From September 23 to 29, we celebrate International Week of the Deaf. This week shines a light on the importance of sign languages and advocates for the rights of Deaf individuals. The theme for 2024, “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights”, encourages global support for the legal recognition of national sign languages.

Here’s what’s happening at RRC Polytech and around the world:

Monday, Sept 23, 2024 – International Day of Sign Languages: Sign Up for Sign Language Rights

September 23 is International Day of Sign Languages. This day, recognized by the United Nations in 2017, celebrates the beauty of sign languages and promotes linguistic diversity. Learn more on the United Nations Official Website.

Start the week by joining our “Introduction to Basic American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf Culture” session on September 23, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the Selkirk Lounge, NDC, facilitated by Cheryle Broszeit and Kyra Zimmer. Space is limited to 20 participants, so we encourage you to register by clicking this link or emailing us at diversity@rrc.ca.

About the Presenters

Cheryle Broszeit is an instructor in the ASL-English Interpretation Program and is currently also teaching ASL classes for beginners through RRC Polytech’s Continuing Education Department. Cheryle has been teaching at the college for 24 years. Cheryle, who is Deaf, comes from a large Deaf family and an active member of the Winnipeg Deaf Community. Cheryle is also an avid photographer, and nature lover who loves to travel.

Kyra Zimmer is an instructor in the ASL-English Interpretation Program and is currently also teaching ASL classes for beginners through RRC Polytech’s Continuing Education Department. Kyra has been teaching at the college for 25 years. Kyra, who is Deaf, comes from a large Deaf family and an active member of the Winnipeg Deaf Community. In her free time Kyra can be found spending time with her family, reading and swimming.

Also, check out local and national organizations that support Deaf communities:

• DeafDots provides news in American Sign Language (ASL) and La langue des signes québécoise (LSQ) for Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians.
• Manitoba Cultural Society of the Deaf supports Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Manitoba. Their vision is to fully integrate Deaf and non-deaf communities, empowering Deaf culture, arts, and language.
• Manitoba Deaf Sports Association promotes and supports Deaf and hard of hearing individuals through sports, aiming to strengthen and celebrate Deaf culture.
• The Deaf Resource Centre in Manitoba offers resources, programs, and advocacy to enhance the development of the Deaf community.
• The Manitoba Deaf Association supports and creates accessible educational and recreational activities to benefit the Deaf community.

Tuesday, Sept 24, 2024 – Inclusive Education

At RRC Polytech, we’re dedicated to providing equal access and opportunities for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and employees. Explore our resources on our website:

• Accessibility at RRC Polytech Public Website
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services
• Accessibility at RRC Polytech Internal Site (Staff Forum)
  • Supportive Employment for Staff
  • Accessibility Training and Learning Resources for Staff
  • Accessible Information and Communication Content Creation Resources

RRC Polytech’s Continuing Education department is offering American Sign Language (ASL) classes this Fall 2024. The 4 ASL classes currently being offered are:

• American Sign Language 1 every Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The class will run from September 3 to December 10, 2024.
•  American Sign Language 2 every Tuesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The class will run from September 3 to December 10, 2024.
• American Sign Language 3 every Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The class will run from September 4 to December 11, 2024.
• ASL Bridging 1 every Wednesday evening from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The class will run from September 4 to December 11, 2024.

For more information and to register, visit the program and course catalogue page.

Wednesday, Sept 25, 2024 – Sign Language Advocacy

Many countries still don’t officially recognize their national sign language. The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) has introduced the Guidelines for Achieving Sign Language Rights to help change this. To read more about this advocacy, visit the World Federation of the Deaf website.

Thursday, Sept 26, 2024 – Building Resilient Deaf Communities

Building resilient Deaf Communities means enhancing their ability to prepare for and respond to emergencies. At RRC Polytech, Deaf and Hard of Hearing students and employees can request individual emergency response plans to stay safe during emergencies. For more details on how to request an Individual Emergency Plan, visit the Supportive Employment page on Staff Forum for employees, or the Student Accessibility Services page on the RRC website for students.

Friday, Sept 27, 2024 – Diversity in Deaf Communities

Explore Canada’s six sign languages, including three Indigenous sign languages, through the Canadian Language Museum’s exhibit, “Sign Language of Canada”. You can visit the virtual exhibit here.

Also, check out videos from the Canadian Language Museum to learn more about the diverse experiences within the Deaf community.

• American Sign Language instructor Art Gunter shares his personal experiences with ASL.
• Deaf Inuit share their stories.
• Isabelle Lepage talks about her experience with LSQ (Langue des signes québécoise).

Saturday, Sept 28 and Sunday Sept 29 – Deaf Cultural Celebrations and Investing In The Future of Deaf Communities

Celebrate Deaf culture and support the future of Deaf communities with these events:

• Deaflympics: A global event showcasing Deaf athletes and celebrating their achievements. The next Deaflympics will be in Tokyo in 2025.
• Clin d’Oeil Festival: An event in Europe featuring Deaf arts, including theatre, film, and visual art.
• Manitoba Cultural Society of the Deaf: A local organization that organizes events to promote Deaf culture throughout the year.