Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing cultural sensitivity training for health care provider participants addresses the critical aspects of Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing culture and audism. It will strengthen the skills of health care providers who work directly and indirectly with Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing people to ensure they have access to culturally safe care and services.

Please contact Provincial Language Services to arrange training. 

Health authority-approved clear window masks are available for order through Supply Chain to support providers who may interact with those who are Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing. The use of clear-window surgical masks is a quick, safe, and easy way to remove communication barriers for these patients, clients, residents and their loved ones.

To support health care providers who may interact with patients and families who may be Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing, a health-authority approved level 2 mask with a clear window is available to order through your usual ordering process.

Canada Video Relay Service (VRS) is a telecommunication service that allows Deaf, Deaf-Blind or Hard of Hearing patients make telephone calls using the internet and cell phone-based technologies. VRS callers are connected with a sign language interpreter who provides simultaneous interpreting in American Sign Language or Langue des signes québécoise. 

Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing patients may have 10-digit VRS telephone numbers. The health care provider can use the 10-digit phone number to call the patient. 

Patients who do not have a VRS account can sign up for free. 

Guideline: How to contact Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing patients using VRS (PDF)