Trigger warning: After reflecting on my answers for the questionnaire, I felt a great deal of grief because my experience during the pandemic has been very different and very isolating as a person with hearing loss. Just a head’s up to be prepared if you take the survey yourself. ~ Jacki
The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) is pleased to announce a partnership with Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility, to gather information through a national survey on the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has on the daily lives of people who are Deaf and hard of hearing.
“The global pandemic has disrupted so many lives over this past year. We know that for Canadians who are Deaf or hard of hearing, vital information has been missed. The results of the survey will allow us to better understand how communications can be up-to-date and accessible, especially during critical times,” said Lee Pigeau CHHA National Executive Director.
“Recent data has shown the profound impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on people with disabilities around the globe. This national survey will enable us to better understand the unique experiences of Canadians who are Deaf and hard of hearing and how COVID-19 has impacted our communities in the areas of communication accessibility,” says Christopher T. Sutton, CEO of Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility. “The results will enable us to make systematic changes to better serve the needs of our communities throughout the recovery stage of this pandemic and in the future.”
Link to the National Survey https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bISOpqdEZs6ensx
Who should complete the online survey: Adults who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing.
Purpose of the survey: To collect information on the impact the pandemic has had on the daily lives of people who experience hearing loss and deafness. This information will help us better understand how the pandemic has been experienced and also how information about the virus and disease can best be delivered to the public.
This national survey is part of a larger partnership between the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association and Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility. This work will assist our organizations in better understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our communities and the barriers experienced by people who are Deaf and hard of hearing.
A webinar to provide an overview of the survey results is scheduled in May 2021.
About Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility
Established in 1956, Wavefront Centre for Communication Accessibility is a BC based, charitable non-profit organization that operates as a social enterprise. Wavefront Centre delivers innovative services in Audiology and Communication Devices, Counselling, Seniors Outreach, and Accessible Communication Services that assist people who are Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing achieve full communication accessibility.
About the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association
The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) was established in 1982 and is Canada’s leading consumer advocacy organization representing the needs of the nearly 4-million people living with hearing loss. With a network across Canada, CHHA works cooperatively with hearing loss professionals, service providers, government and provides life-enhancing information, support, and advocacy to ensure people with hearing loss are able to overcome barriers in all aspects of their lives.
Media Contacts: For interviews or additional information
Yat Li, Head of Communications & Marketing Wavefront Centre for Communication
Accessibility 604.736.7391
E-mail: yat.li@wavefrontcentre.ca
Gordana Mosher Manager, Accessibility Projects & Communications
Canadian Hard of Hearing Association
613.526.1584 ext.103 Mobile 905-572-3923
E-mail: gmosher@chha.ca