VCC - Deaf & Hard of Hearing

Retirement Party for Aastrid Evensen, Marcia Tanaka & Lisa Dillon Edgett

It’s Time to Retire & Party!
June 25, 10 am - 3 pm
RVSP: [email protected]

QR will go to a YouTube video. ASL to EN Transcript can be found in the YouTube description zone.

Deaf Deaf World History, 1996 - 2026

Shelly Carver, inspired by NTID’s ASL immersion program in line with the Deaf Village, hosted Deaf Deaf World the Spring of 1996 under GVAD’s wing as a part of the Deaf Youth Program. As a host, Shelly coordinated it as an awareness education and fundraising event. Then, in 2001, the flame was handed to Vincent Chauvet, Deaf & ASL Studies (DADS) instructor and Department Leader to run the event annually at the VCC. The first 10 years, they recruited deaf volunteers to manage the “shops”. After that, they gave the students power to run the shops. The students from the DHH program team up with them to serve snacks and refreshments. In 2011, art exhibition was launched and it welcomed deaf artists to showcase their works. Eventually, it was 2016 when the deaf community, schools, organizations and services were invited to share what they had to offer at their booth. It was a huge project for the DADS students to mingle with Deaf attendees (volunteers, artists, experts, friends) and be fully immersed in a Deaf environment.

The DHH Program has always been proud to be a part of the history, to collaborate with the DADS program. Thank you DADS and Vincent to keep the flame burning.

Now, it's 2026 that the Deaf Deaf World has come to an end at the VCC and is looking to pass on the flame.

Text by Pamela E. Witcher, 2026
VCC DHH Instructor & Artist

VCC - Vancouver Community College VCC ASL VCC- Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program Pamela Witcher Arts

Through collaboration with VCC DHH, Deaf Services Canada (formerly Silent Voice Canada) is offering a 8-week "Discover Canada" workshop in ASL to support BC permanent residents whose goal is to become a Canadian. Thank you, Deaf Services Canada for your support and making this possible!

Deaf Services Canada VCC - Vancouver Community College VCC- Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program

The Canada VRS representatives came to VCC to explain how 9-1-1 and 9-8-8 calls are handled through video interpreters. They also discussed the importance of being aware of scams. Special thanks to the representatives, Jo-Anne Bryan and Diane Underschultz, for taking the time to fly from Eastern Canada to generously share this essential information with the BC Deaf Community!

VCC - Vancouver Community College VCC- Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program SRV Canada VRS

Cheers to our amazing students who received well-deserved recognition last Friday!

Your hard work, talent, and contributions make Vancouver Community College, Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, and Deaf Community incredibly proud. Keep up the fantastic work!

Lunacois Char (EESC) — Donna Lee Award
Farida Mushfiq (EF) — Shannon Girvan Hougham Award
Elika Keshavarz (ASL) — BC Deaf Scholarship Trust Award

VCC - Vancouver Community CollegeVCC- Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program

Grunt Gallery and VCC DHH are collaborating!

Big Hand Waves to our student, Lunaoica, who is currently doing a work-study placement with the gallery.

Last week, the DHH program had the opportunity to tour the As In a Body exhibition, guided by Kay and Lunaoica. It was a meaningful and engaging experience for everyone involved.

We’re truly inspired by the gallery’s commitment to creating an inclusive art space—thank you!

grunt gallery VCC - Vancouver Community College VCC- Deaf & Hard of Hearing Program