Services for Family & Community Development (SFCD)

Services for Family and Community Development (SFCD) is a Provincial Resource Program for families with children (age 5-19) who use sign language for all or part of their communication. Together with families and communities we endeavour to provide culturally relevant and responsive services. See attached Info Sheet.

SFCD provides:

• Learn Together Program
• Family Essentials (FE)
• Sign Language Development
• Family Literacy Development
• Child and Youth Development
• Educational Workshops
• Parent Support
• Family Events
• Immersion Programs
• Outreach Program

Learn Together Program - (LTP) refers to a variety of opportunities for families to participate in activities that promote sharing and learning.

Family Essentials (FE) - is a service designed around families and their specific needs, whether it be information, one on one instruction, or gaining information on access to resources. SFCD will provide support to address these unique needs. The time length of service varies.

Sign Language Development - designed to develop the family’s signing communication skills that will increase and strengthen communication and family function.

• Sign Language Development

Family Literacy Development – enhances development of literacy. Goals include: confidence-building with and exposure to early literacy in the home and community; incidental and world understanding through developing literacy, promoting enjoyment and appreciation for language and reading; and supporting appreciation for language and reading, age-sensitive practical literacy support.

Child and Youth Development - these programs are offered in a variety of settings that have social and educational benefits. SFCD can offer educational workshops, social gatherings tailored to a specific age group, in-school presentations/ASL clubs and direct support with the goal of increasing self-esteem and self-advocacy.

Educational Workshops - SFCD offers a variety of workshops in response to requests.

Parent Support/Coach - Parents and caregivers come together to share information and experiences. Individual (in-home) support is offered.

Family Events - Scheduled events provided for families in a supportive environment where they can enjoy the experiences of various activities.

Immersion Programs - Immersion programs provide families with Deaf environment experiences (e.g. lights flashing to indicate phone ringing, etc.). This can be arranged for individual families throughout the year.  SFCD offer an annual Summer Immersion program for the whole family. Families come together to attend sign classes and workshops geared to their learning needs as well as opportunities to explore and learn together in a language-rich environment.

Outreach Program - SFCD offers programs and services to families who live outside the Lower Mainland when resources are available. Our goal is to foster partnerships with existing community resources and parents in order to develop strong networks and access to services.

Contact Linda Ramsey, Coordinator for more information.