Oshawa recognizes International Week of Deaf People with website ASL videos

Oshawa has added American Sign Language (ASL) videos to oshawa.ca and connectoshawa.ca to better inform the deaf and hard of hearing community of the availability of sign language interpreters when accessing City programs and services.

Oshawa is one of the first in Ontario to feature an ASL video on its website.

Launched during this week’s International Week of Deaf People, the videos not only communicate how a viewer could request ASL services or additional accessibility support, but also demonstrate the City’s commitment to providing a healthy and safe community with accessible facilities, programs and services for all.

International Week of Deaf People is a week to bring awareness to sign languages and acknowledge the inequality faced by the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community every day. The week includes the International Day of Sign Language on Saturday, which is celebrated annually to support and protect the linguistic identity and cultural diversity of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community and other sign language users.

This year, the overarching theme is ‘A World Where Deaf People Can Sign Anywhere,’ with hopes of increasing access to sign language interpreters, providing more education and resources and encouraging the use of sign language in public spaces.

View the ASL video