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Deaf interpreter Nigel Howard will make an appearance at a Victoria hearing centre’s open house

The event is hosted in honour of Speech and Hearing Month
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Sarah Ploj with HearingLife fits Brian Preston with his first hearing aid as wife, Rosemary, watches on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020 (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress)

To celebrate Speech and Hearing Month, one of Vancouver Island’s deaf and hard of hearing centres will be hosting an open house, with a special guest feature by deaf interpreter Nigel Howard. Howard garnered provincial celebrity status for his ASL interpreting during provincial news conferences at the height of the pandemic. He now is an adjunct professor at the University of B.C.

To celebrate Speech and Hearing Month the Island Deaf and Hard of Hearing Centre (IDHHC) is hosting an open house at there new office. The centre is inviting the public to to check out the new space, learn about assistive technology, test their earbud volume, get checked by an audiologist, and potentially get a free hearing aid clean.

“This is an incredible opportunity for those dealing with hearing and speech challenges, and those who support them, to learn more about the free and low cost resources available to them at IDHHC,” says IDHHC executive director Denise Richardson. “We welcome everyone to join the conversation to reduce barriers and improve communication.”

For 32 years, the centre says its goal has been to build inclusive and respectful communities by serving deaf, deaf-blind and hard of hearing individuals. They provide hearing, health services, education and support to employers and the public. Additionally they promote access to communication devices, coordinating interpreting, and captioning services.

The open house will take place Thursday, May 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For those who who prefer an online option, virtual sessions will be offered. The sessions will have an ASL story time and lessons taught by deaf interpreter Nigel Howard, including Deaf World 101 - Intro to Deaf Culture.

Visit idhhc.ca for open house details and links for the virtual open house.

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