Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - B.C. Chapter

CHHA-BC Chapter is a consumers' organization for the hard of hearing, with national, regional and local structures dedicated to the assistance of hard of hearing people Canadians. The local Chapter provide the organizational framework for CHHA members to pursue the aims of CHHA at the provincial level, especially in health care services, education, employment and other area of provincial jurisdiction.

Our Mission Statement:

The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association - British Columbia Chapter (CHHA-BC) is a consumer-based, non profit, self-help organization working with hard of hearing consumers and their support networks to decrease isolation and remove barriers by providing: supportive environments, education, resources, referrals, and advocacy. CHHA-BC's philosophy is that persons who are hard of hearing are productive members of society with rights to full access to their social environment and to freedom from all forms of discrimination.

CHHA-BC is committed to employing leading edge technology for communication and accessibility, to maintaining fiscal responsibility and to educating the public about the potential risk of hearing loss. CHHA-BC values its volunteers and employees; offering opportunities for networking, education and stimulating, creative work.

Objectives:

To be the vehicle for the articulation of concerns and co-ordination for members activities, on behalf of and in the service of hard of hearing consumers in BC and Canada.

To foster the development of social, educational, technical and employment environments which would enable hard of hearing Canadians to achieve their potential.

To encourage hard of hearing persons to take individual and collective responsiblity for their growth and development.

To support exploration of the capabilities and problems of hard of hearing, and to foster the study of solutions to the problems.

To promote the development of and accessibility to technical aids and to other services and facilities for hard of hearing.

To promote the education of the general public, social institutions, professionals and hard of hearing themselves about hearing related problems and available solutions

To pursue the aims of CHHA on the provincial level.

What do I get from CHHA? CHHA-BC offers programs in areas that include:

Education: Conferences and workshops

Rehabiltation: Managing Your Hearing Loss

Information: Displays, public speaking

Library: Loan/Rent videos, books and posters

Advocacy: Support and information

All branches have their own programmes

History:

CHHA-BC was formed in November 1986 and became a registered Society in BC on May 1996.

Accomplishments: