We Are Here To Help
The Youth Program at CHHA-BC is committed to empowering young people with hearing loss by creating a supportive and inclusive environment.
Welcome to the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association – BC Chapter’s Youth Program
Our goal is to reduce isolation, break down barriers, and foster a sense of belonging among youth. Through engaging activities, educational workshops, and a vibrant community, we promote accessibility and build a welcoming society where young individuals can thrive and connect. Join us in embracing diversity and advocating for a world that hears everyone.
Upcoming Events
Join the CHHA-BC Youth Program for our exciting upcoming events! We’re bringing together young people with hearing loss for fun, connection, and growth. Whether it’s a hands-on workshop, a social gathering, or an outdoor adventure, our events are designed to empower youth, build friendships, and create an inclusive community. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect, learn, and have fun in a supportive environment.
Education
Here, you’ll find insightful articles that challenge myths and misconceptions about hearing loss, share practical communication tips, and explore the emotional journey of living with hearing devices.
Myths & Misconceptions of Hearing Loss
This is a list of misconceptions of hearing loss that I recently compiled to offer some insights that people may want to consider. If any of these resonate with you, I encourage you to do further research.
The Hearing Husband’s Top Communication Tips
Through more than 35 years of being together, the Hearing Husband, whose legal name is Doug, has learned a thing or two about living well with a partner with profound hearing loss.
Medical Captioning
Sign language interpreting, intervenor and Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) services are available for Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing patients when accessing most health care services in British Columbia.
When a Stranger Sees Your Hearing Aid
Do you know that when you wear your hearing devices, you are an advocate?
And do you know that every time you’re out in public, you have the potential to change the life of a stranger that day?
Other people’s hearing aids
In my single days, when any random guy entered my field of vision, my eyes would slide to his ring finger on a quick intelligence-gathering mission: why waste precious flirting time with someone who is spoken for? While I still do this on occasion out of habit, I’m more likely wherever I go — the grocery store, a restaurant — to aim my sight higher, scanning ears for hearing technology, to see who might be one of ‘my people’.
THE SHORTEST AUDIOLOGY COURSE EVER!
Gael Hannan, Vice-President of CHHA-BC and co-author of Hearing & Beyond; Live Skillfully with Hearing Loss, emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of clients with hearing loss. She highlights the gap between professional knowledge and client needs in hearing care. For insightful tips on improving hearing care.
EMOTIONAL HASHTAGS FOR NEW HEARING DEVICES (#KEEPOUTOFMYWAY)
Gael Hannan reflects on the mixed emotions and technical challenges of getting new hearing aids, emphasizing the adjustment period with humor through hashtags like #carouselfromhell and #readthecaptions. Despite the difficulties, each upgrade ultimately enhances communication and reconnection with the world.
The Absolute Basics of Talking with People with Hearing Loss
WE have the hard job – trying to hear and understand what people are saying, especially those with less than stellar communication skills – mumblers and fidgeters, for example. For hearing people, the only real prerequisites are wanting to have an enjoyable and/or productive conversation and willing to put in a little extra effort. Once that’s established, the absolute basics of good communication can be summed up in a short paragraph with short sentences.
Team
We’re here to break down barriers, foster connections, and inspire confidence in every young individual. Get to know us and discover how we’re working together to build a more inclusive future!
Shehana Mirza
Program Coordinator
Vivian Zhang
Administrative Support
Past Events
The CHHA-BC Youth Program has hosted a series of memorable events that brought young people with hearing loss together for fun, learning, and connection. From hands-on workshops to social gatherings and outdoor adventures, our past events have empowered youth, fostered friendships, and strengthened our inclusive community. Each event was an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and grow in a supportive environment. Relive the highlights and see how we’ve created lasting memories and meaningful connections in our youth community!
Contact
We’re here to break down barriers, foster connections, and inspire confidence in every young individual. Get to know us and discover how we’re working together to build a more inclusive future!
All Questions and Comments are Welcomed
CHHA-BC
Toll Free BC: 1-866-888-2442 / In Vancouver: 604-423-3247
Email: info@chha-bc.org
Booking Information: If visitors wish to visit the office, they should call or email to book an appointment.
Comments or questions are welcome.
• For general inquiries, please direct emails to info@chha-bc.org.
• For program-related inquiries, please direct emails to programcoordinator@chha-bc.org.
