BC Deaf Children’s Society Closes Amid Government Backtrack

UPDATE: The Deaf Children’s Society of BC (DCS) has announced its closure after 46 years of vital support for deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deafblind children. The decision, revealed in minutes from an extraordinary general meeting on October 29, follows a troubling backtrack by the provincial government on crucial language acquisition programs. This closure threatens the very fabric of the BC Deaf community.

JUST IN: The society, which has provided essential services and community support, cited “years of financial strain and systemic challenges” as reasons for the emotionally charged decision. Layoffs are set to begin by the end of November, with the organization’s office lease expiring on December 31.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: Around 100 children are born with hearing loss in BC each year, meaning there are approximately 500 children under five currently reliant on these crucial services. The closure of DCS signifies more than just the end of an organization; it represents the potential erasure of an entire ecosystem that nurtured language, identity, and leadership within the Deaf community.

Sarah-Anne Hrycenko, a Deaf professional and former DCS client, expressed her outrage, stating, “This decision will shape the future of every Deaf child in BC. It sends a message that sign language and Deaf culture are optional rather than essential.” The cancellation of the provincial Ministry of Children and Family Development’s call for responses aimed at reforming early intervention services has left many feeling hopeless.

In a surprising turn, the Ministry has extended the current contract with the BC Family Hearing Resource Society to March 2027, frustrating many in the Deaf community who had hoped for a new service model that prioritized American Sign Language (ASL). Hrycenko called this a “dangerous precedent” that undermines the human right to language access.

WHAT’S NEXT: A working group from the BC Association of the Deaf is seeking urgent meetings with Premier David Eby and Minister Jodie Wickens to address the closure and the government’s future plans. Wickens has expressed willingness to meet, emphasizing the importance of family feedback in shaping support services for children.

As the community grapples with this devastating loss, experts like Nigel Howard, a sign language interpreter, emphasize that the government needs to provide clarity on the cancellation of the call for responses. “Years of consultation went into developing this plan; to stop it now without explanation is unacceptable,” he stated.

The emotional fallout from this decision is profound. Joanna Cannon, a professor in special education at the University of British Columbia, warned that the government’s indecision could lead to continued distrust among the Deaf community. “Two years is a long time in a child’s life,” she noted, emphasizing the urgent need for effective language acquisition strategies.

With the future of many Deaf children hanging in the balance, community leaders are calling for immediate action and meaningful support from the government. The time for change is now, as the implications of this closure extend far beyond just one organization.

Stay tuned for further developments as the BC Deaf community advocates for their rights and seeks to reshape the future of language acquisition services.

For more insights, watch for an in-depth interview with Sarah-Anne Hrycenko on her experiences and the critical need for empowerment within the Deaf community.