20:34.294 used in many states in the U.S. Actress Marlee Matlin, 00:20:34.294 --> 00:20:39.552 who is wife of a hearing police officer, 00:20:39.552 --> 00:20:42.140 has some advice: 00:21:26.683 --> 00:21:34.242 [Anselmo]: DeafDots takes a journey from time to time to meet 00:21:34.242 --> 00:21:42.304 people and become familiar with Deaf organizations across Canada. 00:21:42.304 --> 00:21:47.501 Today Nicole, our street reporter, 00:21:47.501 --> 00:21:53.209 has a report on Deaf services in Newfoundland. 00:21:53.962 --> 00:21:59.428 [Nicole]: I am in lovely St. John’s, 00:21:59.428 --> 00:22:05.409 the capital of Newfoundland and Labrador province. 00:22:05.409 --> 00:22:09.479 Let’s meet Myles Murphy at NLAD. 00:22:09.730 --> 00:22:16.643 [Myles]: I am executive director of the NL Association of the Deaf. 00:22:16.643 --> 00:22:23.891 This is the front door where Deaf clients enter for different services. 00:22:23.930 --> 00:22:29.496 For interpreting services, deaf clients go there. 00:22:30.001 --> 00:22:32.212 [Myles]: In 2005, 00:22:32.212 --> 00:22:38.560 we started our Deaf literacy program which we ran for 5 years, 00:22:38.560 --> 00:22:45.012 and started employment services in 2008 which we still provide. 00:22:45.515 --> 00:22:52.422 [Myles]: The NL Deaf community covers Newfoundland, 00:22:52.422 --> 00:23:01.625 altogether roughly 600 people who use sign language, ASL. 00:23:01.625 --> 00:23:06.805 There are many Deaf people in the St. 00:23:06.805 --> 00:23:15.093 John's area and more people isolated throughout Newfoundland. 00:23:15.093 --> 00:23:19.669 In St. John's itself, 00:23:19.669 --> 00:23:30.659 about 200 people which is why we launched our services for the Deaf community. 00:23:30.711 --> 00:23:36.383 Our organization started in 1946 first called 00:23:36.383 --> 00:23:44.257 "Caribou Silent Club" which continued until we changed our 00:23:44.257 --> 00:23:50.300 name to St. John's Association of the Deaf. 00:23:50.300 --> 00:23:58.588 Then in 1982, we changed to "NL Association of the Deaf". 00:23:58.588 --> 00:24:03.801 Why? Because the NL government encouraged our association. 00:24:03.801 --> 00:24:05.632 In our discussions, 00:24:05.632 --> 00:24:10.025 they said money was appropriated only across the province. 00:24:10.025 --> 00:24:14.189 By being a club we were limited to the St. John's area 00:24:14.218 --> 00:24:16.863 while people elsewhere got nothing. 00:24:16.863 --> 00:24:21.719 This is when we took on the name "NL Association of the Deaf" to 00:24:21.719 --> 00:24:24.610 provide services across the province. 00:24:30.118 --> 00:24:32.933 [Myles]: Around since 1946, 00:24:32.933 --> 00:24:37.311 that means this year we celebrate 75 years! 00:24:37.311 --> 00:24:38.874 Wow! 00:24:39.378 --> 00:24:46.385 [Nicole]: DeafDots will report occasionally on Deaf agencies and services. 00:24:46.636 --> 00:24:51.369 [Anselmo]: Thanks, Nicole, 00:24:51.369 --> 00:24:58.320 I like to know more about Deaf communities across Canada. 00:24:58.320 --> 00:25:03.883 Please contact DeafDots if you want us to do a report 00:25:03.929 --> 00:25:08.406 on your city or province! 00:26:06.713 --> 00:26:14.411 [Anselmo]: Many of you may know or heard of Chris Kenopic who has 00:26:14.468 --> 00:26:27.750 25 years of experience as a consumer-driven leader in the nonprofit sector. 00:26:27.807 --> 00:26:35.005 He was involved in the World Congress hosted by 00:26:35.005 --> 00:26:43.001 the World Federation of the Deaf in Montreal in 2003, 00:26:43.001 --> 00:26:51.363 CEO and president of Canadian Hearing Society, 00:26:51.363 --> 00:26:59.772 executive director of Ontario Association of the Deaf 00:26:59.841 --> 00:27:09.541 and most recently at Deaf Literacy Initiative. 00:27:09.541 --> 00:27:20.591 With over 25 years of experience leading OAD, CHS and DLI… 00:27:20.660 --> 00:27:28.792 what advice do you have for the Deaf community? 00:27:29.798 --> 00:27:31.686 [Chris]: Over the years, 00:27:31.686 --> 00:27:34.945 I volunteered in many different organizations, 00:27:34.945 --> 00:27:39.621 served on boards and committees and professional work leading many 00:27:39.621 --> 00:27:41.509 different organizations. 00:27:41.509 --> 00:27:44.506 It has been truly a wonderful experience, 00:27:44.506 --> 00:27:49.182 thanks to the Deaf community who gave me opportunities and trusted 00:27:49.182 --> 00:27:51.070 me to represent them. 00:27:51.070 --> 00:27:55.749 I always keep in mind to make sure I represent the entire Deaf community, 00:27:55.773 --> 00:27:57.814 not just specific communities. 00:27:57.814 --> 00:28:03.072 My advice to the Deaf community is to please get involved in Deaf boards. 00:28:03.097 --> 00:28:06.287 I know sometimes you may deal with hearing people or maybe 00:28:06.287 --> 00:28:10.336 Deaf people who don't get involved, support or speak out, 00:28:10.336 --> 00:28:12.732 but it's important to be optimistic, 00:28:12.732 --> 00:28:16.673 represent and support the Deaf community to achieve equality, 00:28:16.673 --> 00:28:21.599 employment opportunities and advancement in everything you aim for. 00:28:22.598 --> 00:28:30.431 [Anselmo]: How has the Deaf community changed over the years? 00:28:30.431 --> 00:28:33.858 Has it been good or bad? 00:28:34.363 --> 00:28:38.912 [Chris]: Over the years, the Deaf community has changed. 00:28:38.912 --> 00:28:42.720 I think changes with the times are to be expected, 00:28:42.720 --> 00:28:44.372 that's evolution. 00:28:44.372 --> 00:28:48.545 Whether it's negative or positive doesn't matter. 00:28:48.545 --> 00:28:53.797 Today, the Deaf community has increased benefits... 00:28:53.797 --> 00:28:59.882 technology advancements, more career choices and more opportunities. 00:28:59.882 --> 00:29:05.271 We now have the opportunity to change strategies and how we can 00:29:05.271 --> 00:29:07.897 advocate for better services. 00:29:07.897 --> 00:29:12.390 We can use technology to increase messaging, communication, 00:29:12.390 --> 00:29:16.429 gather and support each other to participate in different 00:29:16.429 --> 00:29:20.757 organizations to make sure we are entitled to equal services, 00:29:20.757 --> 00:29:23.161 employment and any opportunities. 00:29:24.412 --> 00:29:31.510 [Anselmo]: DLI recently announced that CK will be leaving them. 00:29:31.510 --> 00:29:35.922 DeafDots asked him what his plans are. 00:29:36.176 --> 00:29:41.102 [Chris]: I will be leaving DLI after 5 years. 00:29:41.102 --> 00:29:48.507 Since my best friend, Laureen, mom of four kids left us, 00:29:48.507 --> 00:29:53.942 I decided it was time for a new chapter or journey. 00:29:53.942 --> 00:29:59.610 I will be moving to Renfrew to focus more on my four kids to succeed, 00:29:59.639 --> 00:30:03.125 and look forward to my oldest daughter having a baby, 00:30:03.125 --> 00:30:05.134 and becoming a grandpa. 00:30:05.134 --> 00:30:06.952 She is due June 17. 00:30:07.960 --> 00:30:18.021 [Anselmo]: CK has become an advocate of mental health after 00:30:18.021 --> 00:30:27.214 his wife, Laureen tragically passed away in June 2020. 00:30:28.476 --> 00:30:35.549 [Chris]: The Deaf community has to do better in advocating mental 00:30:35.549 --> 00:30:37.483 health issues. 00:30:37.483 --> 00:30:38.642 Right now, 00:30:38.642 --> 00:30:43.536 most of the people who are pushing who experience mental health and 00:30:43.536 --> 00:30:46.085 anxiety issues are fighting alone, 00:30:46.085 --> 00:30:50.979 depend on family supports or some friends but the Deaf community as 00:30:50.979 --> 00:30:54.146 a whole has not presented an united front, 00:30:54.146 --> 00:30:57.506 there are weaknesses that need to be changed. 00:30:57.506 --> 00:31:00.903 Looking back at what poor Laureen went through, 00:31:00.903 --> 00:31:03.673 every time she had a new appointment, 00:31:03.673 --> 00:31:07.020 she had to keep explaining her accessibility, 00:31:07.020 --> 00:31:10.175 cultural and language needs over and over, 00:31:10.175 --> 00:31:12.021 when I was with her, 00:31:12.021 --> 00:31:16.742 I had to advocate when she wanted to participate in group sessions 00:31:16.742 --> 00:31:20.692 with different individuals, argue for accessibility, 00:31:20.692 --> 00:31:23.370 using videophone, and so on... 00:31:23.370 --> 00:31:27.874 when already struggling with their own mental health issues and 00:31:27.874 --> 00:31:32.304 their expecting her to advocate as well contributes to stress. 00:31:32.304 --> 00:31:35.791 This applies to anyone with mental health issues. 00:31:35.791 --> 00:31:39.181 The Deaf community needs to strategize better, 00:31:39.181 --> 00:31:41.908 organizations including Deaf groups, 00:31:41.908 --> 00:31:44.480 specialized service organizations, 00:31:44.480 --> 00:31:49.193 does their boards and management really understand these issues? 00:31:49.193 --> 00:31:54.056 There is a need for more empathy and understanding of our culture, 00:31:54.056 --> 00:31:56.020 our language and access, 00:31:56.020 --> 00:32:01.094 and they need to improve themselves in providing appropriate services. 00:32:01.122 --> 00:32:04.400 It does not make sense that when Deaf people 00:32:04.400 --> 00:32:08.546 struggle with depression, go to a specialized service, 00:32:08.546 --> 00:32:12.614 and for the Deaf community, have to use interpreters, 00:32:12.614 --> 00:32:14.578 it doesn't make sense. 00:32:14.578 --> 00:32:15.843 In addition, 00:32:15.843 --> 00:32:20.536 hearing agencies do not know how to deal with interpreters. 00:32:20.536 --> 00:32:25.150 This uncertainty tells Deaf communities they are not doing 00:32:25.150 --> 00:32:29.682 enough to advocate for improvements and policy changes to 00:32:29.682 --> 00:32:33.349 improve services for those who need supports. 00:32:33.853 --> 00:32:39.854 [Anselmo]: How has the COVID-19 impacted the Deaf community? 00:32:40.858 --> 00:32:48.830 [Chris]: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the Deaf community, 00:32:48.867 --> 00:32:54.323 especially those that have mental health and anxiety issues. 00:32:54.360 --> 00:32:58.529 For example my best friend, Laureen, 00:32:58.529 --> 00:33:04.980 mom of 4 kids experienced lack of services and communication gaps. 00:33:04.980 --> 00:33:10.638 The messages from the government of Canada were not clear. 00:33:10.638 --> 00:33:16.191 She experienced a severe shortage of interpreters and couldn't meet 00:33:16.191 --> 00:33:20.650 a counselor in person which contributed to the stress. 00:33:20.650 --> 00:33:23.719 This impact on the Deaf community... 00:33:23.719 --> 00:33:26.523 worrying about jobs and layoffs, 00:33:26.523 --> 00:33:32.796 how to support families and dealing with schools has impacted everything. 00:33:32.828 --> 00:33:36.535 It has undoubtedly had a huge impact on the Deaf 00:33:36.535 --> 00:33:41.920 community especially those who are struggling with mental health. 00:33:42.421 --> 00:33:49.394 [Anselmo]: DeafDots thanks you for making your time and wishes you 00:33:49.394 --> 00:33:55.931 the best in your new surroundings in Renfrew, Ontario! 00:33:56.685 --> 00:33:59.853 [Chris]: Thanks for interviewing me, 00:33:59.853 --> 00:34:04.895 I hope that Deaf communities who are looking at themselves, 00:34:04.895 --> 00:34:10.816 regardless of their age, different organizations, skills, 00:34:10.816 --> 00:34:16.205 realize the importance that we consider that number one: 00:34:16.205 --> 00:34:18.907 we are Deaf with different labels, 00:34:18.907 --> 00:34:26.285 know the importance to try to work as one big group who are all Deaf, 00:34:26.321 --> 00:34:30.625 work together to approach and resolve issues to improve 00:34:30.625 --> 00:34:36.293 equal access to benefit Deaf communities overall which means 00:34:36.293 --> 00:34:41.479 everyone would have better opportunities in the future. 00:34:42.480 --> 00:34:48.414 [Anselmo]: We’ve come to the end of this DeafDots program. 00:34:48.414 --> 00:34:51.235 Thank you for watching us! 00:34:51.235 --> 00:34:58.203 You can send your news stories or suggestions, 00:34:58.203 --> 00:35:09.872 please visit www.DeafDots.ca and click ‘Submit News’ to type your information, 00:35:09.930 --> 00:35:15.011 attach text or signed video file, 00:35:15.011 --> 00:35:19.991 or send email to news@deafdots.ca 00:35:20.047 --> 00:35:24.716 Thank you!