The Canadian Association of the Deaf – Association des Sourds du Canada (CAD-ASC) knows that there are many significant impacts of COVID-19 for Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) and langue des signes québécoise (LSQ). The mandated personal isolation and “social distancing” that separate us from friends, family, also creates barriers in accessing regular health care, support programs, and services, which lead to increased levels of anxiety.

CAD-ASC would like to share resource information related to the COVID-19 pandemic on this page, easily found by anyone. More resources will be added to the page as it continues to be developed. Please share our resource information page with your community!

Trusted COVID-19 Information

It is important to avoid wrong information from other sources and to depend only on resources provided by federal and international public health authorities.

International Resources

The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) provides information and tools to ensure full access in sign languages during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Available in English version)

CAD-ASC Advocacy

IncludeMe Canada is a national coalition of disability organizations, in which the CAD-ASC is involved on a Leadership Advisory Committee during the COVID-19 pandemic:

CAD-ASC Statements Related to the COVID-19

As a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, CAD-ASC has prepared Statements to address significant impacts of COVID-19 for Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing individuals who use American Sign Language (ASL) and langue des signes québécoise (LSQ).

COVID-19 Scams

Protect Yourself from Fraud and Scams! As COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, watch out for scams related to this disease. Fraudsters are people who want to profit from people’s fears, uncertainties, and misinformation. Fraudsters are taking advantage of the crisis to facilitate fraud, scam, and cyber crime.

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has created this page to keep you up-to-date on the latest scams.

COVID-19 and Federal Government Financial Support

On March 18, 2020, the federal government announced a new set of economic measures to help Canadians during this challenging period. These programs, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide support to Canadian workers and businesses. But no specific actions have been announced for Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing persons and people with disabilities. This information is changing and we will update as new financial plans are confirmed.

COVID-19 and Mental Health

It is important for you to look out for your family members, friends, and others during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you notice obvious changes in behaviour and/or shifts in mood in yourself or someone you know, we encourage you to contact Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing service agencies in your province to find out how to get the necessary information and support.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has information about tips, coping strategies, and resources to manage mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic:

Federal Emergency Broadcasting News Announcements in ASL and LSQ during the COVID-19

Daily press conference briefings are provided by the federal government including the Prime Minister, Honourable Ministers, and Health Officials approximately at 11AM EST through these broadcasting media:

Wireless Services and COVID-19

Please check with your wireless service providers about your wireless services that are being provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. Do not hesitate to contact them with any questions you may have.

SRV Canada VRS

The Canadian Administrator of Video Relay Services (CAV), which administers SRV Canada VRS has provided information and tools related to Video Relay Services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sign Language Interpretation

The Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI) and Association québécoise des interprètes en langues des signes (AQILS) have provided important information about the Code of Ethics for their members to maintain high standards of professional conduct in their roles as interpreters.

Provincial and Territories Advocacy

Get involved with your provincial, regional and local affiliated organizations related to human rights issues including education, interpreting, housing, transportation services and other provincial and territorial issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Provincial Service Agencies for Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing People

The services agencies who may be providing various programs and services for Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing people during the time of COVID-19 pandemic:

Other Resources

In the end, CAD-ASC wants to acknowledge those who have been affected or who have seen loved ones been affected during this pandemic crisis. We also want to express our appreciation to those Deaf, Deaf-Blind and Hard of Hearing community members who are patiently following the advice of government and health organizations and instructions.

Updated: September 9, 2020