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Community Research Report on the Skilled Professional Shortage in
Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing Services in B.C.

Project Description & Goals 
 

This study focused on identifying and documenting shortages of qualified professionals who worked with Deaf, Deaf-Blind, and Hard of Hearing (DDBHH) people in British Columbia. Specifically, it collected data about shortages of the following professionals: 

  • Registered Interpreters and Deaf Interpreters 

  • Intervenors 

  • Teachers of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (and Deaf-Blind) 

  • Early Childhood Educators (specific to DDBHH children) 

  • Speech Language Pathologists (specific to DDBHH children) 

  • Educational Assistants/Inclusive Education Support Workers (specific to DDBHH children) 

  • Language Acquisition Support Workers 

  • ASL Instructors and ASL Specialists 

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Through this work, we aimed to provide a more comprehensive and detailed account of shortages of qualified professionals working with DDBHH British Columbians. The goal was to help reduce barriers created by these shortages that DDBHH British Columbians faced throughout their lifespan. 

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Despite anecdotal reports of ongoing shortages, very little data previously existed related to the shortage of qualified professionals who worked with DDBHH people in BC. Additionally, what limited data collection had been attempted focused on individual sectors. This lack of data often made it challenging for organizations working to reduce these shortages. This study, by taking a holistic and multi-sectoral approach, provided a foundation of knowledge to support those attempting to improve services for DDBHH people. 

  

Report Available in:

  • Video

    • ASL (American Sign Language ) – Coming Soon

  • Download 

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Who Funded this Project? 

This project was funded by Provincial Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, a branch of the British Columbia Ministry of Children and Family Development. 

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Who Was Involved in this Project? 

This project was developed and run by a project team recruited by Family Network for Deaf Children. The project team consisted of: 

  • Brianne Braun – Registered ASL-English Interpreter 

  • Scott Jeffery – Deaf Interpreter 

  • Alana Haller – Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing 

  • Mari Klassen – ASL Specialist 

  • Bryan Hemingway – Accessibility Research/Policy Consultant 

  • Ariane Faria – UBC Graduate Student 

  • Hayley Rutherford – Roots & Rivers Consulting 

  • Janani Ravikularam – Roots & Rivers Consulting 

 

Contact: skillsshortage@fndc.ca 

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