Services for Family & Community Development (SFCD)

SFCD offers a range of programs and supports for BC families with deaf and hard of hearing school-aged children who use sign language for all or part of their communication. See attached Info Sheet.

SFCD provides:

• Sign Language Development
• Learn Together Program
• Educational Workshops
• Parent Support
• Child and Youth Development
• Family Days
• Immersion Programs
• Provincial Outreach

Sign Language Development

This program is designed to develop the families' signing communication skills, thus strengthening their ability to communicate and support their deaf or hard of hearing child. Qualified deaf teachers who are sensitive to the learning needs of the participants teach this program.

Sign language classes are designed around the needs of the parent and child. The goal is to increase the confidence and ability of parents in communicating daily with their child. Time is provided to practice the new skills learned during class. SFCD may offer children's programs while the parents are in sign classes.

• Sign Language Development

Learn Together Program - Family Essentials

Family Essentials can help families learn about various resources/services, assistive technology, communication methods, and in-home sign instruction.

SFCD offers Family Essentials in the comfort of the family's home so that we can tailor the program to their needs. A qualified instructor/resource worker, sensitive to the unique learning needs of parents and caregivers of deaf and hard of hearing children is provided.

• Programs and Services 2007-2008

Workshops provide opportunities for parents to come together to learn and share the unique challenges of raising a deaf and/or hard of hearing child. The group learns from professionals, community members and each other.

Pilot Project - Teleclasses
From the comfort of your home you can phone in and join a discussion on a variety of topics related to parenting with Barbara Desmarais as your presenter and facilitator. Barb is a parent coach and will be offering Teleclasses for SFCD. For more information on Teleclasses, please check out Barb's website at http://www.theparentingcoach.com

Parent Support

Parents and caregivers come together to process and share information and experiences related to parenting deaf children and managing their families.

Child and Youth Development

Social and educational opportunities are created while children/youth participate in a workshops focusing on specific topics. SFCD also offers other types of services that include in-school presentations and direct support to the Deaf/Hard of Hearing child.

Family Days

These are scheduled events where families have the opportunity to meet and network with other families and the deaf community in their own communities. Families who have strong supportive networks tend to have more positive experiences with their child.

Immersion Programs

Families from around BC have the opportunity to experience a language-rich immersion environment at our Burnaby site. The purpose is to expose parents to the deaf world and to learn about the experiences of a deaf person. Families can also access any of the services provided by the PSDHH. These services may include sign language sessions, family support, peer interactions with the deaf community or to access other organizations and their services.

Provincial Outreach

SFCD endeavours to offer Family Development and Networking programs to families that live outside the Lower Mainland. Our Outreach services 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.