Public Statement - closure of the Deaf Children’s Society of British Columbia

Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf board is making a public statement on the closure of the Deaf Children's Society of British Columbia

Public Statement

The Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf (OCSD) is deeply saddened to learn of the closure of the Deaf Children’s Society of British Columbia (DCS). This is more than the loss of an organization, it is the loss of a vital lifeline that supported Deaf children and their families through language, culture, and community.

For decades, DCS stood as a cornerstone of Deaf education and early language access. Its closure represents a serious blow to accessibility, equity, and the human rights of Deaf children, not only in British Columbia, but across Canada. Deaf-led organizations like DCS are essential to ensuring that Deaf children grow up with full bilingual access, American Sign Language (ASL) and English, so they can thrive in both Deaf and hearing worlds.

This loss reminds us of the ongoing struggle against language deprivation. For generations, Deaf people have been denied their natural sign language and forced to rely on systems that prioritize speech over understanding. Yet research and lived experience show that bilingualism in ASL and English builds stronger communication, literacy, and identity. Sign language does not compete with spoken or written language, it complements it.

Deaf children deserve the right to develop both languages, to learn through visual and spoken means, and to see their cultures and identities respected. When we invest in bilingual education, we are not only supporting Deaf children, we are strengthening inclusion, family communication, and society as a whole.

Deaf children are not optional in our education systems, they are central to Canada’s commitment to human rights and inclusion. Their right to early sign language access, Deaf adult role models, and a sense of belonging must be protected and prioritized.

OCSD stands in solidarity with the Deaf community in British Columbia and calls on governments, schools, and community organizations to work together to ensure that Deaf children do not lose access to bilingual education, sign language, culture, and support networks. This is a critical moment to act, to protect our future generations and uphold the linguistic and cultural rights of all Deaf children.

Ontario Cultural Society of the Deaf

Preserving language. Promoting culture. Protecting rights.