HIGH SCHOOL DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING GRADUATE INFORMATION KIT
CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2020!HIGH SCHOOLDEAF AND HARD OF HEARINGGRADUATE INFORMATION KIT
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2020High SchoolDeaf & Hard of HearingGraduate Information KitThis 2020 High School Deaf and Hard of Hearing Graduate Information Kit was prepared by Silent Voice Canada. Although everyreasonable effort was made to ensure accurate information is contained in this Kit, Silent Voice cannot guarantee the accuracyor completeness of the information. Silent Voice Canada 20202
This Kit is For You!So, you are about to leave school and enter a new chapter in your life. As ayoung Deaf or hard of hearing person, perhaps you have some questions that have stillnot been answered. Questions like, “Where should I go for a college or universityeducation? How can I find a Deaf sports club and meet others who share my love ofsports? And where do I find an ASL-English interpreter for my job interview?” There areother questions that you probably have not thought about yet -- and there are answersthat are important for you to know.This kit is for you! It is designed to put information at your fingertips to assist youas you take the first steps into this new chapter in your life. The information containedin this kit will help you find your place in the world, and help you find your place in thecommunity of your choosing.This High School Graduate Information Kit is a gift to you, in the hope that you willfind it useful. We all sometimes make wrong turns in our lives, but we earnestly hopethat this Kit will guide you in finding turns you can make that lead to better information,better choices, and better decisions as you prepare to leave school and go on your life’sjourney.- Silent Voice Canada Inc.3
Table of Contents5EducationAcademic Upgrading ProgramsUniversity & College with Accessible ServicesOSAP, Bursaries, & GrantsBenefits of Post-Secondary Education11EmploymentEmployment ServicesIncome & Tax InformationEmployment Laws15Social ServicesInterpreter ServicesAccessible Devices and NeedsSupport Programs21Community Information & ResourcesCommunity ResourcesPlaces to WorshipEmergencies and Fire SafetyAgency List“You can make goals, but the best partis to act, you have to act on yourdreams. That’s the only way they’llbecome real.”-4Warren “Wawa” Snipes,Gallaudet alumni & Deaf Rapper
EDUCATIONThere are many options for your postsecondary education, both in andoutside of Ontario. This section will giveyou an idea of the different programsavailable. In this section, there are linkswith each program for moreinformation. This graduate kit is to beAll Canadian postsecondary institutionsare required to provideaccessible servicesused as a resource as you begin yourendeavors on whichever path youhave or will decide to take aftergraduating high school.“Deaf people usually do not think that there are multipleemployment opportunities available because so manyfields are underrepresented. When I first started my careerin the museum and archaeology fields, I was faced with alack of role models As well as teaching others like meabout archaeology, I would love for you to join me in myfield!”- Amelia Dall, Deaf Archaeologist5
Academic Upgrading ProgramsDeaf Literacy Initiative msDeaf Literacy Initiative is the umbrella organization whichprovides training, research, networking and resources toDeaf and Deaf-Blind literacy programs and their students inOntario. Though DLI does not give direct literacy instruction,if you are interested in improving your English andmathematic skills, you can find the literacy program closestto your home by going to DLI’s website (link to the left).Academic Upgrading for Deaf & Hard of Hearing AdultsSt. James Campus200 King Street E.Toronto, ONM5A 3W8Room 581 CEmail:deafupgrading@georgebrown.caThis program is the only program of its kind in Toronto,with all courses taught in American Sign Language (ASL).This program is for those Deaf and Hard of Hearingstudents who want to upgrade their English, ASL, andmath skills for further education. This program is free forstudents; there is no tuition. Students may also be eligibleto apply for a Transportation Subsidy.Duration: 1 to 5 semesters depending on student’s goal* September and January intake (full and part time)Website: pgrading-program-A752/Deaf Adult Upgrading ProgramEmail: info@durhamdeaf.orgTTY: (905) orgDurham Deaf Services (DDS) provides free literacy classesfor Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing adults. The programis open Monday to Thursday. Learners develop skills in:English, reading and writing, math, computers, and more.All classes are in ASL.Contact DDS for more information.6
Deaf Learn /deafeducationonline.ca/homecontent/DLN inside look/index.htmlDeaf Learn Now is the first fully online academic programexclusively for Deaf and Hard of Hearing adults in the world.This FREE program is funded by the Ministry of Training,Colleges, and Universities, and is available to adults 19 yearsand older who live in Ontario.Our program offers wonderful, interactive courses to helpstudents improve their English, Math, and ASL skills – toprepare them for employment, gain greater independence,and to move on to post-secondary programs in Canada orabroad. In addition, we have interactive courses in WHMIS,Ontario Driver’s License Preparation, Canadian Citizenship,Deaf Culture, and more.Deaf Empowerment ProgramFennell Campus135 Fennell Avenue W.Hamilton, ONL9C 1E9(at the corner of West 5thStreet)Email:dep@mohawkcollege.caTTY:(905) 575-2436The Deaf Empowerment Program (DEP)is an academicupgrading program for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, hard-of-hearing,and deafened individuals, age 19 and over. This programprovides instruction in math, reading, writing, basiccomputer and employability skills. DEP uses Deaf instructorsusing ASL. This program is free for students; there is notuition.Duration: Full Time, 1 Year (September – June)Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 3:00pmWebsite: entrance-ace/deafContact: Community Training Solutions, AcademicUpgrading Program, Room J137, Fennell Campus7
Accessible Universities and CollegesWhile all Universities and Colleges are required to have accessible services, thefollowing post-secondary institutions are specifically geared towards Deaf and Hard ofHearing students.Gallaudet UniversityGallaudet University800 Florida Avenue NEWashington, D.C.20002 – 3695Contact:TTY/Voice – (800) 995-0500Email: admissions@gallaudet.eduGallaudet University in Washington, D.C. offers a wide variety ofprograms for Deaf, deafened, hard-of-hearing, and hearingstudents in a bilingual environment, using ASL and English. Theyoffer Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and PhD levelprograms. This is one option for students who want to learnoutside of Ontario. For more information, see the Gallaudetwebsite below.Website: https://www.gallaudet.edu/Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) &National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID)National Technical Institute forthe Deaf52 Lomb Memorial DriveRochester, NY14623TTY: (585) 475-6400Contact:To see the NITD email directoryplease visit:www.ntid.rit.edu/contactRIT offers a range of programs at the Associate’s, Bachelor’s,Master’s and PhD levels. All RIT (mainstream)programs areopen to Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, and are madeaccessible through ASL-English Interpreters, real-timecaptionists, notetakers, and other accommodations. Studentsare also able to request interpretation for non-academic events(sports, socials, meetings, etc.) Accommodations are providedat no additional cost to the student.One of the departments within RIT is the National TechnicalInstitute for the Deaf, which offers several programs for Deaf,deafened, hard-of-hearing, and hearing students. For moreinformation, see the websites below.Website: RIT main site: http://www.rit.edu/NTID main site: http://www.ntid.rit.edu/8
Loans, Bursaries, and GrantsBelow are 3 ways to apply to help cover yourcost of post-secondary education through theOntario Government.LOANOntario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) is a loan that a student can apply for tocover the cost of tuition fees, books, rent, etc. while attending a post-secondaryprogram. Six months after finishing your studies, students will begin monthly paymentsto pay back what they borrowed, or you can apply for repayment assistance.Visit the OSAP website for more information: sistance-programGRANTThe Ontario Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities offer grants for studentsenrolled in post-secondary education. A grant is a type of financial support that astudent typically does not have to pay back. A grant is usually awarded based onfinancial need and/or other factors.BURSARYThe Government of Ontario also offers bursaries for students. A bursary is a type offinancial assistance that a student typically does not have to pay back. Bursaries are tohelp students with their financial needs during their schooling.The Bursary for Student with Disabilities (BSWD) is for students who need support oraccommodations (at a cost) such as tutors, note-takers, interpreters, braillers ortechnical aids that are directly related to their disability. Visit the BSWB website formore information: RDR019233.htmlFor more information about how and when to apply forthe Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP), visit:https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-apply-osap9
Benefits of Post-Secondary EducationBy referring to the charts below, you will be able to see the impact your education hason your future income. The higher education you receive, the more worth you have toemployers and, therefore, the more you can earn from a job or career. The more youearn from a job/career, the more assets (house, car, furniture, bank savings, etc.) youcan have.Average Yearly Earnings,by Education Level, Canadian Dollars(2015) 75,212 49,514HIGH SCHOOL 55,593 58,282TRADESCOLLEGEUNIVERSITYSource: t Assets of Canadian Families byEducation Level, Canadian Dollars(2012)430,100220,000190,000114,600NO DIPLOMAHIGH SCHOOLTRADES/COLLEGESource: 01/article/14167-eng.htm10UNIVERSITY
EMPLOYMENTThere are many agencies in Ontario that can assistwith finding employment. In this section, you will findagencies that are in an ASL environment that haveresources to assist you in finding employment.This section of the kit will touch on incomeand tax information, as well as employmentlaws. This is information you will need to keepin mind once you have obtained a position asan employee.“I always challenged myself when someone said there wassomething I couldn’t do. I would try to figure out a way to getover that. And I think that’s really important to believe whatyou want and not let other people change that.Compared to 20, 30, 40 years ago – when I look at myparents, what opportunities they had, what opportunities Ihave – I’m really fortunate. Even though, yes, there werechallenges and barriers. But I think that’s part of change. Youhave to go through it to make change.”-Dr. Jessica Nertomb, Canadian Deaf Doctor11
Employment ServicesCanadian Hearing Services – Employment ServicesEmployment Services at the Canadian Hearing Services (CHS)provides help to Deaf and hard-of-hearing clients, who want to seekemployment, or need accommodations at a workplace. CHS staff canassist with finding jobs, improving resumes, providing interpreters forjob interviews, and meeting with employers to help make theirworkplace accessible to Deaf and hard of hearing employees.Website: lition for Persons with DisabilitiesThis non-profit organization provides personalized services to job seekersin English and ASL. They offer workshops related to employment, jobsearch assistance, help with finding accessible workspaces andaccommodations, and job retention strategies. They also offerEmployment Ontario services and the Work Readiness Program forPersons with Disabilities.Website: l-information/Deaf Access Simcoe Muskoka (DASM)Through the Employment Services program,DASM supports individuals who have identifiedhearing loss and communication as a barrier tofinding or keeping employment. Staff work withemployers and job seekers to prepare for thedemands of a new workplace, introduceeffective communication strategies, provideaccessible job training, and obtain funding topurchase necessary assistive hearing and/orvisual alerting devices, interpreting, or notetaking ntservices/12Refer to the back ofthis kit for contactinformation for eachagency
Income and Tax InformationBe sure to claim (use) the disability on your TD1 forms (link below). If you do not, therewill be a difference in your wage, due to deductions.TD1 and TD1ON forms withoutDisability:Gross Wages ( 14.00 x 40 hours aweek): 560.00TD1 and TD1ON forms with Disability:Gross Wages ( 14.00 x 40 hours aweek): 560.00Deductions:Canada Pension Plan: - 25.20Employment Insurance: - 10.53Income Tax – Federal: - 84.00Income Tax – Ontario: - 28.28Net (Take Home) Wage: 411.99Deductions:Canada Pension Plan: - 25.20Employment Insurance: - 10.53Income Tax – Federal: - 61.60Income Tax – Ontario: - 16.48Net (Take Home) Wage: 466.19As you can see from this example, you would save 54.20 per week by claiming thedisability amount.Disability Tax CreditThe Federal Government and the Ontario Government provide the disability tax creditto people with disabilities. The Governments recognize that people with a disabilitygenerally earn less from employment than people without a disability. You cannot claimthe disability amount IF you do not have the Disability Tax Credit Certificate from yourdoctor.Please go this link to see the Disability Tax Credit Certificate mspubs/pbg/t2201/t2201-fill-17e.pdfContact Silent Voicefor moreinformation on FREEtax clinicsNote: The deductions are based on the payroll deduction tables provided by the Canada Revenue Agency effective as of January 1, 201813
Employment LawsEmployment Standards Act (ESA)Minimum Wage: Minimum wage in Ontario is 14.00/hour.Overtime Pay: Law requires employers to pay overtime of 1 ½ times the employee’sregular rate of pay, over 44 hours of work a week. If you have worked 48 hours in oneweek, below is how your overtime pay is calculated, based on 14.00/hour.48 hours worked in a week- 44 hours at your regular hourly rate of 14.004 hours of overtimeRegular pay: 44 X 14.00 616.00Overtime pay: 14.00 x 1.5 21.00 X 4 hours 84.00Total pay: 616.00 84.00 700.00Vacation Time and Pay: After one year of employment, you are entitled to a minimumof two paid weeks of vacation.Once a year, you must be paid Vacation Pay equal to 4% of your gross wages earned in12 months. If your total earnings are 29,000.00 after one year of employment, you willreceive the Vacation Pay of an additional 1,160.00.Notice of Termination: If your employer decides to terminate (end) your employment,the law requires the employer to inform you of your termination before your last day ofemployment. If you have worked 3 months or more, but less than one year of work; oneweek notice must be given If you have worked one year or more, but less than three years of work; 2weeks’ notice must be given After three years of work; one weeks’ notice must be given for each yearworked, to the maximum of 8 weeks.For more information, visit “What Young Workers Should bs/factsheets/fs young.php14
SOCIAL SERVICESOntario has many social services agencies,where Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth canobtain services such as: interpreting services,support programs, and accessibility devicesand supports.Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)The goal of the AODA is to make businesses, organizationsand communities more accessible to people with disabilities,when it comes to: customer service, employment,information and communications, and transportation. Moreinformation about the AODA can be found in this section, aswell as at this eing successful means you’ve worked hard to achieve your goals.Train hard and whether you lose or win, it will lead to success. Theimportant thing is to keep trying and never give up no matter what.Just keep at it.It’s also important to surround yourself with the right people whoencourage and support you on your road to success. Listen to thepeople who tell you you can and ignore those who tell you youcan’t. The people who tell you you can will help you believe inyourself. That’s the positive influence you need.”-Natasha Bacchus, Deaf Olympian, Personal Trainer, & Actor15
Interpreting ServicesCanadian Hearing Services – InterpretingServicesDeaf Access Simcoe MuskokaTelephone: (705) 728-3577TTY: (705) 728-3599Fax: (705) 728-7613Skype: info.deafaccessEmail: a/interpretingnotetaking/Telephone: 1(866) 518-0000TTY: 1 (877) 215-9530Email: interpreting@chs.caSkype (ASL): CHS InterpretingSkype (LSQ): Interpretation SCOFax: 1 (855) retingservicesEmergency Interpreting ServicesTelephone: 1 (866) 518-0000 OR(416) 712-6637TTY: 1 (877) 215-9530Email: urgent@chs.caSMS/Text: (416) 712-6637(charges may apply)Emergency ServicesMonday-Friday9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.VRS (Video Relay Service) CanadaBell Relay Service (BRS) and IP Relay ServiceWebsite:www.srvcanadavrs.caVoice to TTY: 1 (800) 855-0511Voice to TTY: 711TTY to Voice: 1 (800) 855-1155Email: accessible@bell.caTTY: 1 (800) 268-9242Website:https://www.bell.ca/Accessibility services/Bell relay serviceSLIAO Inc. (Sign Language Interpreting Assoi – Interpreting ServicesTelephone: (613) 521-6720Fax: (613) 521-4030Email: asl.interpreting@sliao.ca16
Finding the Right Interpreter for YouThe interpreting profession is NOT regulated (licensed bythe government) in Ontario. This means that anyone canwork as an ASL-English, an LSQ-French, or a DeafInterpreter.Deaf Interpreters (DI)DIs are specialists in a signed languageand accommodating the language andcommunication needs of Deaf people.They often work with hearinginterpreters, as an interpreter team.ASL – English/LSQ – French InterpretersThe role of the interpreter is to interpretbetween people who use a signed languageand a spoken language.CASLI (Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters)This professional organization, formerly known as AVLIC, is the only national certifying bodyof ASL-English interpreters in Canada; Certificate of Interpretation (COI).EthicsAll interpreters who are active members of CASLI follow CASLI’s Code of Ethics and Guidelinesfor Professional Conduct, that can be found at this link: http://www.avlic.ca/ethics-andguidelines.A list of active members in your area can be found at this S Interpreting ServicesCHS Interpreting Services is the main provider of community interpreting services in Ontario,with 22 offices across the province. All registered interpreters are required to follow CASLI’sCode of Ethics and Guidelines to Professional Conduct.Finding the Right Interpreter for You!Ask the interpreter about their qualifications. Are they CASLI members? Have they graduatedfrom an interpreting program? Are they registered with an interpreting agency that hasworked with the Deaf community to establish t
academic-upgrading-program-A752/ Deaf Adult Upgrading Program Durham Deaf Services (DDS) provides free literacy classes for Deaf, deafened and hard of hearing adults. The program is open Monday to Thursday. Learners develop skills in: English, reading and writing, math, computers, and more.
2 Workshop for Emerging Deaf and Hard of Hearing Scientists (White Paper) Chapter 1: Introduction Underrepresentation of deaf and hard of hearing professionals in STEM STEM degrees among deaf and hard of hearing students. According to the report Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities (NCSES 2011a), 237 deaf and hard of hearing
Karen Ann Dooley, Miss Deaf New York . Diane L. Lavallee, Miss Deaf North Carolina Debra A. Krausa, Miss Deaf Pennsylvania Donna Jo. Brandt, . Jane Frances Kelleher Connie Ammerman Sandra Delois Kimball Miss Deaf Iowa Miss Deaf Kentucky Miss Deaf Louisiana . Brenda Kay Dow Alice Marie Sykora Susan Elizabeth Burnes .
The Deaf Empowerment Program (DEP) is an academic upgrading program for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, hard-of-hearing, and deafened individuals, age 19 and over., This program provides instruction in math, reading, writing, basic computer and employability skills. DEP uses Deaf instructors using ASL. This program is free for students; there is no tuition.
Deaf Studies and Deaf Education program at Lamar University, owns 512 Terps, a sign language interpreting agency in Austin, Tex. He earned his bachelor's degree in secondary English and education and his master's degree in deaf education from Gallaudet University. Ocuto's work focuses on the role of sign language in the home and how sign .
Lamar University is one of only a few universities in the United States offering a doctoral degree in Deaf Studies and Deaf Education. In offering this program, Lamar University is addressing a critical national and international shortage of doctoral-trained educators of the Deaf and scholars in the field of Deaf Studies.
brief history of Deaf artists in theater, distinguishing the concepts of “Deaf in theater” and “Deaf theater.” The first documented performance of Deaf people in theater was a pantomime performance in 1884. References in Plato’s Cratylus, a dialogue about language, address the fact that if humans couldn’t speak they would use
Overview of Assessment with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Learners This section addresses a general overview of issues, policies, and principles that are pertinent to evaluating and assessing young children, and school-age learners who are deaf or hard of hearing in a manner that is consistent with legislative policy, rules and best practices.
The success of the American Revolution inspired subsequent revolutions in both the Old and New Worlds. The French Revolution of 1789 was rooted in complex political, social, and economic causes. Politically, the king was an absolute monarch with unlimited powers to levy taxes, conduct foreign affairs, and make and enforce any law he deemed necessary. Socially, the French people were divided .
