The Government of Saskatchewan will be providing an additional $350,000 in funding to help address service gaps for residents belonging to the deaf and deafblind populations.
The increase in funding was committed in the 2020-21 budget and will be divided between Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC) and Saskatchewan Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services (SDHHS) to expand services within the province.
“It is important that we continue to look at removing barriers in our communities so people can participate to their fullest,” said Social Services Minister Paul Merriman, in a press release. “This funding increase will help people who are deaf and deafblind do just that. I’m looking forward to more of this work as we start to engage with the province on accessibility legislation for Saskatchewan in the coming months.”
VLRC will receive $96,500, which will be used to establish Deafblind Community Services in Saskatchewan. This process will include hiring one Deafblind intervenor and providing daily one-to-one intervenor services to four people who are Deafblind.
SDHHS will receive $253,000, which will be used to hire one American Sign Language interpreter and two sign support professionals and enhance their 24-hour line to include access to intervener services.
ASL services from SDHHS are used for persons dealing with the courts, police, medical, educational and employment sectors, allowing people who are deaf or hard of hearing assistance in participating in their community.
The funding supports the province’s Saskatchewan Disability Strategy, stated the press release.
