Federal Government Funds Study of Challenges Facing Deaf Members of Minority Groups
OTTAWA, April 7, 1998 -- The Honourable Hedy Fry, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women), today announced a $35,000 grant to the Canadian Association of the Deaf for a study to identify the special challenges facing people who are members of minority ethnocultural groups and who are also deaf.The study will look for ways to ensure that members of minority groups are included in the deaf community and to increase awareness of deaf issues and culture among ethnocultural communities. A series of recommendations will be made to improve access to and participation in deaf organizations, ethnic organizations and agencies that provide services to these people.
"The challenges facing deaf people of multicultural heritages are not well understood," said Dr. Fry. "It is important that we recognize these barriers and take steps to ensure that these people have every opportunity to participate fully in Canadian society."
The Canadian Association of the Deaf will work with deaf and multicultural organizations across the country to gather information and conduct a needs assessment. It will look for opportunities to develop partnerships among the organizations that support deaf members of minority groups.
This government's multiculturalism policy and program serve three key purposes, all of which make Canada a better country in which to live. They foster Canadian identity and belonging, encourage all citizens to participate in shaping their communities and their country and create a more just society by eliminating the barriers to equality.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 1997 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This initiative is an example of how this government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.
Information:
Artur Wilczynski
Executive Assistant
Office of the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women)
(819) 997-9900
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