About Family Network for Deaf Children (FNDC)
 
Our Origins: A Story of Determination
In 1993, four mothers of preschool-aged Deaf children—Kathy Caldicott, Cecelia Klassen, Bella Poato, and Sylvia Walterhouse—recognized a critical gap in support services. While early intervention programs provided essential resources like in-home ASL classes and parent workshops, these services abruptly ended once children entered the school system. This realization sparked the creation of Family Network for Deaf Children (FNDC).
We use the term "Deaf" inclusively to represent all Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, DeafDisabled, and late-deafened children.
 
Our Journey
Formally established as a non-profit society in BC (1995) and registered as a Canadian charity (1998), FNDC emerged from a deep understanding that systemic change was necessary. The organization made the strategic decision to maintain a parent-led board, ensuring decisions would be guided by lived experiences rather than solely academic theories or professional perspectives.

A pivotal moment came in 2001 when the Greater Vancouver Association of the Deaf (GVAD) entrusted FNDC with a government contract for a Deaf youth summer program. This partnership led to the creation of Deaf Youth Today (DYT), with a commitment to prioritizing Deaf leadership and employment opportunities for Deaf young adults.

Key Achievements
 

Through persistent advocacy and community collaboration, FNDC has contributed to significant improvements in services for Deaf children and their families in British Columbia:

• Access to counselling services for Deaf children, youth, and families through the Well-Being Program

• Implementation of medical interpreting services through Provincial Health Services Authority

• Establishment of family support and ASL classes for parents through Provincial Deaf & Hard of Hearing Services

• Introduction of universal newborn hearing screening in BC

• Expansion of cochlear implant (CI) surgeries and coverage of hearing aid and CI processors for children up to age 19

• Creation of the Deaf Access Grant for students attending Gallaudet University & NTID

• Implementation of Video Relay Services (VRS) for communication access

FNDC Today

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As a province-wide organization, FNDC remains dedicated to advocating for language access and fostering a strong community for Deaf children and their families. While maintaining our parent-led board structure, we recognize that 90% of Deaf children are born to hearing parents. This reality drives our commitment to increasing Deaf representation in leadership roles within our organization.

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Our Programs

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Deaf Youth Today (DYT)

• Weekly day and overnight summer camps

• Comprehensive leadership training programs

• Employment opportunities for Deaf youth

• Family Deaf Camp experiences

• Province-wide family events
   

Family Support Services

• Parent workshops and educational resources

• Regular newsletters and social media updates

• Provincial advocacy initiatives

• Information and resource sharing

Our Impact

FNDC creates environments where:

• Deaf children naturally acquire and develop ASL skills

• Parents connect meaningfully with Deaf adults

• Youth receive mentorship from Deaf role models

• Families build lasting support networks

• The next generation of Deaf leaders emerges
   

Join Our Mission

Every donation to FNDC directly supports:

• Essential resources and support for families

• Creation of ASL-rich learning environments

• Leadership development and employment programs

• Advocacy for language access rights

• Community building initiatives
   

Together, we continue working toward a future where every Deaf child has the opportunity to thrive in an inclusive, accessible, and supportive community.