Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program

What is the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program?

The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program offers a variety of services to Deaf children, youth, adults and families. Services are provided by professional staff who are either Deaf themselves, or fluent in ASL. Our staff are sensitive to the unique needs of individuals with hearing loss. Services may be available on a province-wide basis depending on existing local resources and the scope of the request.

Available Services

Vocational Rehabilitation for Deaf Youth and Adults:

Vocational Rehabilitation refers to the progressive process of planning, preparing for, and attaining gainful employment. This may include assessment, counselling, support in obtaining financial assistance for job training, educational programs and/or employment placement. It may also include pre-vocational counselling with youth as well as other interventions prior to graduation.

Services to Deaf Children, Youth and Families:

A variety of case management services are available to Deaf and hard of hearing children and youth attending either the Manitoba School for the Deaf or a mainstream educational program. Services include needs assessment, resource information and referral, service coordination, education, counselling, school program support, recreation planning and ASL subsidies. For those families eligible for Children's Special Services, the following services can now be accessed by the SMD: respite services, behavioral psychology services and assistance with some of the extraordinary costs of caring for a Deaf child with additional disabilities. A counsellor will work with Deaf children, youth and families to ensure their needs are met through the effective coordination of service and/or interventions.

Advocacy:

At times Deaf individuals require the services of a Deaf Advocate to accompany them to appointments where the most basic information may be misunderstood, even with a sign language interpreter present. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program provides advocacy so that the individual can receive information in a way he or she can comprehend. Having another Deaf person involved with medical and/or legal appointments can greatly enhance the overall comfort level of an individual who does not have experience dealing with larger, mainstream systems. A fee for service may apply depending on the scope of the situation.

Consultation, Presentations and Workshops:

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program staff are available to provide a range of presentations, workshops and consultative services. Professional development programs can be designed to suit your needs and address such topics as Accessibility, Communication, ASL and Deaf Culture. A fee for service may apply.

A man with a beard practising his sign-language skills

ASL/English Tutoring for Deaf Newcomers to Canada:

Many Deaf newcomers arrive in Canada without the necessary language skills to effectively pursue either employment and/or educational opportunities. Individual or group classes funded by the Manitoba Immigrant Integration Program provide Deaf newcomers with a culturally sensitive environment and curriculum to learn both ASL and English.

Life Skills Training:A man operating some machinery

An individualized or group life skills training program can be designed, implemented and monitored by Deaf Community Counsellors. Training may focus on, but not be limited to, self awareness and confidence, effective communication and interpersonal skills, parenting and/or daily living skills. A fee for service may apply.

Who is Eligible for Service?

Youth and Adult Vocational Rehabilitation:

To be eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services through Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, an individual must be:

  • 16 years of age or over
  • a Deaf or hard of hearing Manitoba resident not working more than 15 hours a week, nor in receipt of Workers Compensation or Department of Veteran
  • Affairs benefits. Youth must be in their final six months of high school to qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation Services.

Children, Youth and Family Services:

  • Any Deaf or hard of hearing child or youth (and their family) attending the Manitoba School for the Deaf or a mainstream educational program.

ASL/English Tutoring for Deaf Newcomers to Canada:

  • Any Deaf newcomer to Canada who has not yet become a Canadian citizen and is a Manitoba resident.

Life Skills Training and Advocacy:

  • Any Deaf or hard of hearing Manitoba resident.

How Do You Contact Us to Make a Referral?

In Winnipeg, please contact the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program Supervisor at: Telephone: (204) 975-3074 TTY: (204) 975-3083 or contact your local SMD office.